Hello everyone, here is the next chapter!

This also got very long, but I hope you will enjoy

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Thatch hummed as he was working in the kitchen, making food for dinner, and he was making sure to make it a bit special too for the new traveller they had. Marco had told him about her, that she was sad since her father was sick, and he wanted to cheer her up. So he made sure to make his famous steak and cream gratinated potato, seeing as Luffy wasn't here right now, they had a lot more food than planned that would go to waste. That kid ate like a monster, but he would be gone for a week or so. So this worked out well. When it was dinner time, he served the food to Xiola and sat down next to her. "Sooooo, how are you?" Xiola gave a small shrug. "Okay, considering…." Thatch nodded, her father was maybe deadly sick. And he had a feeling she didn't want to talk about it.

Thatch hummed. "I get that. Do you have any favourite food? I can make it for you? Maybe it can help cheer you up? I know it isn't much, but it is something. Maybe dessert?" Xiola looked at him with a soft smile. "I like fruit cake." Thatch nodded. "We can have that tomorrow! If that works for you." Xiola nodded. "Okay. Does… everyone get their favourite food?" Thatch hummed. "We are very many here, but we try to make everyone happy. I know it can seem intimidating, but we try." He got that she wondered about that, as there were so many. Xiola nodded. "I see. That's nice. I would like some fruit cake if it isn't too much of a bother." Thatch shook his head. "No! Not at all! I would love to make it! I love to make food." Xiola nodded a little, smiling again. "Okay."

Pops then looked at her. "Xiola, how old are you? You seem young, are you a traveller?" Xiola shrugged a bit. "I am 22, and I am sorta." Pops nodded. "What kind of traveller?" Xiola shrugged. "Just a normal one? I don't think there's something special about my travels" Thatch blinked. She seemed somewhat cold towards Pops, and it was clear everyone noticed it. Marco then spoke. "Have you been anywhere exciting, yoi?" Xiola hummed and told about one time where she had been at Fishman Island and played around. She seemed in a better mood talking about the colourful place under the sea, which was good. When dinner was over and Thatch was in the kitchen doing dishes with some other people, the door opened and Xiola came inside with some dishes, which Thatch quickly took from her. "Hey! You don't need to do that!" Xiola blinked. "But I want to help, you are so nice to me. I can't just do nothing."

Thatch looked at her. "We can do the dishes, you go mingle!" Xiola blinked, moving a hand to her arm. "I don't… know anyone yet… and they all seem so busy too." Thatch blinked, before he nodded. "If you want to, you can help." That seemed to cheer her up a little bit and she pulled her sleeves up, ready to help. While they did the dishes, Xiola looked at him. "Hey.. how is it here?" Thatch hummed. "Amazing. I love it here, everyone here does. We can be ourselves. Which is great." Xiola nodded. "Does… everyone feel that?" Thatch hummed and looked at the others. "Hey! How do you like it here?!" Everyone gave a laugh and started telling nice stories on how Pops accepted them, no matter what their background was, which seemed to take Xiola a bit by surprise, but she quickly smiled and nodded. "That's good." Thatch nodded. "I know the newspaper lies a lot about us, makes us seem like ravages, but we aren't... Most times. We can be. But we are a family first of all."

Xiola nodded. "Marines aren't fond of pirates, but you do seem nice. I've heard about some crews who keep people against their will…" Thatch hummed. "I have as well, seen many like that myself too, but here, we are a family. So if you want to stay, you do, if not, you can leave. No one is being forced here." Thatch then smiled at her. "I am sure if you want to, you could stay as well." Xiola seemed taken aback. "I- I will see." Thatch nodded. "I get that. But you seem nice, and I am sure no one would mind it." Xioa nodded and then they went on with the dishes, Xiola having some more questions for him, before she moved and started to speak with Paul, asking a lot of questions again, which seemed a bit odd. But she was probably just curious and trying to keep her mind off her father being sick.

When it was done, Thatch thanked her, and she said it had been fun, before they went out on deck, where he saw Xiola moving around and speaking with many people, probably asking even more questions. He also noticed that every time Pops tried to speak with her, she seemed short in her response, and there suddenly was some place else she had to be now, which was odd. Maybe she was afraid of him? But she didn't seem to be when they first spoke. The next day was the same, Xiola asking a lot and roaming around, almost as if searching for something, but when asked if she was, she said no, she was just trying to figure out the layout of the boat, which was understandable. They would also dock again in 2 days, where they would restock and had originally planned to stay a few days, but because of Xiola, they would leave faster so she would get to her father fast.

-x-

Whitebeard sat out on deck, looking at his children enjoying the day, and Xiola, who was walking around and seeming to ask the others a lot of questions, about their life's, being a pirate and much more. It might be because she tried to keep her mind off her father being sick. When the clock was nearing noon, there was a cloud of black smoke by Ace's mark, which had him blink, why were they back so soon? Out of the cloud, shoot Luffy towards the deck, seeming in a good mood.

When Luffy hit the main deck, he suddenly halted as he looked at someone, and blinked. "Cioup?" Cioup? Following Luffy's line of sight, he saw Xiola standing there, who looked shocked, before being stressed. She quickly moved a hand to her boot and pulled out a dagger, which had something green dripping from it, probably poison. He was sure Xiola would throw it at Luffy, and it looked like everyone thought the same, when Xiola suddenly turned, threw the dagger at Namur, and hit him in the arm, while she started sprinting towards the side of the boat, taking out a bubbly coral, before she moved to jump over the railing and into the ocean. But just as she was above the railing, there was a cloud of black smoke by the railing, before Ace stood there, holding Xiola by her collar, who only let out a choked yelp, seemingly too shocked to do anything, before she just looked at Ace, Ace speaking. "First question: was that real poison?" Xiola blinked. "No! He is so kind! Do you think I am that stupid, Mr Spade, Sir!" Whitebeard blinked. Ace knew her, and she knew him?

Ace nodded and started to walk back to be more in the centre of the deck. "Question 2: Why are you here?" Xiola, rocking a bit back and forth in his grip, still hanging in there like a kitten, moved and grabbed something from her pocket, a parchment she gave to Ace. Ace took and read it, before he looked over at him. "Question for you, Whitebeard. Do you have a Mason in your crew?" Whitebeard blinked, before he shook his head. "No, why?" Ace hummed. "Someone hired her to kill you since you are, and I quote, 'abusive and a tyrant, keeping people against their will'. Signed from Mason, someone in your second division." Ace then looked at Xiola. "Did you really think you could take on Whitebeard?" Xiola pouted a bit. "No! But I was going to do an infiltration, find out the truth! … And if it was true, I would have called The Red Cloud!" Ace nodded and let go of her collar. "Sounds right." Xiola fell down and landed on her rear with a small 'oof', before she looked up at Ace. "Why are you here?"

Ace hummed and looked at her, ignoring her question. "Did you not do a search on them? Not even in the newspaper?" Xiola puffed her cheeks. "I know the newspaper lies about pirates. I wanted to make sure!" Ace nodded. "And had you done a newspaper check, you would have found out that Luffy and Sabo have joined them. Now, why would I let them join if they were bad people?" Xiola blinked. "I didn't know that…" Ace nodded. "You should have. That is like infiltration 101, to do a check." Xiola shrugged. "I wanted to be sure, this seemed urgent…The newspaper lie…" Ace gave a breath. "I get that, but you still should check first, to be sure. I am not mad. Or maybe a bit as you threw a dagger at Namur." Cioup looked shocked, before she moved and looked over at Namur, who held a hand by the dagger, and Cioup spoke quickly. "I am so sorry!" Namur moved a hand up. "It is fine. You didn't mean to. Or you did, but you were panicking."

Ace hummed. "Let me guess. Your plan was to hurt him, the only one who can breathe underwater, and swim away underwater?" Xiola nodded. "Yes." Ace hummed. "Good plan. Next time, don't run when you see Luffy, he would have been sad." Luffy nodded. "I would have, Cioup!" Xiola nodded and stood up, before she moved both hands to her head and started to take out pins from her hair. "Since I am busted, I can finally take this off." And after taking out a bunch of pins, she took off what was a wig, and let her real hair down, which was blond with red further down, kind of like fire.

When this was done, Xiola moved to look at him and bowed. "I am so sorry for coming here under false pretences! My name is Cioup, and originally someone sent me here to kill you, but I needed to make sure you were a bad person before that, because I have only heard good things. I am very sorry!" Whitebeard shook his head and smiled. "It is no issue. Thank you for checking and doing a thorough job." Cioup blinked and looked at him. "But… I hurt your commander… I lied…" Whitebeard smiled. "I am sure he will be fine." Ace hummed. "She aimed for a place where it wouldn't leave any lasting damage. The fake poison freaked you out enough." That was true. Cioup then started to move away. "I will go now." Whitebeard hummed. "You don't need to go if you don't want to. If you still need to go to Ulleungdo, we can help you." Cioup looked at him shocked. "I can..? Really? After what I did?" Whitebeard nodded. "Of course you can. I guess your father is not really sick." Cioup shook her head. "Oh, no he really is… catched a cold I believe, at home.. But I do need to go to Ulleungdo… maybe."

Ace, hearing that, hummed, holding his hand out and was handed another parchment. After Ace had read it, he spoke. "This one is more legit. I can help you with it when we reach Ulleungdo. Now, had you called or checked the newspaper, you would have found out I work with them a lot now, since Luffy and Sabo have joined them." Cioup nodded. "I now realise that. I am sorry for trying to flee." Ace chuckled. "It is fine. Luffy also missed you, Cioup." Luffy nodded and moved to hug her, or more slam straight into her. "I have!" Cioup nodded and hugged back. "I've missed you too!" Luffy giggled, and Ace hummed. "Now, try not to escape when we show up again, it is not nice." Cioup's cheeks heated up and she nodded. "I won't. I just kind of panicked." Ace nodded. "And I get that. So, you need to go to Ulleungdo, fast?" Xiola hummed. "I have some business there, but it still has some time, I didn't think the pirates would rush their trip for me like they did.." Ace nodded. "I can take you if you wish?" Cioup hummed. "If it gets me away from this awkward situation, please yes." Ace chuckled. "I can, but choose fast, we are nearing an island where Devil Fruits don't work anyhow. It is not a huge area, just around the island where it doesn't work, a phenomenon."

Ace then looked at Luffy and Sabo. "You good?" The two nodded. "We are!" Started Luffy. "But I am a bit sad the trip was cut short…" Ace hummed. "We can try again in a few months, okay?" Luffy and Sabo nodded, which seemed good. Then Ace and Cioup left, and Luffy lifted his hands. "We're back!" Everyone seemed glad about that and Thatch spoke, because he had some questions. "Why are you back early? Did something happen? Did you know about Xiola?" Luffy tilted his head. "Xiola? Sabo chucked. "No, we didn't. And nothing happened per say, we just met Shanks and he messed it up by almost tossing Luffy in the sea, so Ace is pissed, that's why our trip ended early." Thatch blinked. "How… did he do that?" Sabo moved a hand to his face. "Please. Don't ask." Everyone nodded.

Sabo then looked at him. "Also, why and how did she end up here? Did she ask for a ride?" Marco shook his head. "No, I saw her at the last island and she just looked like she needed help, yoi. We talked for a bit and I figured we could help her. Is she an-" Sabo nodded. "Yes, she is. She is still a bit new though, probably why she didn't check well enough before going here." That made sense. Sabo hummed. "I hope she didn't cause any issues?" Thatch shook his head. "Oh no, she was a great help, even helping with the dishes!" Sabo nodded. "That sounds right. She is very nice. But also knows what she is doing." That he could see. This was all a huge shock he felt.

Things then settled, before the day went on normally. They didn't need to rush when they docked too, seeing as their passenger wasn't in a rush and already gone, which was sort of good. The island was a large one. When they docked, they did tell everyone to not venture that far away from the dock as the island had some issues, and everyone seemed to understand and take it seriously. There was this huge election coming up soon, to choose who would run the island, as they had this every 4th year, to make the people choose who did it. They would leave before the final phase started, which was good as there usually are some small issues there seeing as not everyone would get their choice and that made some people mad. He remembered last time, when he had heard the island had some riots because many felt the wrong person had been chosen, but the majority had chosen that man, so they had to go with it. And now, it was time for a new change again. The election would be held in 1 week, and he didn't want to be here in case it caused some riots again. He didn't want that drama.

They would leave in 3 days. He did notice some people staying on the island for some while, one of them being Haruta, but she seemed to have gotten a friend group here, which was nice. Same with Speed Jiru, who also was a lot on the island. But he knew they knew to follow orders and not do anything rash.

-x-

2 days later, Whitebeard sat in the meeting room, having their meeting now. They still were on the same island, but would set sail tomorrow to avoid the election hassle. And no Devil Fruits worked on this island. No one really knew why, but that was how it was. The island used it to their advantage as everyone was more even levelled. Since a lot was happening on this island, Sabo and Luffy weren't allowed to venture around on the island alone, which they accepted. Nothing noteworthy had happened for their stay. They were having their usual meeting now, everyone present and they were about halfway. And Whitebeard nodded as Izou spoke, Whitebeard was on his way to respond when the door suddenly burst open violently. He looked towards the door and felt annoyed as someone just barged in without even knocking. But as he was about to tell the person to leave, he blinked as he saw it was Ace, who didn't look pleased at all. He looked mad.

Ace marched to the table and seemed to try to hold back from yelling as he looked down at the table, hands moving down on the table. "What is your problem? Do you have any idea what you did?" Whitebeard felt confused, not sure what he has done, as in his mind, he hasn't done anything. But he needed to find out what this was about and started to speak. "I don't kn-" Ace sent an angry look at him. "Not you." Which had Whitebeard frown, before Ace turned his gaze to the person a bit to his left. "You." He said as he looked at Haruta.

Whitebeard was about to ask what she might have done, as Haruta never did anything rash. But before he could speak, Haruta did. "I had to!" Whitebeard blinked. Haruta had done something she wasn't supposed to? Which had Ace this mad? Ace took a breath. "I need names. Now." Haruta blinked. "No. I will not." Ace closed his eyes. "You pissed off people." Haruta blinked. "That was the meaning. We were careful. The island is mad, yes. But maybe this will send the message we want to send." Ace took a breath, eyes still closed. "You don't get it. I don't care if you piss almost everyone in the world off." Haruta blinked. "Then what's wrong? Just the fact you're mad?" Ace opened his eyes and looked directly at Haruta with a serious look and Whitebeard expected Ace to say yes, when Ace spoke seriously. "You pissed off Hoyt."

Whitebeard didn't know who that was, but it had Haruta grow pale. Ace then spoke again, still looking at the female commander. "And not only did you piss him off. He knows who you are. This is not an if he comes after you, this is when. So, choose. Keep their names silent, and they die, very soon. They will be murdered brutally and most likely put on display. Send a message to others. Or, give me the names so I can make sure they are safe until I get a handle on this. Your choice." Haruta looked shocked, and Izou spoke. "If this is because of one man, stop that man. What not just stop him?" Haruta swallowed. "It's Hoyt. You… can't just stop him. No one knows where he is. He is hiding. Everyone wants him dead, even his own men. But no one can get close enough, since he knows." Haruta looked at Ace. "I didn't mean to make him mad!"

Ace nodded. "Fine. But you did. So now, choose." Haruta took a breath. "The abandoned building on 6th street. We are meeting there in 2 hours, all of us. I don't know where everyone lives, or their true names. But they will be there." Ace nodded. "Get up. We're going now. Those you know, we're going to find them, before Hoyt does." Haruta nodded and stood up, and left with Ace, Haruta seeming worried.

As they were gone, Whitebeard asked the rest if they knew who this Hoyt was, and the only one who did was Namur, who said Hoyt was a very sick man, he killed for fun, he made people insane for fun, he abused and tortured, all for fun, everyone was scared of him. That didn't sound good, and he hoped this would work out well.

-x-

Haruta walked with Ace, heading to the warehouse and Haruta said how they were soon going to meet there and everyone would be there, which made Ace nod. "I see. We need to be fast. He goes after the easiest first to send a message." Haruta nodded, before she stopped in her tracks, which had Ace turn to her as Haruta remembered something and realised they were going the wrong way. "What is it? What's wrong?" Haruta felt aghast. "We need to turn around." Ace nodded. "Okay. Show the way, and why?" Haruta started to walk the way she needed to go. "It's Olivia. She's just 10! I know where she lives, we need to get her first." Ace nodded. "Agree."

They then hurried to the place she lived and Haruta felt worried as she saw a few scurrying away in shock and horror, they needed to hurry. But as she got around the corner and into the small place she lived, which was through an entrance that went to a small blind end alley, since she lived there with those who took her in. As she got through, she came to a halt as her hands moved to her mouth as she saw 2 men and a woman tied up on poles, dead.

Haruta felt horrified. They were kind people who helped those who needed it. "Why did he kill them? They did nothing to help us." Ace spoke a bit behind her. "Because they most likely tried to protect the one who did." Haruta blinked and turned to Ace, who was looking to the side, and she turned and felt her breath stop as tears fell, before she fell to her knees. On a pole there was Olivia, tongue cut out, eyes gouged out, and stomach open so her intestines fell out and hung down, birds already feasting on her.

Haruta felt so horrified at how someone could do this to a child. When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she realised sobs were leaving her as tears were falling down her cheeks. "She's just a child." Ace spoke in a serious tone. "This is what Hoyt does. He doesn't care if it is a child. The others are next. We need to get to them before he does. Or else they will meet the same fate." That had Haruta stand up and they headed to the building fast.

When they got there, they moved into the building, and she could see those who were there looking shocked at her. "Haruta! You're not allowed to bring others here!" Ace moved his hand. "Don't care. We need to leave, now. You're in danger." Samantha looked in disbelief. "We're not. We are not going back on what we did!" Ace shook his head. "No. You're not, it is too late." They looked confused, and Haruta did her best to speak, but she still felt upset. "Olive is dead. He killed her! He killed everyone who tried to help her! Because we did this!" Everyone looked shocked, Samantha speaking. "Who killed her?" Haruta didn't feel like she could speak, so Ace did. "Hoyt did. And you are next. All of you, and those who helps you. Come with me, Hoyt is near, so you need to be safe and I will handle this, I will take care of Hoyt."

Lizzy looked at Ace. "You and what army? This isn't just a person, this is Hoyt." Haruta did her best to take a breath, so she could speak. "If anyone can help, it is Ace. Trust him." While the others looked unsure, they knew Hoyt was dangerous, so they all went with them, going to the boat and then Ace told them to not have the plank down all the time, so people couldn't just board the boat. That sounded smart. Ace then went to do some research into Hoyt. As Ace was gone, Pops asked about Hoyt, and Haruta told all she knew. And ended with "If Hoyt wants you dead, you're dead. There is nothing that stops him…" Thatch spoke. "Ace can, right?" Haruta didn't know, but she sure hoped so. "If anyone can, it has to be Ace." Everyone nodded and seemed to hope for that.

-x-

Whitebeard sat out on deck, hoping for some news about this situation. It was clear Hoyt was a man one shouldn't mess with, and Haruta had told him she didn't mean to mess with him, she really didn't, she just messed with some boxes, and she had no idea why Hoyt was interested. But he hoped Ace would find something out. Luffy and Sabo were also inside the galley right now, to not have them out in case Ace showed up again so they wouldn't wonder why he was here.

It was an hour later that Ace appeared out on deck, looking at Haruta. "I know where he is." Haruta nodded. "Can you take him?" Ace sighed. "There is a small issue. He is in a safe house. No way in, or out. I go in and kill him, they hit the kill switch, and that's a no go." Haruta looked scared, but Ace continued. "But, there might be a way, but I need your help." Haruta nodded. "Whatever you need." Ace nodded and then told him, Haruta, Marco, Thatch, Namur, and Blenheim to join him, and they all did, heading onto the island and to what was essentially a sort of castle, but not the old kind and had flat roofs with guards at each rooftops, some had 2, and many walking around, both alone and in groups. They were on a hill a bit away, and Ace spoke. "In the room you can see with the double doors, Hoyt is in there. But as you see, it is heavily guarded. I need you to create a diversion. Nothing large, nothing major, just state you are here to that guard over there-" Ace pointed to a guard by a large entrance. "He will alert as I am sure you are not allowed, and Hoyt will come check outside what is going on, as he most likely knows the ones he is after is with you, and I will kill him."

Whitebeard nodded, that sounded like an idea. Ace spoke before they could. "Do you see more than 3 guards heading your way, you leave. Use all you can. But he should be dead quick and that should make the guards stand down." Whitebeard nodded. "Are you sure of this?" Ace nodded. "He is a true tyrant, even to his own men." He really was a bad man then.

Whitebeard nodded. "We got it." Ace nodded. "Good. Go in 5 minutes, I just need to change quickly." Whitebeard nodded and Ace started to leave, when Haruta spoke. "Wait. Are you going to stab him?" Ace nodded. "Yes. Kill him before he can run." Haruta shook her head. "No. Don't stab him." Whitebeard felt confused. He knew Haruta wasn't for violence if it could be avoided. But this was an evil man. Haruta then spoke as she looked upset. "Your blade isn't enough justice for what he did to them, to her." Ace nodded. "I get you. Don't worry." Ace then started to walk. "Just watch."

They then waited, casually chatting, before 5 minutes had gone by and they walked to the entrance, to where the guard stood and didn't look at them as he spoke. "Name?" Whitebeard hummed. "Edward Newgate." That made the guard blink and look up, and Whitebeard could hear people around them whispering, even the guards, some that were a bit away, were speaking more loudly. It was clear just them being here was causing a ruckus, some yelling at them to come help them, those who weren't guards, but none of the guards stepped in to help or remove them.

They still had a view of the room Hoyt was in, and a man, most likely Hoyt, came out to see what the commotion was, and as he walked out and looked curious about what was happening, he saw Ace on top of the roof of the building the balcony was on, heading to the guard there that was also checking, and Ace took him down fast with a dagger to the neck, he didn't even seem to make much sounds. Hoyt didn't seem to notice. A few did seem to notice Ace, but no one said anything, and Ace was in his full assassin gear, so they got he was here to help them.

Ace then looked down, to be sure Hoyt was there, before Ace jumped down, shocking him, before Ace grabbed his arm and turned him around, before he grabbed the flag rope, tugged on it so it ripped off from the end of the pole, before he moved it around Hoyt's neck, making it tight, before Ace grabbed his arm and jumped over the railing and taking Hoyt with him, and while Ace landed safe on the ground, Hoyt's body stopped halfway as the rope tightened around his neck and he used his hands to try and get the rope away from his neck, but it was no use as his face turned blue and eyes blood red, before he started to fight less as it looked like his eyes were about to pop out of their sockets, before he went limp.

The crowd under them all looked shocked, before everyone cheered at his death, even his own guards did. It was clear no one liked him. Ace then was gone quickly, running away and using a smoke bomb it looked like. No one even seemed to think to run after, too busy cheering for the death of Hoyt. They then left back to the boat and everyone looked at them expectantly, to which the captain said Hoyt was dead, which had everyone relieved. Ace then came by a bit later, and seemed to be in a good mood, which he got as Hoyt was a bad man, and he was now dead.

But then, quickly after Ace came back on the boat, people ran across the dock, yelling that Hoyt was dead, his tyranny was over. Everyone cheered for it, many celebrating. Samantha did ask how they managed to hire the Ace of Spades so fast?" Ace hummed. "We know him. You know the saying, 'name buddies know each other's thoughts'." Samantha blinked. "Is that a real saying?" Ace shrugged. "Who knows. He just knows when he is needed I think." Samantha nodded. "If you speak with him again, can you say thank you to him? He saved us, and so many others. If we hadn't done this, Olive might…" Haruta walked over and hugged her. "But we got justice. Give her a proper funeral, don't let her memory die." Samantha nodded. "You're not staying for it?" Haruta sighed and let go of her. "I can't. We need to leave." Whitebeard blinked, on his way to speak, when Haruta sent him a look, which had him keep quiet, but nodded when Samantha looked at him, which she accepted and she and the others left soon after.

When they were gone, Whitebeard looked at Haruta. "Why don't you want to stay, daughter? We can stay for the funeral." Haruta didn't speak, looking a bit upset. Ace, however, spoke. "Not going is going to do one thing; make you regret not going. I don't say this on a whim either. You should go. Even if you're there for just the funeral." Haruta seemed to think, before she swallowed and nodded, tears in her eyes. "I should… But if I hadn't been here…" Ace shook his head. "Then they would have anyhow, just a bit later, and all of them would have died. What you can do now, is keep her memory alive." Haruta nodded and looked at Ace. "Thank you, for all your help." Ace shook his head. "No issue, wish I got here earlier as well, but we did what we could." Haruta nodded and then went off the boat, probably to say she could stay for the funeral to the others.

As she was off the boat, Whitebeard was on his way to speak, when the door to the galley burst open and Luffy shot outside and straight into Ace, Curiel standing in the doorway, obviously not able to keep him entertained any longer, but it was fine, so he gave a nod to him, which made him seem relieved. Sabo then came out soon after and Ace hugged him, asking how they had been and they told they were fine, but the last hours had been boring in the galley. Ace did stay a bit, before a boat came and Ace hitched a ride with them, saying he would come back in about a month's time, which was fine for him. He was glad he knew Ace, as he was good at handling situations like this. Without him, Haruta might have been targeted and killed. But all was good now.

-x-

Whitebeard sat out on deck, them having docked as they had been sailing for a week, and nothing much had happened. But as they were preparing to go onto the island a bit later, a person came onto his boat and Whitebeard blinked as he recognized him. He had never seen him in person, but this was Castle Frank, known as The Punisher. He was known to be very brutal, strong, and someone to really fear. He had taken on many high people by himself, mostly marines and he never left anyone alive and they were all killed very brutally, he also went after Nobles and such.

Before anyone could react, he heard a happy sound, before Luffy shot towards The Punisher, before Luffy was hugging him, arms stretching around him as he gave a laugh. Whitebeard blinked as Luffy hugged the man, and the man gave a smile to the kid. "Hi, Luffy." Luffy grinned. "Hi!" Sabo then also walked over. "Hi, Frank." Frank looked at Sabo. "Heard you joined them. Is Ace okay with this?" Sabo nodded. "He is. He is checking on us a lot though. And just keeping watch." Frank nodded. "Sounds right." Luffy then grabbed Frank's hand and dragged him towards his room. "You need to see our room! A pirate room!" Frank nodded and headed after, and when they were through the door and it closed, everyone looked at Sabo, who chuckled. "Yes, I know. He is the famous Punisher. But he and Ace work together. He is also really cool. He also got a soft spot for Luffy." They all blinked, Thatch speaking. "So, not only is Ace watching over you, The Punisher is also?" Sabo nodded. "Yes. But he isn't as overprotective as Ace. At least not to the same extent." Thatch moved his hands together. "Why can't you be friends with non-lethal people! What happened to just having normal friends!" Sabo shrugged. "When you're the brother to Ace, it just… happens." Made sense.

Luffy and Frank then came out and everyone seemed to be a bit nervous. Frank had a very large reputation of being a terrifyingly strong person, a violent person. But not as bad as Ace, but Frank was known by his face and name. Ace had a persona. Frank did not. He was known with his own name and face. Frank then looked at Sabo. "Can Ace come by?" Sabo hummed. "I can make a call. I don't want to use a feather, he panics a bit when I do." Frank nodded. "Sounds right."

Sabo then went and made the call and came back, saying Ace would drop by in a couple hours. Which Castle said was fine, he didn't have much going on right now. When Sabo asked why he dropped by, Castle hummed. "Was close by and I heard you joined them, which I found a bit of a shock, but it also made sense, seeing how Luffy really wants to be the Pirate King." Luffy grinned. "I will do it!" Castle nodded. "I am sure you will." Sabo chuckled. "I guess you wanted to make sure we were fine as well?" Castle nodded. "I did. And I haven't seen you in long."

Luffy then gave a gasp. "You need to see the galley! The food here is so amazing!" And Luffy grabbed Frank's hand and dragged him to show the galley, which was mostly empty now. As they were inside the galley, Thatch spoke. "I had no idea he could be so… kind." Sabo hummed. "He can be, and he is to us. And Luffy reminds Frank of his daughter." Whitebeard blinked. "I didn't know he had a family." Sabo nodded. "Not anymore. The reason he started going after people. His wife and child were brutally murdered in a crossfire with pirates and marines, the marines killed them, being sent on Noble's and some other bad people orders. This he goes against to kill as he has a vendetta against them. And those who are working with them are someone Frank also kills." Whitebeard blinked, and now he felt with Frank. Had his entire family been brutally murdered, he would most likely have done the same. Sabo hummed. "They speak now and then, and at rare times, work together. But that is rare when both of them are needed at the same place. That means bad." That he got. Izou blinked. "When is that needed? They both are so strong!" Sabo nodded. "I know they have at certain times when they are up against really large groups." That made sense.

Frank and Luffy soon came out again and Luffy and Sabo chatted with Frank a bit, and a very few of them did as well as they were wary of him, but they understood he wouldn't do anything to them. It was an hour later that Dust showed up and cawed, and Ace appeared and looked at Frank. "Hey." He said as he moved over and took his hand and gave each other a hug as Frank also said 'hey'. When they parted, Ace looked a bit curiously at Frank. "What brings you here?" Frank hummed. "Close by, and I wanted to see Luffy and Sabo, and you. Also," Frank then grabbed something from his pocket. "Here, found this with this BBP to the north of here." Ace nodded and took a letter he held out and opened it, humming as he read it. "I will handle it, thanks." Frank nodded. "No issue."

Thatch blinked. "What is BBP?" Ace hummed. "Blue Blooded Patricians, they are someone who wants to be a Noble, but are worse than them as they do a lot of bad things to get a reputation. Usually comes from money." Thatch blinked and stammered a bit. "W- w- worse than a Noble?" Ace nodded. "Unfortunately. They often have power around as they have money and power, and are not afraid to do shady things. They often try to hide as many are after them." Thatch nodded as he swallowed, and that sounded bad. Nobles were bad, but to know there was someone out there who was viewed as worse.

Frank and Ace stayed a bit, before they left, both saying goodbye to Luffy and Sabo, before Ace helped Shanks away to his next destination. Then the day went on, and they set sail the next day, And then, a week later Whitebeard sat out on deck, enjoying a good day, when Marco blinked a bit and looked out at the distance. "Do you hear that, yoi?" Everyone frowned and looked where Marco was looking, and they didn't see anything. Izou looked at the first commander. "Hear what?" Marco hummed. "Drums, yoi. And singing." Whitebeard didn't hear anything, but as he was about to say that, Haruta blinked. "Wait, I hear it too!" Whitebeard blinked, before he tried to concentrate, and then he heard it. Faint drumming, which seemed to maybe get louder. He looked at where he felt it came from, and at first, he was sure he saw nothing, before he saw what looked like 3 small boats sailing, sailing somewhat towards them.

Whitebeard grabbed his telescope and looked, before he nodded as he lowered it and looked at his children. "It is the travellers of this place. We are not to disturb them." Everyone nodded and agreed. They hadn't been here much, but a few times, and while they had never seen them, he knew of them. They were travellers that resided on some islands around here, a peaceful tribe. And everyone knew to not disturb them, or else it would be regretted quickly. He had heard about some who disturbed them, but none lived to tell the tale. Which he did find a bit odd as the tribe was peaceful and didn't even have much weapons or fighters. But, they had valuable things with them at times, the reason they were sometimes disturbed. Whitebeard knew about them and would let them be, and he half wanted to turn their directions, to not come off as a threat, but he knew some of his children wanted to see them up close. The reason for this was the way they travelled. They used music to tell off their tales and to show it was them. It was a sight to behold, he had heard.

So, they stayed on course, and the three boats came closer and closer, as did the sound of drums, before he could hear voices singing. It was very nice actually. He could hear them sing about how they always had sailed around, and they praised their ancestors with the song and how they kept on doing what they had wanted. It actually ended up that they sailed really close to them to pass them, not at all seeming scared, which he did find a bit odd. They did have a large reputation, and depending on who spoke, it was either or. Not that he wanted them any harm, he would let them pass peacefully.

But as they were close, everyone out were close to the railing watching them and listening to the singing. but as they now could make out more the people on the boats, Izou blinked. "Wait! Isn't that-?!" He said and cut off as he pointed at the second boat, the one in the middle. He didn't know what he saw, but as he looked closer, he blinked himself. On the boat, a bit away from the front of it, sat none other than Ace. He didn't have on his assassin's clothes either, just normal ones, not even a mask. He sat on his knees, hands resting on his lap, eyes closed, and had a smile on his face as the wind blew in his hair, looking very relaxed. Why was he there?

And that was when it hit the captain. The tribe was peaceful. They never fought at all. They had people to fight for them. And Ace didn't stand out either. He didn't look alert at all, just as if he was with them and relaxing. This was how they managed to sail peacully, and how they managed to handle those who disturbed them. They most likely had a deal with the assassins. The assassins protected them. His children also seemed to get this.

He then looked a bit to the left when he heard a hush, and saw Sabo looking at Luffy, a hand over his mouth. "Ace is working, you know we aren't supposed to bother him." Luffy blinked, before he nodded and smiled as he looked at the boats that sailed past them. Luffy had probably wanted to yell out to his older brother, but he shouldn't as he was working. They hadn't seen Ace working a lot, but compared to other times, Ace looked very relaxed now. The boats then passed them, before they sailed on, still drumming and singing, it was an amazing sight.

-x-

Marco hummed as he walked around the city on the island they had docked at. It was a peaceful island, and nothing much happened here, but the island knew how to fight and people respected that and it was a safe place for pirates to dock and restock and have a good time.

As Marco walked around the city when he saw some people coming out of a church, which he found odd. He knew that when people left the church, the bells usually rang, but now, no sound came from them, and there were a few who came out. He looked and saw it had to be around 15 people. But as he did, he saw one sneak off to the side with a cape with a hood over his head, but Marco still got a small glimpse of the person's face, and it was Sabo. Why did Sabo hide going to a church? He saw a woman who had come from the church walk past him, and Marco looked at her. "Excuse me, miss. But did the church have a ceremony now?" The woman looked at him. "Oh, no. The bells toll then. It was an Al-anon meeting." Marco blinked. "Al-anon, yoi?" The woman nodded. "Yeah, you know, alcoholics anonymous." Marco blinked. "So for alcoholics?" The woman made a small face. "Not necessary. It is a bit outdated. Many also do drugs, most actually, and not just for fun. I'm glad when I meet those who don't know what it is, which means they have never used hardcore drugs or known anyone." Marco nodded and smiled at her. "I see, thank you for telling me, I was unsure if the bells were not working." The woman said it was fine, before she walked on.

As she did, Marco felt himself being in thought. That was Sabo, leaving an Al-anon meeting. Did Sabo do drugs? Had he done drugs? Did he feel like he would relapse? Marco tried walking after where Sabo had gone, but found no Sabo. Instead, he found a small pathway that led back to the dock. This meant Sabo didn't want them to know about this, which was troublesome. He felt, if it was a previous addiction, he wouldn't hide it, like he did. He, or Ace, would have told him. Marco had no idea how to tell Ace Sabo might be using drugs, or be an alcoholic. Marco really needed to speak with Sabo.

So Marco walked back to the boat and went to Sabo and Luffy's room, not seeing him out right now, and knocked on Sabo and Luffy's door, and heard Sabo say come in, and Marco opened the door and saw Sabo And Luffy inside, both smiling at him. "Hey!" Started Luffy. "Birdy Blue Breast! Is it food now!" Marco chuckled. "Soon, Luffy. You can go ahead if you want to, yoi. But I need a word with Sabo." Sabo frowned a bit, and Luffy did as well. "Why," Started Luffy. "Why not me? Is it something that's a secret?" Did Luffy know? Marco didn't know, and looked at Luffy with his usual bored look. "Just something boring about logistics, yoi." Luffy blinked. "That's boring!" Then Luffy ran out past him.

As he was gone, Sabo looked at him. "Why do I have a feeling this is not something boring?" Marco gave a breath, making sure the door was closed and Luffy had left, before he looked back at Sabo. "Is there anything you did on the island you want to tell me, yoi?" Sabo shook his head, looking unbothered. "No. Why? I mean, I looked around." Marco looked at Sabo. "So, you didn't go to the church for an AA meeting, yoi?" Sabo blinked. "How- You saw me?" Marco nodded and moved to sit down on the bed. "I did. So now, is there anything you want to tell me, yoi? If you have, or have had, a problem, it is best we know." Sabo blinked. "Marco, it wasn't an AA meeting, but Al-anon. Do you know what that is?" Marco nodded. "Alcoholics anonymous. For people who are, or have been, an alcoholic or drug addict, yoi."

Sabo sighed, before he moved to sit down next to him, and Marco moved a hand to Sabo's leg. "If you need someone to talk with, I am here, yoi." Sabo shook his head. "No. Or yes, but no. AA is for those who have or are using. But Al-anon is for those who are either friends, related, or with someone who is or have been a drug user. I don't use. I never have. But I know someone who has, and it was so bad." Marco blinked, before that did make sense, before it made more sense. Then he remembered what Pops had asked about last week. "Ace, yoi?" Sabo sighed, hand moving to his face. "You can't tell anyone, Ace is so much better now. Last time, although he tries to shield us, I think he almost died. I need Al-anon, have since Trevor forced me to one. To get a better understanding and tips on how to help."

Marco nodded, and this made more sense. Ace's job was very tough, and Marco got he could use something to take the edge off, which could spiral fast. "I'm sorry for cornering you, yoi." Sabo shook his head. "No, don't be. But you can't tell anyone. Does anyone else know?" Marco shook his head. "No, I was alone when I saw you, yoi. And I haven't told anyone." Pops might know, but he would take that later. Sabo nodded and looked at him. "Good. Ace isn't fond of people knowing." That Marco got, people didn't usually like when people found out about certain things like this, and this felt fresh as well. But Marco had a question. "Is Ace…" Sabo nodded. "He is better, he still drinks, but that is so much better." Marco nodded and moved a hand to Sabo's leg again. "But my offer still stands. Should you need anyone to talk with, I am here, yoi." Sabo smiled at him. "Thank you. I mean it."

Marco smiled. "It is nothing." Sabo then gave a breath. "But, try not to corner Ace about this, he doesn't want people to know, the reason I snuck out as I didn't want to be seen." Marco nodded. "I won't do that, and I will try and find a way to bring it up, or maybe not bring it up, yoi. He seems okay." Sabo smiled. "He is okay right now, but still, at times, I need an Al-anon meeting. I am always scared he will relapse." Marco nodded. "I get it, yoi. And you have probably seen him using and that can be hard, seeing someone you love using drugs." Sabo nodded, looking a bit down. "It is, but he is better now. So I try to think positive here." Marco nodded. "You should and Ace is a strong person." Sabo gave a breath. "Yeah, I know he is. But I am worried he takes on too much responsibility at times…" Marco moved a hand to Sabo's leg. "I am sure it will go fine, yoi. Ace has people to help him," Sabo smiled at him. "I hope so. Ace can be stubborn at times and not ask for help when he needs it." Marco could get that, but he had faith in Ace.

Sabo looked at him. "Does anyone else know I went to the church for the meeting?" Marco shook his head. "No, yoi. And I won't tell anyone. This is not their deal. I didn't mean to corner you, but I needed to know." Sabo smiled. "I get it, you did right. You're a good man, Marco." Marco smiled, and they shared a few more words, before they left the room and went on with their day. Marco felt worried about this, but also got why Ace had used drugs as he had a dangerous and stressful job and might need a break and found that n drugs, and based on Sabo, it seemed like it had been bad. He would try and figure out a way to bring this up with Ace without cornering him or making him feel bad. Marco would think about how to do that.

And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed!

A lot happened in this and I hope it all made sense

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