As their children readied to march to war for their friend, the families of several UA students and a certain pirate crew found themselves being welcomed aboard a great ship: The Moby Dick

"Thank you again for this." Matael bowed to the giant of a man sitting on a throne on the main deck

"When I said they were all under my protection, I meant it." Whitebeard said. "Sides, this'll give those old coots a real kick up the ass."

He then spied the Midoriya parents being escorted by the third daughter of his ex-comracde Big Mom, whose presence pushed two of his sons to draw their blades and aim at her.

"Mr. Vista. Thatch" Armandee said.

"Armandee." Rose Sword Vista smiled.

"You've grown quite well." Thatch flirted, maki ng the Long neck woman urk.

"Leave her be, boys." Whitebeard ordered. "She may be her under her mother's command, but she's protecting the Midoriya family."

"In thanks for avenging Kaito." Armandee explained.

Vista and Thatch put back their blades as Marco the Phoenix and Diamon Jozu stepped forward.

"Welcome aboard the Whitebeard fleet." Marco said, his arms suddenly catching fire and his feet turning into those of a bird. "I'll be heading out to make sure your kids come back safe. Until they come back here with me? Enjoy all the food, drink and music you want. And if they come back without me? Well, gimme a day or two."

He was about to leave when he was stopped by Inko, who simply said:

"Thank you."

Marco smiled at that and accepted the thanks before he took to the skies.

"We have 16 Divisions, each with their own ships and room for six guests on each ship" Jozu explained once his brother flew away. "We're ready to help you all allocate to a shipo of your choice and make you comfortable."

"Um….I count only 15 commanders." Mitsuki remarked.

"The second division is under the command of Kozuki Oden, who is currently at war with Kaido of the Beasts." Izou explained. This declaration shocked and impressed many; while the League of Villains was a threat to Japan, only the moronic and ignorant didn't know of the Kaido. And to here ONE MAN was at war with him and had not yet passed?

"….No wonder Yamato admires him so." Dorthy mused.

"How is the old oni, anyways?" Armandee asked Whitebeard.

"Still a drunken, warmongering monk….But he's been actually smiling more recently. Your mother is keeping to herself last I heard….There is a rumor about uour Mochi brother finding someone…"

Armandee's eyes widened for the first time the Midoriya's had met her:

"B-b-Big brother Katakuri….i-in love?!" She managed. "...I don't know whether to praise or pity the lucky soul…."

"GURARARARARARA!" Whitebeard cackled. "My thoughts exactly! But, enough chit-chat. Boys! Usual guard duties, but especially focus on the guests. Until they're reunited with their kids, treat them like you would Toki, Momonosuke or Hiyori!"

"GOT IT, POPS!"

And with that, the pirates began to aid their guests, all but one.

"Armandee? Message me which ship when you get Inko and Komeko settled." Hisashi said as he stpped forward, waiting in line as some of the other parents offered their thanks to the giant old man, who just waved it off.

This would be their second interaction, but the first face to face.

Flashback

Day of the Sports Festival at UA

Hisashi had snuck away while Komeko and Inko enjoyed lunch, making a special purchase and heading to where the heroes sat. he dragged behind him a gourd of sake, a smaller, lesser known brand from a small town he and Garp had lived at for years. It had been his first drink and still the best.

"Give this to Whitebeard." Hisashi requested when Death Arms, who was working security at the time, kept him back. "If he asks, say it was Hisashi Midoriya, in thanks for supporting his son.

Flashback

And here he was, doing it again….or at least, he would've; as Whitebeard suddenly moved to his quarters for the night, several nurses behind him.

"….Need a word with pops?" Thatch asked.

"I…It can wait…" Hisashi said, but the friendly commander didn't buy it and motioned him to follow with a smile. They came to the captains quaterers as the nurses finished up, Thatch smiling flirtayously with them before motioning Hisashi to knock.

"Pardon me, captain Edward." Hisashi asked from behind the door. "Do you have a moment?"

"Just finished my meds. Come on in." Whitebeard replied.

Hisashi entered the room as sat at the foot of the living legend's bed.

"I was insulted at first when you gave me such a cheap brand of sake. But then I atctually tested it. A damn fine drink."

Hisashi sighed.

"I have found memoires of that." He admitted. "And memories are actually what brings me to you tonight."

"Oh?" Whitebeard asked.

Hisashi took a deep breath, rubbed his clothes crease free and then made his request:

"Please...Tell me about Gold Roger."

That was Not what Whitebeard had been expecting. He took a swig of sake before responding.

"First off; its' Gol D Roger. Second: Why the interest? I'm sure Garp has told you hundreds of stories, after all."

Hisashi response was immediate:

"Dad, I mean Gar...He's only said the story behind the guy. But from what I've heard, aside from my son's teacher? You were his best friend."

These were not the requests of a writer desperate to make a quick buck. Or an HPSC agent needing to confirm to cover something up. Hell, it wasn't even the request of a concerned parent whose child was inheriting the dead man's will. No, something about Hisashi Midoriya told Whitebeard that he NEEDED to hear whatever he could learn about the man.

Something familiar.

Something the living legend couldn't stand to deny. So, he took a swig and smiled.

"Well, we first met as pups of the sea, no intent of even becoming what we are now..."

To be continued….

Just a short, holdover chapter before the epicness that will be Kamino Ward. But hopefully, one that will build up intrigue and hint at things to come

Until we meet again, stay warm, safe, happy and read and review, would ke kindly?