Benn sighed in relief as they sailed out of view of Water 7 once again. All the escapees has disembarked their ship and though they had all been told to keep their mouths shut about the Red Hair involvement, the crew knew it was only a matter of time before news got out. There was a chance that Shanks' show of temper with Crocodile bought them some time though since no one wanted to get an angry Shanks after them. Now all that was left on the ship was Red Hair crew, their allies and Luffy's core escapees.
Shanks had told a pouting Buggy that he was staying with them until seeing Rayleigh and Mr. 3 had decided to stay with him having bonded from their escape. Jinbe wanted to stay near both Luffy and Ace until they'd healed, and Bon Clay flat out refused to leave Strawboy's vicinity. Crocodile and Mr. 1 were still stuck in their brig and awaiting Shanks attention.
Unlucky or maybe luckily for them, Shanks had refused to leave the infirmary for longer than was needed to ensure the drop off went smoothly. He had checked in with Rockstar who had arrived on Water 7 the day before and had made sure Red Force was stocked and ready to go. Originally they had wanted to spend a few days with Iceberg and relax while everyone healed but now with all the prisoners here, there was too much chance of catching the marines attention so he sent a few men to help sail it away.
They had already agreed to leave the marine ship with Iva and the candies (Seriously Buggy it would just cause you more problems with the marines) but wanted to change over ships well away from land and any curious onlookers, especially with an unconscious Luffy still in the med bay.
Finally they caught sight of their beloved ship and they all cheered as they met up. Hongo thrilled to be able to transport his patients to his own well stocked infirmary. They said their farewells to the candies and Iva requested they keep him informed of Luffy's recovery. Shanks easily agreed, with the promise that he checked with the Revs for any news on where Kuma would send the straw-hats.
The other ship was still fading from view when Shanks' Den Den started ringing, taking on the image of Mihawk. "Haw-"
"Absolutely not Red. This is crossing a new line. My island! My place of solitude and peace. You can not just invade it. You're lucky I didn't attack them for trespassing. I am not a baby sitter and who the hell is this annoying girl? You can find somewhere else to stash the brats. Just because I said he has potential does not mean I care enough to house him."
"Mi… Mi… Mi!" Shanks said getting louder and finally managing to cut off his friend's rant. "I have no idea what you are talking about. What do you mean baby sitter? Who is the girl?"
Mihawk stuttered to a stop. "You mean you didn't drop off a couple kids on my island?"
"No! Of course I didn't. When would I have had time to do that? Now tell me what's happening." Shanks said exasperated.
"I don't know what's happening" Mihawk hissed. "I just got home and picked up on two presences. I was close to killing them both when I recognized the male as the swordsman of the Strawhats."
"And what? You automatically assumed it was my fault and called to tear me apart instead of actually talking to them?"
"I don't talk to children Red. Thats your thing." The Den Den started blushing at Shanks' laugh.
"Whats wrong Mi, scared to actually talk with someone?"
"No I just don't want to listen to their inane childish talk, though it would still be a step up from conversing with you."
Shanks squawked in offence and Benn snorted, smacking his head and taking the Den Den. "Did you just say you had Roronoa Zoro and a female on your island?"
"Unfortunately." Mihawk said dryly.
Benn smiled. "Thats great. Now we need you to-"
There was a wave of haki across the ship and the Den Den fell unconscious. The crew instantly grabbed their weapons and went on alert as there was a thud and a soaked man was standing on deck.
"You!" Snarled Shanks stepping forward and drawing gryphon while Benn and Lucky stepped back to block the door to the infirmary.
Garp looked at the angry men surrounding him and then his entire body relaxed. "Luffy and Ace." He sighed. "Thank the seas. Now where are those brats?"
Shanks brought gryphon up to Garp's neck and bared his teeth. "You have some nerve, coming onto my ship."
Garp took a step forward, letting the sword rest over his shoulder and the entire crew bristled. "I need to make sure they're ok. Last I heard was Luffy was in Impel Down and then they both disappeared."
"Yes while last I heard of you, you were leaving Ace in impel down and sitting with your 'friends' at his execution platform. So forgive me for not believing that you give a shit about either of them." Shanks said silkily.
"They're my grandkids you brat." Garp said and then there was the ringing of a Den Den. Shank snapped gryphon back up and Garp held up a hand peacefully. "Senny, no sign of anyone this way. It's all clear."
"Its Sengoku, Garp. Not Senny. Head back to Water 7. There was reports of a marine ship docking there earlier and possible sighting of escaped prisoners. If we can get our hands on one of those criminals, we can learn exactly who we are looking for." The line went dead.
"I want to see them."
Shanks scoffed. "No way in he-"
"Shanks! He's waking up! He's gonna wake up!" Came an excited shriek as Ace burst through the door onto the deck. Shanks questioned why the world hated him as Benn expertly caught Ace and tried to shove him back through the doorway. "Hey! What's the big deal?" Ace asked struggling in his grip.
"Ace." Garp called out and Shanks blocked his step forward.
"Gramps?" Came the muffled call as Ace's face was smashed against Benn's shirt. "Why is Shitty Gramps here?" Ace finally slipped out of Benn's grip with a flash of warning flames.
"Thats no way to address your Grandpa, you brat!" Garp yelled back before bursting into tears and dropping to his knees.
"Gramps?" Ace yelped, eyes flicking around in confusion. He inched closer, making sure to stay out of reach of a fist of love. "Stop crying you old geezer." He demanded.
"Ignore it Ace. I can't stay long. Is Luffy alright? I heard Magellan got a hold of him."
"He's doing better now Gramps. Hongo says he's going to wake up soon."
"You're going to have to give him a fist of love for me. Tell him he's an idiot and I'm proud of him. He truly is a Monkey… and tell him to listen to Shanks. Get stronger and really give the marines a wake up call." Garp wiped his face carelessly and looked at his eldest. "Ace, your identity is out there now. You need to be careful, I can't protect you anymore. The marines will hesitate to go after you with Whitebeard but if you go off alone again, they will attack. Be smart, be safe… and watch out for your brother. That boy has put himself in the middle of the war and infuriated a lot of strong enemies that he isn't ready for. Theres a good chance his parentage is going to be released and anyone with a grudge against the Revolutionaries will also be after him. He's going to need someone to watch his back." Garp stayed on his knees and turned to Shanks, bowing his head. "You saved them both. I owe you more than I could say, Brat. Take care of them for me and now you have to disappear. Senny has troops all along the Red Line. They are attacking any pirate ships attempting to cross into the New World and looking for both boys. They won't be able to maintain it forever but for now you must remain in Paradise. I love you boys… Stay safe." He whispered before clambering to his feet and jumping over board.
"Gramps!" Ace yelled, ducking around the crew and racing to the railing. Garp was already a good distance away and Ace felt the tears dripping down his cheeks. "I'll keep him safe! And we will become strong enough that no one can stop us! I promise Gramps!" He yelled before he turned and threw himself into Benn's arms. Benn froze for a second before wrapping the kid in a strong hug.
Iva was getting frustrated. He had already tried to call Dragon's personal Den Den and Sabo's but gotten no response. How dare they not be waiting for his call after his great escape and rescue of Dragon's son! After getting no response from Dragon or Sabo again, Iva grumbled and dialled up Koala. At least that girl knew to answer the god damn Den Den.
"Iva! Is it really you?" Koala asked sniffing back tears.
"As if anyone else could have this face!" Iva posed dramatically. "Are those tears of excitement to gaze upon my fair visage?"
"Oh Iva. It's awful." Koala sobbed, giving up on fighting back her tears. "Sabo is in a coma and Dragon is in an awful mood."
"A coma? No! Not Sabo. What happened?" Iva shrieked.
"We don't know. We were in a meeting and going over the news and he just collapsed screaming. It's been 2 days now and there's no change."
"Thats awful! Don't worry, I'm heading back to headquarters immediately! My lovely candies can wait a bit longer for their Queen to return."