#Ace had to protect Whitebeard’s pride

[pippin-pippout]

Ok literally ANYONE who calls Ace an idiot or says it’s his fault he died has not watch Luffy get goaded into attacking big mom instead of covering their retreat because she called him a coward.

The only difference is that one has plot armor and the other doesn’t. Even injuries in this show are survivable based on plot armor/authors intent alone, not actual severity.

[ace-no-isha]

i get so mad at ace for all the damage he’s caused out of pride sometimes but also why the fuck would he not be angry over an insult to his dad, the one person outside of garp who knew his identity and still took him in? that made him realize at least somewhat that he has a place in this world? he had his brothers of course but whitebeard enabled him to reach his dreams and was the father figure he could never have. how DARE akainu sully his name like whitebeard didn’t protect so much? didn’t save so many? he’s proud of his dad and he died protecting his name and luffy at the same time. he gave his life for it. i can’t say i don’t understand his feelings

[kozukiodenprinceofwano]

Random Rant about the One Piece Fandom when it comes to Oden

Warning: random but long rant!! (about oden, orochi, kaido, whitebeard, zoro, helmeppo, garp, luffy, ace, and roger)

The sheer amount of stupidity this fandom shows when it comes to the blackmailing situation in the Oden flashback is aggravating. Orochi and Kaido took hundreds of citizens as their hostages and threatened the lives of all the citizens with poisoned arrows. They blackmailed Oden with "either you sacrifice your pride and honor to protect and save the hostages and citizens, or you go to war with us and countless of innocent people you care about will die".

Oden chose the option where he's able to protect and save all the hostages and citizens. Which he did for 5 years. Kaido and Orochi did indeed not touch any of the hostages or citizens throughout those 5 years. It was only when Hyogoro got captured, that Oden had enough, and decided to take Kaido down.

Before their final fight, Kaido compared Oden to Roger and Whitebeard, saying that Oden is mighty in strength, but also soft/naive.

Kaido's comment was shown to be the truth because Whitebeard chose to not save Wano or avenge Oden. Whitebeard was afraid of the casualties that would happen if a war broke out in Wano. Just like Oden was.

A leader thinks of his people, which is what Oden did. He chose the smart option. He was able to protect and save everyone. If we swapped Oden with Luffy, then Luffy would have chosen the "going to war" option, which would have caused Kaido and Orochi to slaughter all the hostages and citizens.

Oden accepted 5 years of abuse if it means that he could protect and save everyone he cares about. He didn't tell anyone how he felt, the intentions of his actions, etc, all for the sake of protecting them.

Choosing the option where you're able to protect and save the civilization of an entire country, is a smart thing to do. Orochi was protected by the barrier fruit user and Orochi himself said that if going to war against him would work, all the other Daimyos would have already done so.

The other Daimyos were all sitting on their asses while Oden was the only one who protected and saved the hostages and citizens.

So I hate it when people in the One Piece fandom come with the "hurr durr why did Oden believe Orochi".

Oden didn't care if Orochi's promise about the ship was genuine or not. All that mattered to Oden was protecting and saving the civilization of Wano.

And to protect the citizens even more, Oden told nobody of the intentions of his actions, wanting to take the truth with him to his death. Cause if he did tell anybody of the hostages, they would have gotten involved, hurt, or died, things which Oden wanted to prevent from all costs. The citizens only learned the truth thanks to Shinobu.

And Oden literally DID protect all of those hostages and citizens. They were seen watching Oden's execution. So Kaido and Orochi did honor the promise of letting them go. And considering that he danced once a week for 5 years (every dance means saving 100 lives), Oden literally protected and saved like 260000 people. He's a straight up hero so I wish that people stop disrespecting him because that's victimblaming and not okay.

Did people seriously forget what happend in the beginning of the story? Zoro believed Helmeppo's words even though Helmeppo was clearly lying.

If it wasn't for Luffy, Zoro would have gotten executed. Zoro actually believed that Helmeppo would set him free if he survives being tied up for a month. Zoro believing the words of a Helmeppo is 100% worse than Oden believing Orochi. Oden at least only knew Orochi from back when Orochi pretended to be a poor and innocent kid

while Zoro only knew Helmeppo as the arrogant and spoiled brat that he is, and yet Zoro still believed Helmeppo.

Does that make Zoro stupid now? No. Even if Helmeppo called Zoro an idiot for believing his words, Zoro is simply a Swordsman with a honor code. Just like Oden. It's not their fault that Orochi and Helmeppo (pre redemption) are cowardly scumbags and liars.

Orochi worked under Yasuie for years and stole money from him, but Yasuie never suspected Orochi. I guess this automatically means that Yasuie stupid??

Luffy is dumb 24/7 and nobody says anything, but as soon as another character in the series does one questionable thing, they immediately get called stupid. I guess it's because Luffy has plot armor and never faces the consequences of his actions (i still love luffy with all my heart but this had to be said)

One Piece is full of flawed characters who often make questionable decisions.

When Kid Ace asked Garp if he should have been born, Garp was like "lol idk".

Garp didn't want his grandsons to become pirates, but let a bunch of mountain bandits raise his grandsons.

Then he had the nerve to be upset that his grandsons who got raised by CRIMINALS, became pirates.

Garp chose his job over his family and let his grandson Ace die, and you don't see me going around dissing him for what he did.

Roger slaughtered Squardo's crew and wiped out an entire country's military just because they spoke ill of his crew.

Again, One Piece is full of flawed and morally grey characters. It's not Oden's fault that Orochi is a lying, cowardly pos. Even Yasuie believed Orochi. Blaming Oden is straight up victimblaming. Blame the tyrant Orochi. Not Oden or anyone else.

[yana125]

Hi! What about Crocodile for the character ask? Or Mihawk if you want!

Yessss! Let's talk about Crocodile! :3 (Under the cut because SPOILERS!)

First impression

Evil! Evil man! Not even the language barrier stops me from knowing that you're a bad man! How dare you hurt my dear Vivi! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Impression now

Ohmygod, Mr. 0 'Desert Lord' Sir Crocodile, sir! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ (He is the kind of character that grows on you the older you get X'D)

Favorite moment

Insert all of Marineford here, I guess :D All the OOC decisions this man made intrigues me. Why didn't we see his reaction to the 'Luffy is Dragon's son' reveal when we saw everyone and their cat's reaction (also we don't initially see his reaction when Whitebeard was stabbed, then he has a very OOC emotional reaction that surprises the people around him), why did he save Ace, why did he tell Daz Bones to protect Luffy (off screen), why did he tell Mihawk that he wasn't in a good mood, why did he protect Luffy and tell Jinbe that if he wanted to protect something he had to protect it right? (And Luffy doesn't know about the last one!!!!)

Also I love all of these moments the most in the manga. The anime adds too many additions to it and everything loses its impact. Like this scene here from Ch578:

This is WAAAAAY better than the anime. Crocodile just standing there behind Akainu after he sliced him in half then 'Sables'-ing Jinbe and Luffy away without a clear look at his eyes? Chef's kiss.

Not to mention that top left panel with the 'ゴゴゴ…'. According to this site it can mean (1) rumble rumble rumble (2) menace threatening atmosphere; - Build up of intense emotion (3) whrrr whirr wrrr - The sound of an engine whirring. And in this situation I'm choosing 'intense emotion' over Crocodile having a motorcycle somewhere behind him.

Idea for a story

I already wrote it :D Crocodile vs Weevil on Phoenix Island with lots of repressed emotions :) It won't happen now but oh well TT_TT

Unpopular opinion

He is a trans man. He is Luffy's mother. He is Whitebeard's only biological son. He is the mysterious former Empress of Amazon Lily. All of this all at once. All of these ideas exist on their own or in some form of combination, but not all four of them together.

Favorite relationship

It's either his relationship with Daz Bones (Daz's loyalty to his boss while Crocodile has trust issues is something that can be very appealing) or Luffy (apart from the whole Crocomom theory, the change in their relationship from Alabasta through Impel Down to Marineford is interesting, and also the fact that after Marineford we see Crocodile among the collection of characters reading the newspaper whenever there are major news about the Straw Hats.)

Favorite headcanon

See the unpopular opinion X'D But also wouldn't it be amazing that once he sees S-Crocodile he just lashes out because that's a reminder of his past and everyone around him is like "We understand that you being cloned is upsetting and it hurts your pride or something but this is a bit much, don't you think?" because they know nothing about him.

[enjomo-arch]

a  town  seemingly  a  blessing  for  pirates  to  stumble  by.  bilgewater  was  an  interesting  topic  indeed.  when  he  was  sent  here,  he  didn't  think  he  would  encounter  a  pleasant  attitude.  he  was  an  outsider,  and  while  the  pirate  paradise  was  under  the  control  of  someone  who  should  never  have  power,  ace  could  only  hear  the  rumors  that  swirled  over  the  name  of  the  place.  death,  blood  and  tears.  the  brutality  of  bounty  hunters,  the  terror  that  reigned  among  the  inhabitants  or  the  invasions  of  other,  greedy  ones  who  only  wanted  to  lay  their  hand  on  power  after  the  death  of  the  one  who  ruled  finally  occurred.  it  was  horrible,  now  after  all  he  only  could  understand  why  whitebeard  of  all  people  wished  peace  upon  this  place.  

after  the  leader's  death  many  people  suffered  the  inner  war  happening.  and  ace  could  only  imagine  how  bad  it  was.  seeing  the  buildings  destroyed  by  cannon  balls  impact,  the  way  debris  holding  ash  over  the  stone  pieces  after  fires.  everything  looked  like  a  nightmare  only  people  could  be  in.  following  the  redhead,  ace  had  many  thoughts  swirling  within  his  head.  why  didn't  his  father  intervene  earlier  ?  why  now  when  the  war  after  reaching  on  it's  peak  only  could  cease  from  the  after  effect  of  the  brutality  happening.  if  they  had  sailed  here  earlier.  the  biggest  crew  of  it  all,  emperors  of  the  sea.  the  whitebeard  crew  carrying  it's  black  flag  with  pride,  just  as  ace  carried  his  father's  mark  tattooed  down  the  length  of  his  back.  

it  all  looked  like  a  decision  he  would  only  understand  later.  the  woman  now  in  charge  of  the  city  now  giving  him  a  tour.  upon  reaching  the  mansion's  entrance.  ace's  eyes  wandered  almost  everywhere.  drinking  in  the  sight  of  destruction  happening  to  this  place.  everything  was  in  ruins,  just  like  this  city.  it  needed  a  chairman.  a  leader  to  rebuild  lost  buildings  or  lives,  and  those  that  had  been  taken  by  the  sea  waves  in  the  collapse  -  so  that  their  sacrifices  would  not  be  in  vain.  he  didn't  know  a  single  thing  about  captain  fortune.  only  the  bounty  poster  his  only  source  of  information.  but  she  was  not  overly  hostile  to  him,  not  yet.  however  the  woman's  firm  grasp  over  his  presence  here  still  lingering  in  the  air  within  them.  ace  could  not  blame  her,  after  all  that  had  taken  place.  

he  entered  the  library  with  her.  blood  stained  books,  walls  and  the  floor.  it  immediately  gave  him  the  answer  that  the  fight  here  must  have  been  fierce  in  earnest.  her  voice  caught  his  attention,  and  ace  only  bowed  his  head  slightly.  ❝  more  or  less.  ❞  the  fire  fist  answered.  idly  wandering  around  the  room.  ❝  i  came  in  the  name  of  whitebeard.  the  sea's  emperor.  my  name's  portgas  d.  ace  or  y'could  know  me  as  fire  fist  ace.  i  am  the  second  division  commander  of  the  fleet.  ❞  he  introduced  himself,  quickly  before  taking  a  broken  chair.  a  way  to  sit  down  and  let  his  arms  freely  rest  over  his  legs.  ❝  my  father  has  no  ill  will  to  this  place.  he  wants  to  offer  it  protection.  take  on  his  flag  so  that  this  slaughter  can  end.  i  don't  know  why  his  decision  was  made  now.  maybe  he  realized  that  if  he  had  offered  it  durin'  gangplank's  rule,  the  war  would  have  foundered  between  them.  ❞  his  voice  was  firm,  serious.  maybe  after  seeing  the  disaster  that  found  only  he  was  able  to  believe  more  in  his  father's  decisions.  he  never  doubted  him,  could  never  doubt  him.  ❝  i  offer  you  protection,  sarah  fortune.  ❞

@stellaelillac - continued.

[tetsuskei]

as someone who is literally at the beginning of this show please explain anthony to ace pipeline 🎤

oh man…mimi let me tell you.

the first obvious thing is the fact that they are the eldest brother. they both do their best to protect their siblings. if someone insults them or hurts them? goodluck charlie!

they are both a little selfish and hard headed i’d say. cocky and prideful, too. they are competitive and don’t back down from challenges at times.

a lot of people look up to them or admire them. they both have important roles in the status and places they come from (anthony obviously the head of his family, and ace for being part of whitebeards crew).

i cannot spoil anything for ace with you, but i will say that fathers play an important role and theme in both men. there’s a lot of internal conflict and turmoil that’s similar and different in anthony and ace. i know anthony had a large problem with commitment, and knowing ace and what he’s gone through i would say he would also have an issue, but of course can probably be shaded by the right person (me).

[cheshiresense]

Are you still working on anything for One Piece? Any small tidbits to share? You write it so well and I'm starved for content.

I have a couple unposted wips, doesn't look like they'll be done anytime soon either but I can give you a random snippet. This is from my mute!Luffy AU:

Jozu and Haruta file out, and Marco makes himself comfortable with Ace still slumped against him. It's a bit of a reach but he manages to snag the medical chart off the end of Luffy's bed without getting up, and a quick flip through informs him that this was… it was close. It was really, really close. If Akainu's attack hadn't been just a bit off-centre, if Ace hadn't managed to get Luffy off the battlefield as quickly as he had, if Trafalgar hadn't come…

He clips the chart back on its hook. He doesn't much think about his next move, just does it because he does it for all his patients if he deems it necessary. Half a thought summons his flames to his hand, and then he plunges it straight into Luffy's chest.

As it turns out, perhaps he should've given some warning first. But Marco buries a fistful of phoenix fire in Luffy's chest just as a sleep-deprived Trafalgar Law with bags the size of the Moby under his eyes and clutching a mug of coffee like a lifeline walks back in at almost the exact same moment. The man takes approximately point-two seconds to register the macabre scene before instantly going from about negative-fifty to feral. In the span of maybe two heartbeats, a transparent spherical space expands to cover the entire room, his coffee is replaced by a sword, and Marco has to think fast and twist out of the way to avoid getting an electrically charged nodachi through his carotid because apparently the Surgeon of Death really is just as vicious as the rumours say.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Trafalgar snarls, blade already curving down to take Marco's head. "Get your hand out of him! Portgas-ya, why are you still sleeping?"

Ace has always been a deep sleeper, made worse by his narcolepsy, made even worse than that by a week of starvation and dehydration and stress. He'll snap awake if there's a real threat nearby, but Marco isn't that, and Trafalgar isn't either when Marco is here, so he doesn't even stir at the Heart captain's call or the way Marco has to leave him snoring in his seat in favour of jumping to his feet to sidestep the next swipe of Trafalgar's blade.

"Wait, wait!" Marco says hastily, retrieving his hand, although that probably doesn't much help his case considering the way his flames continue flickering beneath the bandages wrapped around Luffy's chest. Trafalgar's expression turns downright murderous. "I'm helping-yoi! Let me explain!"

It is admittedly somewhat disturbing even for people who are already aware of what Marco can do - this is why he prefers Nashi no Tsubute, he still has to set people on fire but it looks less like he's killing them… kind of - so the seas know Trafalgar's reaction is perfectly justified.

Trafalgar pauses, just for a second, eyes narrowed with a demand. Marco doesn't waste it.

"I can heal other people with my flames," Marco quickly clarifies to the irate surgeon who clearly does not give a single fuck about dialling down any hostility even in front of Whitebeard's second-in-command while the entire Yonkou crew is parked just outside. Marco has to respect that. Besides, even at a glance, he can tell Trafalgar has worked a miracle on Luffy. It's bound to make anyone a little protective, even if only out of professional pride. "Not completely, not instantaneously, but they give a boost to the body to help it along, and the flames will usually last for as long as the recipient's stamina does."

Trafalgar looks at him like he wants nothing more than to feed Marco to a dieting shark.

"Does Mugiwara-ya look like he has stamina to spare?" He hisses, all attitude, zero chill.

"No," Marco says calmly and lifts the hand where a thread of his flame is still connected to the pulse in his wrist. "That's why I'm using mine. The effect is even smaller this way, but it does work, and once it starts, it's better to let it run its course."

A simmering moment of silence passes as Trafalgar seems to weigh Marco's honesty, but eventually, he sheathes his blade and stalks over to Luffy instead, checking the machines and running a glowing white palm over his patient, lingering over his chest. He still doesn't look happy when he's done, but he also doesn't try to kill Marco again, and his Devil Fruit power disappears from around them.

He scrubs a hand over his face instead - he looks exhausted, has he slept at all since the surgery? - and then directs a venomous glare at Marco. "I'm monitoring this. If I say you remove your flames, you do it. He is my patient."

Marco nods without protest. "I know. I apologize-yoi. It was habit on my part, but that's no excuse. I should've asked first."

Trafalgar doesn't look any friendlier after that, but he does seem marginally appeased. "Fine, stay here, take a seat."

He eyeballs Marco like he thinks Whitebeard's first division commander is possibly mentally deficient. "I'm going to assume you know when to stop yourself if I don't tell you to stop, but just in case, if you do this until you feel like passing out," He smiles, thin and cold and actually pretty creepy. Marco wonders if he practices it in the mirror. "Make sure you get off my ship before you do, so you'll be someone else's problem instead. I agreed to take care of exactly two people for the foreseeable future, and neither of them are you."

[snailor-bee]

One Piece Headcanons: Whitebeard Pirates Edition!

Okay so after seeing Foz's amazing art of Whitebeard in pearls that they drew for me, my friend Angel was like "I'm starting to feel like pearls are your style." Which got me wheezing because pearls are definitely a Foz art staple but also pearls just happen to be my favorite so I'm always like "oh yes bring on the pearls" so I guess we're both pearl enthusiasts. ANYWAYS what this all means is I had a cute and fun conversation with @aifozu and @itsthefandommash about the Whitebeard Pirates and pearls and I wanted to share!

Situation: A look at how pearls relate to the Whitebeard Pirates. Characters: Pops, Marco, Ace, Deuce, Thatch, Izou, Vista, Rakuyo, Namur, Haruta, Jozu

The Whitebeard Pirates have a monopoly on pearls. No one quite understands why but they buy them up like crazy. They pushed very hard to get an island that was technically under Marine protection to become a Whitebeard Territory, which was unusual in of itself. Most of the time islands begged them for protection. It wasn't until after it joined the long list of Whitebeard Islands, that people understood. The island was known for its pearls.

When a new member of the crew joins, they are bought to a large chest and told to pick at least two. When it's opened, most are not overly shocked to see it stuffed to the brim with pearls, every color and size imaginable. Whitebeard Pirates are known for it, afterall although no one really knows the significance. New members see how many Whitebeard Pirates walk around with pearls, clearly it means something to the crew.

No one says anything when a newly minted member selects two, digging carefully for a very long time to pick their perfect pearls. Nor does anyone breathe a word when someone else swipes the first two from the very top without a glance. Or when someone grabs a handful, or two, or even more. At least two is vague, but Whitebeard remembers what it was like to have nothing. Even if treasure never amounted to much for him personally, if someone takes more than their fair share of pearls, no one says a word. They understand what it's like to want.

After the newest nakama chose their pearls, they are told that one is to be given to Pops. They are led to his room, and when they step inside most gasp with surprise. It's a huge room, obviously, to house such a large man. But it's also covered in strings and strings of pearls. There are tiny hooks in the ceiling that the pearls are draped over, others dangle down the walls. His room is covered, one pearl for every child. More than a thousand pearls, all in one room. It is always a sight to behold.

"Why pearls?" People wonder. And only nakama are ever told. We are all children of the sea and pearls are made by the sea. Pops never wanted for treasure, but pearls always held a special place in his heart. So, the Whitebeard Pirates have pearls.

When a new nakama drink a sake cup and become family, many are proud to have their very own pearl shining on a necklace, or a bracelet, or an earring. Others might have it sewn into their clothes and still others have it hidden away in a room. Everyone shows their love differently and every type of love is accepted. They are family and they are loved.

Whitebeard Pirates and their Pearls

Marco

Blue pearl necklace, on a gold chain. His belt also has a few small pearl accents.

Ace

It was hard for him to pick at first, but he finally settled on a black pearl. He didn't wear the pearl at first until someone made him a thin jute rope bracelet, the black pearl woven in. Now he wears it with pride.

Thatch

Has a large brown pearl set in a gold ring. It goes on his middle finger but he rarely wears it, usually preferring to have it on a chain under his shirt. But when they go on shore leave he makes sure to put it on.

Izou

His "first" pearls were a lovely purple that he made into earrings. However nowadays he has every color of pearl with every accessory. He has to match whatever he's wearing, afterall.

Vista

Wears a silver-white pearl on a hat pin in his top hat. Sometimes people try to poke fun at him until he pokes back with his sword and they shut up. He likes his hat pin very much, thank you.

Rakuyo

Wears a gold pearl that dangles from one of his hoop earrings.

Namur

At first Namur didn't wear his. He felt too awkward about it, too out of place maybe. Even if the Whitebeard Pirates accepted him, accepted fish people in general, he still felt apart for the first few years. After becoming 8th Division Commander and seeing the love the crew had for him, he felt comfortable enough to showcase his pearl. It's a shiny grey and as his webbed fingers prevented a normal ring, he had it embedded in his middle finger. (A little bit to match Thatch, but don't tell him, it would go to his head.) It's subtle and not many people notice. But Namur does and that's all that matters.

Haruta

Powder green and he wears it on a fancy brooch. It matches his outfit perfectly.

Jozu

Still keeps his in his room. He had chosen a large, lumpy off-white pearl for himself. Sometimes he takes it out to hold it and rub a thumb across its textured surface. It calms him.

Deuce

A light blue, he wears it on a leather bracelet.

Pops

Would laugh at the question. He has over a thousand pearls, why does he need one of his own? The classic white pearl, set in silver on a ring on his finger says otherwise.

[forty5degrees]

Who do they go to for comfort? [SFW]

Random Question, Random Characters

Warnings: None

Marco

His family.

He'd go to Whitebeard, Thatch, Ace, and all the other Whitebeard pirates.

He would not be the type to show it if he was seeking consolation. Would be completely aware of his own emotions, but would appear as calm and collected as always, even to those who know him well.

Would find comfort in just sitting, chatting, and drinking with his crewmates. Normal, peaceful nights with the people he loves would bring him all the joy in the world.

He is the type to come at problems from a logical standpoint. While he's not particularly emotional, he would absolutely trust his family enough to ask for help/advice if the situation called for it.

Usopp

Depends on why he is seeking comfort, tbh.

If it's something simple - he just had a bad day - he'll just spend time relaxing with the crew. He might spend some extra time goofing off with Luffy and Chopper, or tinkering with Franky on some project he's had in mind.

Under more serious circumstances, He is the type of person to let his emotions get in the way of seeking out help. Will first seek comfort - unsuccessfully - in avoidance. He's very hard-headed. He will suffer and stuggle in silence for a long time.

If the situation is serious enough, may lash out to protect his own pride.

Eventually, will pull his head out of his ass and make things right.

At this point, he'll, again, just spend time with his crew. Party, relax, eat, tinker.

Ultimately, he gets to the same place, but one route is much rougher than the other.

[aces-fav-husband]

His Legacy (Chapter 2)

One Piece Male Reader Insert

Chapter Summary: You spend time with your adoptive family until someone ruins it.

Masterlist

Warnings: None

A/N: I really like this chapter tbh. I’m planning to do some things with Rain Island later lol.

Word Count: 4.7k

        You had traveled to some of the nearby islands, looking for business. When it had been three days and you still hadn’t gotten any calls from people wanting your business (you did get a few calls from Luffy, however, who told you a peculiar story about massive ship falling out of the sky), you took that as an opportunity to go visit a nearby island and relax. Although you were normally rather unsocial, you still enjoyed interacting with the people at this particular island. They were always kind and welcoming towards you, inviting you to enjoy their culture and festivities. This was also the island where your family lived. 

        Rummaging through your pile of clean clothes, you were able to find something that you wanted to wear- black dress pants, a (unstained) white button down shirt, and a black silk tie that you haven’t worn yet. You slipped on your gold rings and carefully inserted your piercings again. Your Gran had once told you that you should always dress to impress and you took her words to heart. You never left your island without your jewelry and a nice tie. You didn’t know if you were impressing anyone, but you liked to think that you at least gave off the impression of someone who was strong, capable, and powerful. With some of the people you worked with, you couldn’t appear as anything less. 

        There was one person that especially could never see you as less than perfect, and that was Donquixote Doflamingo (or Joker, as you were supposed to refer to him by). He claimed that you were the best of the best, the crème of the crop, and would frequently ask for your help when his “family” was too spread out. The only benefit was that he always, without fail, paid you handsomely for your time and work. You have never failed at a job he had given you. You couldn’t if you didn’t want him to ruin your life. 

       He was the reason why you couldn’t join Ace on Whitebeard’s ship. He was too unpredictable and he knew too much about you.

       You grabbed two of your flintlock pistols and set out for your small sailboat, which you had dragged inland. There were no docks at your nameless island, so this was the best you could do. 

       You were heading to a neighboring island named Rain. Rain was easily one of your favorite places; the natural beauty of the semi-tropical island always left you feeling refreshed and at peace. You loved relaxing in the rainforest in the center of the island, listening to the sounds of the wild. You’ve protected this sacred place for the past 10 years (and you did it better than the stationed Marines, despite only going there once every few months), so you were treated as a local hero. It was a place where you felt accepted and it made you happy. You never conducted your usual business on this island- you refused to taint it with your filth.

        As your sailboat smoothly sailed across the gentle waves, you caught sight of the island. It wasn’t far from your island- it took you about 20-30 minutes to get there, and you were an extremely talented sailor on top of that. The weather was always wonderful in this part of the New World- the sun tenderly kissed your skin and shined brightly in your jewelry while the wind played in your hair. The clouds that formed around these islands were always gorgeous, too. Big, grey, and fluffy, they would provide your island and Rain with nightly storms. 

        As you got closer to the emerald island, you took note of the giant tree that sprouted from the very center of the landmass- an Adam tree, as you had come to learn. It was the people’s pride and joy. They had been growing this tree and keeping it healthy for centuries. They never allowed outsiders to get near it in fear that it would be destroyed, but they had made an exception for you. Up close, it was majestic. 

        You could also hear music, which got louder and louder as you approached until you finally docked your boat at the town named Downpour. It took a few moments for the townsfolk started to take notice of you standing on the outskirts of their town, occupied with dancing and feasting, but once the mayor spotted you and called your name out joyously, everyone’s attention was on you.

        People cheered your name as you approached, some offering you goods while others complimented you. A group of small children ran up to you to meet you, grabbing your limbs and pulling you every which way. You laughed, flashing the townsfolk a bright smile. “Hi, everyone!” 

        The mayor, Mr. Child, stumbled in your direction, cheeks flushed from alcohol he had clearly been drinking. “Welcome back, (Name)! You came at the perfect time! The Rain Festival just started!”

        You laughed, one of your arms coming up to sheepishly rub the back of your neck. “Good afternoon, sir. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important?”

        He hiccuped and he shook his head as a wide, toothy smile spread across his plump face. “No, not at all! Please, join the festivities!” 

        “(Name)! (Name)! You have to come with me, I know where all the best food stands are!” A young girl cut in with a whine as she clung onto your inked arm. 

        Before you could reply, the small boy hanging onto your leg yelled, “NO, Jasmine!! (Name) is coming with ME to play all the games! And he’s going to WIN ALL OF THEM!” 

        “No, Ori, Mama wanted me to bring (Name) home the next time he came to town so she could give him a gift.” The biggest kid chimed, placing his hands on his hips. He wasn’t clinging to you like the other two, but he wanted you to come with him. His younger siblings’ behavior annoyed him a bit, but he could understand where they were coming from. “You haven’t been home in months! We were worried!” 

        “Sorry, Falth,” you apologized sheepishly. “I’ve been a bit busy. Why don’t we go see Ma first, then we can eat all the food and play all the fun games?” You compromised, trying to prevent the almost inevitable fight. 

        The trio paused for a moment as they thought about it before all simultaneously nodding in agreement. Ori, Jasmine, and Falth were siblings, and you were their older brother. They lived with their mom and grandma on the edge of the town, somewhat in the rainforest. You had unofficially been adopted by their mom, Leoa, who despite not knowing much about you, always welcomed you with open arms and treated you as her own. Without her, Pa, and Gran, you definitely would’ve been a lot more socially stunted than you already were. Gran and Ma had taught you how to read and write, provided you with a basic education, taught you basic manners, while Pa was the one who taught you how to fight and use Haki. 

        You appreciated everything they did for you. 

        You allowed yourself to be dragged around Downpour by Falth, observing all the ongoing festivities as Ori and Jasmine ran beside you. Despite coming to this island for years, you had managed to never come during this particular festival. The packed streets were lined with booths from one end to the other, selling everything from booze to souvenirs. You noticed a few of the game booths Ori had mentioned- games where you threw things into narrow bottles, games where you tried to collect toy Sea Kings from the water with a net, and some shooting games, to name a few. There was a stage in the middle of the town square with a band of five playing lively music. All the buildings had strings of blue, green, and yellow paper lanterns and sea glass, which lead you to think that the Rain Festival went into the night. You also saw some people you didn’t recognize among the large crowd of people surrounding the booths and stage. 

        Faces, old and new, approached you casually, asking you how you you were doing, what you had been up to for the past three months that you were gone, and presenting you with things they were selling. You had politely cut all conversations short, explaining how you needed to meet with some people at the edge of town.

        Whispers and rumors swirled around you and into your ears. “Isn’t that the same (Name) that’s a mercenary?” “I heard he took on two whole crew of pirates at the same time and came out unscathed! And all by himself!” “Is he here to target someone?” “Why is he around those kids?” 

        You turned to Jasmine, who was on your left. “What’s the point of this festival?” You asked bluntly, trying to distract yourself from the voices.

        She instantly perked up, and with a bring gleam in her eye, she began to explain; “We have this festival every year to celebrate the nightly rain that helps the Adam tree! Our island would be a desert if it stopped raining. At the end of the festival, the next Protector will be chosen.”

        “It goes on for three days straight!” Ori cut in, a smug look across his face. “We party all day and all night, especially in the rain! And we get to eat special food and we wear special clothes at night!”

        “ORI!!” Jasmine yelled as she hit Ori upside the head. “(Name) wanted me to tell him, not you.” 

        You broke yourself out of Falth’s grip and placed your large hands on their heads, ruffling their dark blue hair roughly with a playful smirk. “Don’t fight each other. Family is important- you should always love each other and get along.” 

        Falth, having finally taken notice of his siblings arguing, stepped in. “(Name)’s right, y’know!” Hands on his hips and tanned cheeks slightly puffed, he reiterated something their mother had always said, “We’re family, so we have to treat each other with respect.” 

       With one look, anyone who had known him could tell that Falth was the spitting image of his father- dark hair, tanned skin, and deep green eyes, while Jasmine and Ori resembled their mother with her dark blue hair and light blue eyes. When their father had died six months ago, Falth was the one who stepped up, trying to act more mature and nurture his siblings the way their father had despite only being 15. 

        It should’ve been you who stepped up. You were 20, you should’ve finally settled down in Downpour to take care of this family who cared so much for you, to live a peaceful life, but you couldn’t. You’re selfish. You couldn't be happy if you stayed in one place for too long. 

        You worked too hard to flush your happiness down the drain like that. It killed you inside to know that you were part of the reason why Falth had to grow up so fast, but you didn’t regret your decision. 

        Realizing you had slightly spaced out while the siblings were arguing, you focused back on the three of them, who were now wrestling on the ground. You facepalmed, slightly annoyed with them and yourself, for letting it get this bad. You could feel the peering eyes of the tourists, people who were not familiar with these siblings, judge you as you picked them all up and shoved them under your arms. Although they could not continue their physical fight, it did not stop them from verbally berating each other. You booked it for the house at the edge of the forest, trying not to run over anyone. 

        “You suck, Jasmine! Big stupidhead!”

        “Shut up! You suck way more! I’d rather eat dirt than get along with you!”

        “Both of you, be quiet! You’re so stupid! I can’t stand either of you!” 

        You rolled your eyes before promptly stopping and dropping the three of them onto the worn dirty path in front of the small off-white house, following it up with a swift hit on the head for each three of them. 

        “OW!” 

        “Can you three get along for at least five minutes?” You frowned at them, making your irritation apparent. You walked inside before they could say anything else, but you could hear them groaning in pain through the heavy wood door.

        Before you could even open your mouth to announce your presence, you were jumped by two smaller figures- your Ma and Gran- grabbing onto your torso and pulling you down to their level. 

        “I knew he would come sometime this week! I can always feel it in these old bones of mine!” 

        “Yeah, yeah, whatever, Mom. You’re always right. Who cares? My oldest baby is home!” 

        Leoa was a tall woman, reaching roughly 6’3 in height, yet you could still see over her head of dark blue hair; Gran, on the other hand, was very short, not even 5’0. Her short grey hair was all you could see unless she turned her head up to look at you. Her calloused and wrinkly pair of hands grasped your face and pet your shaggy (color) hair affectionately. 

        “Your baby? No, this is my sweet grandson.” Gran pulled away to study you with her sharp blue eyes, looking you up and down. “Oh, my dear, have you grown out your hair? Do you need a haircut? Are you hungry? Here, let me get you some food.” 

        “Calm down, Gran, I just got here. I’m fine.” You gently pulled out of her grasp and ended up in the arms of Ma, who gave you a suffocating hug. 

        “Oh, we missed you so much, (Name)! You need to come visit us more often.” A large grin graced her sun kissed face as she smothered you. There was never a doubt in your mind that this family loved you, but sometimes it was too much for you to handle. You tried pulling away again, a small, awkward smile on your face, but your siblings, who recovered from their punishment and gotten inside, joined in the love fest.

        “We brought him home, just like you asked!” Falth cheered as he threw his arms around your leg.

        “Yeah! Yeah!” Chorused Ori and Jasmine, who had both taken ahold of your arms that you foolishly forgot to safely tuck away.

        “Now he can come to the festival with us! And eat all the food! And win all the games!” 

         At this point, you were definitely getting overwhelmed, the awkward smile shifting into something more uncomfortable, and luckily for you, Gran noticed. Yanking you out of the grasp of the four clingier family members by your back of your shirt, she successfully freed you, leaving the other four to fall on the ground. 

        “Alright, that’s enough. We don’t want to scare (Name) away for another three months, do we?” Although her tone was lighthearted, you could see panic quickly flood the eyes of your siblings. You inwardly flinched and shifted your eyes for a brief moment, which Ma just had to notice. She sent you a gentle look before changing the subject  

        “Oh, (Name), I have a gift for you.” She mentioned suddenly, rising up from the floor and walking to one of the two rooms on the bottom floor of the house. “I think you’ll like it,” she added. 

        The house was old, at least 130 years old, from what Gran told you, and you could definitely see the age. Withered, dull wallpaper covered the walls in the living room and five bedrooms, begging to be removed and replaced. The wood floors were worn down from years of walking, with the odd squeaky floorboards ever present. The stairs leading up the second floor had to have a few carpet-covered steps replaced, which gave it a somewhat strange look. The kitchen and bathrooms had all been updated as to not cause any health issues- beautiful stone countertops and porcelain toilets were implemented around 20 years ago. But despite all that, it was obvious that the house was loved.

        The outside, however, was a different story. Because Gran was too old and Ma was usually too busy with her restaurant, twisting vines took over the majority of the house, changing the color from a lively off-white to a wild dark green. Ma didn’t want any of your siblings to try and clear off the vines out of fear that they would fall, but you knew Falth tried to clean off what he could reach. 

        Gran and Falth had moved to the living room to fold laundry while Ori and Jasmine play wrestled on the decorative rug that covered the floor. You were still in the entryway, so you decided to join Falth and Gran with the laundry until Ma returned. 

        “So,” Gran started quietly, picking up a small green tank top that read “APPLE OF MY EYE” and handing it to Falth. “How has work been lately? And your ‘friend’?” 

        You kept a neutral expression as you replied, equally as quiet, “Are you sure we should talk about my line of work with Ori and Jasmine so close by? I don’t want them to know what I do.” 

        “So what if they do? I know, Ma knows, Gran knows, and that hasn’t changed anything. It’s not like they’ll care. They really look up to you. I don’t think you could do anything to change that, (Name),” Falth pointed out with a smile as he folded the shirt and passed it to you. “Plus, I want to hear about that pirate!” 

        You let out a snort of amusement before placing the shirt into a large wicker basket. “So that’s why you’re so adamant? Couldn’t get enough of Ace when I brought him over last year?” 

        “How could we?” Gran chuckled, this time picking up a bright yellow blouse. “He was quite the funny young man.” 

        “I mean, who falls asleep in the middle of eating dinner? That was hilarious! He was a total weirdo!”

        You lightly punched Falth in the shoulder, a rare smile taking over your face. “Hey now, that weirdo’s a good friend of mine. I can’t have you going around and tarnishing his good name.” 

        “He’s a pirate- good names exist for no such person.” Gran stated playfully. “And fold that shirt already, Falth.” 

        “But Gran,” Falth sighed before complying. “He was a good person. I mean, if you’re friends with him, (Name), he couldn’t be that bad, right?” 

        “Have you forgotten our history with pirates? Your history with pirates, Falth?” Gran hissed quietly, an tense silence overtaking the three of you. 

        You suddenly felt really awkward and out of place as the three of you folded pairs of underwear and children’s t-shirts in silence. At least Ori and Jasmine had not taken notice and continued to grunt and roughhouse. 

        Although you were the unofficial “guardian” of Rain Island, you weren’t always able to be there. Marines were stationed in a town close to Downpour, named Thunder, but it still left Downpour vulnerable. And some pirates had taken advantage of that six months ago. A deep frown settled on your lips. Once again, thoughts of inadequacy and failure flooded your head. If only you had settled down…

        “Here we are!” Ma broke the silence as she came back from the storage room with two boxes under her arm. “Ori, Jasmine, why don’t you go upstairs and play? You’re making a mess.” 

        “But Ma!” They whined simultaneously as they paused their match. 

        “I wasn’t asking. Go upstairs.” Ma shook her head before giving them a very exaggerated exasperated look. “It’s boring adult time. Let us suffer in peace. I’ll call you down when it’s time to give (Name) his gift, then we can go to the festival to eat dinner.” 

        That seemed to do the trick as the two younger children ran upstairs before Ma could even finish speaking. “You too, Falth.” Ma added on, pointing to the stairs behind her back. That’s how you knew this was something about your line of work. Although Falth knew some things about what you did, he did not know the full extent of it like Ma and Gran did. 

        Falth was about to argue, but you held up a hand, stopping them both. “He can stay. It’s fine. He’s grown enough to know about it.”

        Ma raised an eyebrow before taking a seat next to Falth, boxes still in hand. “Well, if you say so, (Name).”

        “This one is your actual gift,” Ma explained with a small smile, handing you a large box made out of a deep mahogany wood. “It’s something that I’ve wanted you to have for a while now, but haven’t gotten the chance to give to you.”

        She then held up the smaller, decorated box. “This one is for you to open when I call Ori and Jasmine back down. They picked something out for you.” 

        You hummed in agreement as you took both boxes from her, setting them carefully on your lap. Before you could open the wooden box, Gran spoke. 

        “We know we can’t quell your wanderlust and thirst for adventure, but we want you to have these; at least you’ll always have a part of us with you. Your life and the people you work with are dangerous, and we know it’s even more dangerous to associate with you as a mercenary, but we love you, (Name). Proll wanted you to have these when he died.” 

        With that, you opened the box to see your late adoptive father’s twin flintlock pistols. Your eyes slightly widened as you took your gifts into your hands. They felt solid, cold, and heavy, like blocks of ice in your hands. Unlike the two silver single-barreled pistols you already had, these were made of ivory and bronze and were triple-barreled. There were intricate carvings along the ivory butt and hammer of the gun- beautiful swirls that were made by only a master. They simultaneously looked decorative and deadly. 

        You looked back up in slight shock, giving Gran and Ma a dumbfounded look. Falth was equally as surprised as you, it seemed, as his mouth was fully agape. 

        “There’s no way I can accept this.” You finally muttered, putting the pistols back in the box and pushing them away. “I am the last person who should have these.” 

        “But (Name)!” Falth cried, eyebrows furrowed. “Pa loved you! He wanted you to have those! He always talked about how you would put them to good use!” 

        “He’s right, dear,” Gran spoke up. “You were Proll’s pride and joy. If anyone where to take them, it should be you.” 

        You flinched and looked away, grimacing. “But-“

        “He was never mad at you. Never upset. He was proud of you for living your life.” Ma commented as she pushed the box back into your hands. “Of course, he wanted you to be a Marine, but he didn’t care when you told him you were a mercenary.You and him were so similar. Please, (Name), take them. If not for him, then for us. We want you to be safe.” 

        “Please, (Name)!” Falth begged. You looked him in the eye, studying him. Despite Proll being his biological father, Falth was not upset in the slightest that his father wanted you to have his pistols instead of him. Falth wanted you to have his pistols instead of him. There was not a hint of jealousy in his earnest, kind eyes that looked so much like his father’s. You looked back down at the beautiful pistols and sighed. 

        “Are you positive you want me to have these?” You asked one last time, already knowing what the answer would be. 

        “It’s not like you to be so hesitant.” Gran chuckled. “Of course we’re positive.” 

        “Here,” Ma called, offering you two leather holsters that matched the two you were currently wearing. She was smiling. Falth was smiling, and so was Gran. 

        Your shoulders sank as you gave in, taking the holsters, attaching them to your belt, and carefully inserting the pistols. You checked them over, making sure they had the safety on before covering your weapons with your shirt again. You smiled. “I’ll make sure to use and take care of these two. I’ll make Pa proud again.” 

         “Now with that out of the way, let’s call down those two brats and carry on with our night! Haha!” Ma hooted joyously before pulling you all into a hug. “Jasmine! Ori! Come on down!” 

—————————————————————

        You had a wonderful rest of your day. The present that Ori and Jasmine had gotten for you was a fruit basket, full of your favorites and some fruits you had never tried before. You happily ate them all in one sitting before going to the festival. You won multiple game prizes for Ori, bought and shared food Jasmine, and carried Falth around on your shoulders while you ran around. If someone like Jerus ever saw you acting like this, you don’t think you could’ve ever lived it down. You’d probably have to kill yourself. Your reputation would be totally ruined. 

        But luckily for you, they weren’t here. Jerus was somewhere in Marine headquarters, probably doing something boring while you laughed and played in the twilight. Having this kind of freedom was wonderful. 

        Soon, the rain would fall, and the festivities would peak. You could smell it coming as the sky darkened quickly. A tarp was set up over the band, which had swapped with the previous band about an hour ago. All the lanterns strung around the town were lit, the light reflecting off of the sea glass tied next to the lanterns and created beautiful colored light on the ground. Some people had already went inside for the night, but there were still plenty of partygoers present. Alcohol booths were the most popular at the moment, since most of the children were asleep now. 

        Gran, Ori, and Jasmine were in the group of people who had left early. They had gotten worn out and decided to sleep while you, Ma, and Falth decided to stick around a while longer. Currently, you were enjoying some kind of chocolate-based custard at a booth that was off to the side, somewhat far from the festivities. 

        “- and then Jasmine pulled out the biggest bug I’ve ever seen! You should’ve seen the look on Ori’s face!” Falth laughed, recalling a story that you hadn’t heard yet. 

        You laughed along with him. “I can imagine it!” 

        Ma gently laughed along with you before looking up at the sky. “I think it’s about to start. We should get going- we don’t want to miss the big dance after the Protector is picked.”

        “Good idea,” Falth nodded, getting up and throwing away his trash. “Are you coming, (Name)?” 

        “No, this is where I say goodbye for tonight.” You replied, remaining seated. “I’m going to go back for seconds before heading home.” 

        “Alright, (Name), if you say so. We’ll see you tomorrow, then?” Ma asked, already walking away. 

        “We’ll see.” You called back, a more serious look replacing your previously joyful one once their backs were turned.

        Rain started to fall soon after they left. You closed your eyes, enjoying the feeling of the cold droplets falling on your skin. You walked around the outskirts of the town, far from where everyone else was located, barely being able to hear the music or see the lights. The tranquility of the moment was ruined by the sound of your transponder snail. 

        “Purupurupuru… Purupurupuru… Ca-cha.” 

        “Who is it?” You asked, annoyance seeping into your voice. You immediately regretted it upon hearing the voice on the other side.

        “That wasn’t very nice of you. Is that any way to speak to your friend, Dark Stalker (Name)?”  

         Doflamingo had called you.

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1059 - Initial Thoughts

And we're back from our break

One Piece's final saga still has yet to find a destination, since we still have a tsunami of pieces outside of Wano that have yet to fall into place, the aftermath of the Reverie is still widely unknown to us so we have to further look into what happened while the Straw Hats, Law and Kid were upsetting the system.

Spoilers for the Chapter, support the Official Release also

So Caesar's gas was hallucinogenic, causing Oven and Katakuri to fight one another. I'd still back Katakuri to win that one though

Seems Marco caught up with Shanks who gave him a lift back to his island

Shanks still wanting Marco on his crew too, wonder if they gushed about Luffy or chatted about Ace during the voyage

Marco doesn't want to babysit Shanks and though Shanks refutes that Papa Beck can't back him up XD

And like, Marco you're just over half the age Whitebeard was stop using the 'I'm old' card

Wano arc may be over but we keep flashing back to Wano still

Get a bit more validation for Yamato staying, seems that Yamato is indeed staying to protect Wano from threats rather than 'touring Wano' like he told Momo, saying that to maintain his pride

In a way Yamato is still a reserve Straw Hat, but Luffy is kinda leaving Yamato in charge of Wano, which gives them both peace of mind that it'll be safe, much like Vivi and Alabasta

Sanji I'm begging you to treat Yamato like a dude

Marco announces his departure so Luffy makes sure to thank him for Marineford, Jinbe and Marco also do a bit of reminiscing before Marco tells Luffy that Ace'd be proud

Oh shit we're covering Amazon Lily now

Boa's alive, but she like Mihawk has to assess leaving their island to protect it, but instead of Croc on the call she is considering just marrying Luffy again

I keep forgetting that it's been weeks since the fallout

The new Pacifistas are called Seraphims?

Margaret and Sweetpea cameo, where's Aphelandra??

Oh. Ohhhh nooo. They got Lunarian Pacifistas, and they've made them kids to be extra shrewd

Oh Shit and now Blackbeard is here??

He's after Boas fruit! Shit! Fuck! But they're all so ugly!

Can we just stab Vasco in his gross face, seriously ew man

Marines being bitches and waiting for an order to fight an emperor that's swatting you like flies

Poor Coby's trying his best, trying to negotiate Boa's surrender to cease the fighting, but Boa refuses to be anyone's captor again

Seems Blackbeard knows about Lunarians too

Oh that looks like a baby King! With Mihawk eyes!

And maybe Mihawk swordplay given that it cleaved half of Amazon Lily entirely

I guess Blackbeard used Black Hole to suck the Pacifista into his void

Boa meanwhile has Slave Arrow'd everyone, but the other Pacifista has no care for collateral

Coby tries to order it off but Blackbeard then gets his grips on Boa

Ooh, Boa's bounty is in the 1bn club, and Blackbeard did indeed get a bounty increase to 3.996 billion

Devon talked big game but even she got turned to stone with Vasco and Helmeppo

Boa's got an ace up her sleeve too, killing her will permanently turn Blackbeard's commanders to stone

More mystery surrounding Rocky Port, but it seems to have had the accidental consequence of Blackbeard ousting out 'Ochoku' and taking over Beehive. Could Ochoku be the man with flames on his face? Edit: Oh shit Ochoku was a Rocks pirate member! Coby, Law and a Rocks pirate all in one place!?

Blackbeard asks Coby his opinion on letting Boa go if she releases their men, which Boa claims she'd agree to do if they leave

But Teach doesn't buy it, he expects Boa to turn on them so he opts to kill her despite Coby's protests

AND NOW RAYLEIGH IS HERE!

Rayleigh plays the negotiator to ensure that both side's terms are met, so Blackbeard still has some fear in him for the legends

Hang up, Shakky FORMER EMPRESS OF AMAZON LILY AND FORMER CAPTAIN OF THE KUJA PIRATES???

Guess that explains how she'd know Boa would fall for Luffy, she had some first-hand experience with Rayleigh

Throws out the theory she was from Rocks, maybe? They make a point of it being two generations ago, so there's still a generation between Shakky and Boa

Telling though that Rayleigh thinks he can't beat Blackbeard though, he did ride off his own legend there

Whoa, one of the Lunarian Pacifistas looked like a kid Boa, but with star eyes

And Coby got kidnapped by Blackbeard!!!

Well shit Oda how much more can you escalate this?

Blueballing us with Sabo we instead get stuff on Boa, but I'm also curious if Marco spotted something on his way back to Sphinx, Weevil is still out there after all...

People will probably feel better about Yamato not joining with this explanation, think Oda probably added it in because of the negative impact. Still no word on Carrot though so I'm still trying to manifest that (I mean, how can Chopper be deemed by the WG both a 'pet' and a commander? It don't add up).

But then of course, information tsunami.

The new Pacifista are a problem, one which does indeed put the Navy has a powerful force in what I'd assume to be an all out war between Luffy and his enemies; from Blackbeard, Cross Guild and now the Navy there are a lot of threats at hand. The 'Seraphim' are dangerous given how Vegapunk has been able to replicate Lunarian DNA - thanks to all the King experimentations - and other warlords. One must wonder when they got the Warlord's DNA, and who they still have left? If they're able to duplicate DF powers we might even see clones of Law, Crocodile, Doflamingo and Blackbeard too, or even marines like Garp, Sengoku and the admirals! I'm not sure if they're actual children either, so they could potentially grow up or just be children to make enemies hesitate. The Hawk Eye does imply that Mihawk has some power in his eyes that improves his swordplay, but then again Blackbeard could block it with his Haki, the star eyes of the Boa Seraphim is interesting, maybe those are Doffy's eyes?

Calling them 'Seraphim' makes me worry that there are levels to the SSG too, maybe the Seraphim are just the Lunarian pacifistas, and there are other variants. Right now they don't seem to have an offensive weakness either, unless Vegapunk has hidden something in them like he did with Kuma's mission to protect the Sunny.

The times are getting tense when Rayleigh's not confident either, and this does mean that Boa may have to leave to avoid a second assault. Shakky as another empress may have intel to find a safe place for her though.

And then Coby, interesting that Blackbeard took him hostage, never seemed like that kinda guy. But maybe Teach wants to draw someone out; the marines, Garp, Shanks, Luffy? How Coby reacts is key since this is just like with Alvida all that time ago. It'll be interesting if he comes across Aokiji as well while in captivity.

We also have to remember that the WG themselves may also have tricks up their sleeve, Im is still a mystery - and Oda won't let Sabo tell us what went down with Vivi and Cobra yet - and we still don't know enough about Vegapunk or Rocks or Bonney or the other remaining ex-warlords (Weevil and Moria) or the Revolutionary Army to see what they can bring to the table to match. We don't even know if Big Mom and Kaido survived yet!

Long story short, this is getting crazy, and I don't think Oda's done

[theunderneath]

I'm sorry i'll probably annoy you but can I ask for more minks S/O? Luffy, Zoro, Sabo and Ace (I laughed so hard when you said that you had to search but I don't blame you I would be really confused too)

You're not annoying me. I like having something to do when I’m bored so asks are welcomed. Glad to know someone found it funny. I laughed at myself for a little because it was so stupid. Also, I find the Luffy gif in this post extremely hot and can’t convince me otherwise (It could go the same for the others but I find Luffy goofier but this one awakens something in me). Anyways same bunny Mink type I’m going with.  

Monkey D. Luffy

“Hay! How do you poop?”

Luffy ould usually find you interesting for three minutes then get over it.  But this time he doesn't. Likes the fur because he likes lying on it, rubbing it, and running his hands through your hair. He loves it when the full moon comes around too, seeing you change just reminds him you can get even awesome. Your increased strength is completely awesome and he needs you on his crew. It’ll be so much fun!

He doesn't kidnap you. Doesn't even consider it. At least in the normal way. He’s gonna have you on his crew, even if he has to drag you onto the ship. Even though that probably won’t happen. He has a very persuasive personality. As Mihawk best put it "It's not some sort of special power, but he has the ability to make allies of everyone he meets. And that is the most fearsome ability on the high seas..." which is true.

Roronoa Zoro

“That’s cool.”

Dude doesn't really care at all. He gets why you take pride in his hair but doesn't really care much about it. It's beautiful hair and that's cool. He really likes your strength, like REALLY likes your power. Wants to train with you, that’s probably actually what got him to fall for you. Watching you transform while looking at the bright moon makes something move in his chest. Which for someone like him is surprising.

Zoro would probably try and weasel his way into your heart. If it comes down to it he knows he can beat you in a fight, if he times it right. Though he is a little dense so he’ll probably not time it right. He’ll try his best and try to get you to come quietly. He will probably also fail at that but he has no problems with using force.

Sabo

“Hay (Name)! Wanna hang out?”

Sabo loves everything about you. To your cute face to all of the fur that covers your body. He thinks everything about you is cool and or cute. Sometimes both. Especially when you transform, how your hair grows and you get taller. Something just speaks to him when that happens. Likes your hair a little too much. Please PLEASE let him brush it. 

He’s a smart boy. He doesn't need to kidnap you and he knows it. There are many ways he can get to you without causing too much trouble. He doesn't want to hurt you or start a fight. He’ll start planting the seeds of doubt in your mind. Then slowly but surely start to change your views and your values until you're in the palm of his hands.

Portgas D. Ace

“Hay! (Name) (Name) (Name)! Can I pet you!”

Ace loves it, he’s on cloud nine. Your fluff and how soft you can be. How beautiful your body is. He is utterly obsessed. Every waking moment in his life is filled with you and nothing else. He gets especially obsessed when the full moon. How your body changes and how more beautiful you get. It mesmerizes him so much. He feels like he’s going mad, which he is.

I don’t think kidnapping ever crosses his mind. Though he did want you to be with him every waking second (and sleeping second). He’ll be by your side all the time. If you try and get away he’ll guilt-trip you. Puppy eyes, crying, begging, etc. All of it. He’ll do it in front of people too. Even beg Whitebeard that you're in danger and need their protection (Aka join the damn crew or he’ll send some bandit after you).

[pastel9girlbunny000die]

Shanks/Usopp/Ace x abusive reader.s/o

Warning: Kissing, abuse, Nyctophobia, claustrophobia, sexual abuse, little nsfw!

Thanks for the request Omega-ish

Hope you enjoy❤

Portgas D. Shanks 🍺

🍺The Four Emperors are the four most dangerous and powerful pirate captains in the world. 

🍺And yes Shanks is one of them, and on top of that his a alpha.

🍺His a strong, passionate and brave man.

🍺Just by looks others might get the wrong idea thinking his cocky high ego and rude

🍺And you'd think a man like that only bat an eye for the most high class omegas, only to get in their pants.

🍺Buttttt!!!! NO

🍺Shanks is none of that, his a free spirit loving childlike man, Shanks is an extremely laid-back, preferring to take his time he doesn't rush things

🍺The first time he met his s/o...

🍺You sorta snuck on board his ship, it didn't take long for one of the crew to surprisingly find you.

🍺At first you didn't talk to him nor look him in his eyes, for your own sake you were too scared.

🍺So he let you be

🍺But couldn't ignored the way you looked, torn clothes, dirty skin, bruised and heavily scarred skin, messy hair and life drained eyes.

🍺It made him sick to the core. Just by looking at you he knew you went through horrible things

🍺He doesn't dare speak up, he doesn't want to remind you of those horrible things.

🍺As time went on

🍺Multiple times a day he goes below deck giving you something to eat and drink, than chat your ears off.

🍺He'd tell you about his many adventures, all the islands he been too how he met each of his crew, he even dig out the most personal things like how he lost his arm and how he got the three scars over his eye. With many more stories.

🍺It made you happy hearing them all feeling free with this red hair man, he made you smile laugh talk and sead tears of happiness, since you met him

🍺He even gave you a name. A place to belong and protected you, he thought you how to defend yourself and be badass. You learned how to read, write, cooking much much more

🍺He became your Alpha and claimed you as his omega, forming a strong bond connecting your hearts and souls forever.

🍺It made you glad that you snuck aboard his ship.

🍺Dispense having a new life living it to the fullest. Your heart is still scarred.

🍺Your fear came to life again when The Red Force docked at the same island you escaped from the first time you snuck on Shanks ship.

🍺Your alpha is the first to know your distress.

🍺But you chose to lie and tell him your okay, even though he didn't believe you he still You made sure to stuck to his side 24/7.

🍺It made him happy that you seek comfort from him but also placed him on high alert.

🍺Yes Shanks knows why you don't wanna be here and he makes sure this is only a quick restock in and out.

🍺Not staying for a drink or party.

🍺It was hard for you too open up to him but he was sure to listen to every word that left your mouth.

🍺(Any person of your choice) they where horrible people, using omegas for slavery abusing them to the breaking point, once brought the omega can be used for anything of the owners choice.

🍺All the torture and pain you felt locked up in a cage days ends night ends.

🍺It made Shanks furious and angry, but he knows that he couldn't do anything what has been done can't be un done

🍺All he could do is comfort you, purr in your ear brushing away your tears.

🍺From then you knew he'd always be yours heart body and soul

🍺Give you anything.

🍺And everything.

🍺But the tables turned quickly when you and him ran into (Any person of your choice) the person who abused Shanks omega for years.

🍺In anger (Any person of your choice) tried to lure you back to them, while you quiver behind Shanks hiding in his cape, he could feel your smaller from trembling pressing your face in his thoracic spine and hands gripping his shirt.

🍺He could smell the change in your scent it wasn't sweet or loving anymore it was replaced with (Displeased smell of your choice), it made his inner alpha very protective of you.

🍺Now Shanks isn't the kind of man that would turn to violence and rudeness in this kind of situations.

🍺At was at this point the guy came near you two wanting to rip you off your alpha, but didn't go to well for him when Shanks Haoshoku Haki hit him, (Any person of your choice) drop to the ground knocked out.

🍺it was no surprise that Shanks s/o wasn't affected, they're strong but there are some fears that can leave a person trembling and hopeless

🍺But none less Shanks will protect his omega. Even if you cower in fear.

***

Usopp (Sniper King)🏹

🏹Personally you hate alphas, and because of that Luffy had a hard time getting you to join his crew, 90% of the crew is alpha's

🏹But you joined anyway

🏹When Usopp first met his s/o he like any other saw you pretty strong confidence and level headed, but being a great liar like himself he could see the fake smile

🏹He decided to just stay out of it. But he couldn't help but wanting to get closer to you, get to know you and enjoy time with you

🏹First of all you really like Usopp ever since you step foot on Marry, he was funny goofy and outspoken brave

🏹And you like him so much that you'd even back him up in a fight, he's a real cute beta

🏹Yes, you read that right... Usopp s/o thought that he was a beta, he doesn't necessarily act like an alpha he has no confidence high pride or cocky ego.

🏹Blindly with the idea of him being a beta, made you grew closer to him, forming a great friendship making everlasting memories and moments

🏹At a point you confessed your feelings and he accepted them making you the happiest omega alive.

🏹It made him happy too

🏹But you two haven't mated/marked each other yet. It doesn't mean you haven't created a unbreakable bond

🏹But you also haven't told him about your childhood and what happened, not ready to dig out all the pain and suffering

🏹That was until you two got separated from the others trying to get back to the Thousand Sunny and crew

🏹Somehow you guys docked at the wrong island, with a flesh eating gigantic snake living on it.

🏹And Yes... it was currently chasing Usopp and his s/o though the forest.

🏹"Run run run! Its going to eat us!" Usopp cried dragging his s/o along with him running for thier lives

🏹Well you see the both of you would've easily beaten the crab out of the thing.. if ya didn't leave your weapons on the Sunny.

🏹Luckily for you, Usopp spotted a old mine tunnel in your path of crisis without thinking he rushed you two in.

🏹Now here's the thing-

🏹When Usopp's s/o where a child they where sold off to a group of mountain bandits and they didn't treat their "item" with care, they locked you up in a cage and tortured you for days whipping you breaking you down mentally and physically and on special days they shut you in a box and shove you into darkness

🏹You develop claustrophobia and Nyctophobia, which wasn't good you have been able to avoid them for long

🏹But in this situation it brought up both.

🏹The tunnel was blocked with a death end and you two took too many turns you couldn't see the daylights anymore along with the place being small for two people.

🏹The little light Usopp managed to make wasn't working well for you.

🏹Your breath became heavier the walls felt like their closing in, your heart beat filled your ears beating faster and faster, your body paralyzed your vision somehow became blurry.

🏹You were having a panic attack before you knew it.

🏹"(Y/n) babe. What's wrong?" Usopp caught on real quick smelling the change in your scent and hearing soft whimpers leave your lips as tears stream down your face.

🏹It made the alpha in him click taking control, crouching down in front of you taking your hands into his

🏹His scent reaching you for the first time it was so strong and powerful the purr from him calmed your body and mind.

🏹His alpha reaching out for your omega the first time ever, you saw the thing you hate with passion and Usopp was one of them

🏹But different you knew him for a long time and shared so much with him, his nothing like them he genuinely loved care protect you without expecting anything in return.

🏹Calming you and scenting you the best of his ability.

🏹Not thinking at all you told him in a broken voice with tears about your phobias and the abuse you suffered as a child.

🏹Opening up your most venerable side.

🏹He truly felt connected to you finally broke your walls, without trying.

🏹He continue to comfort you telling you silly stories and making you giggle here and there.

🏹While you both waited for the others to find you, it didn't take long

🏹That night he made sure to claim you as his, marking you and all promise to protect you and help you overcome your fears

🏹He even accepted you as you are.

***

Portgas D. Ace🔥

🔥Ace met you when he joined Whitebeard, that's when he became attached to you.

🔥Wherever you go he goes, his always by your side, if he or you don't have a mission that is.

🔥Truthfully Ace doesn't know much about your pass and that doesn't bother him, but your still not a very open person.

🔥At least he knows little things about he was able to pick up on the way like how your strong and brave, but also quite and patient how you are less social and older than him but looks hella young.

🔥But what catch his attention is all your scars they must have been from great battles but the most painful one is the one on your nape it looked as if skin was torn off leaving a nasty mark.

🔥But it was mostly covered by a shirt (or your hair if you have long hair).

🔥For you Ace is the sweetest and most honorable person you've met his cute and badass.

🔥But you love how he pouts when you treat him like a child, or baby him. It made you happy to care for him, feed him clean after him giving him much attention.

🔥It made your connection with the alpha much stronger without needing to say a word you two feel in love over the years

🔥Creating a very strong relationship and a loving one at that. You did hesitate to become his it gave you doubts and anxiety.

🔥But what you fear the most was mating with him you fear having to explain your scars near your private.

🔥Its all case of "him" that man what he did to you was no forgiving matter.

🔥That's till one night Ace and his s/o was in the perfect mood, bodies against one and other hands exploring your cloths covered flesh.

🔥He was about to unbuckle your pants which made you shot in defense pushing him away as he came crashing down the bed.

🔥At first he thought he did something wrong, seeing your face upset and pain expression.

🔥both sitting in silence, your scent increasing but with a smell to make sure Ace stayed away but his Alpha fought it wanting to be near you not leaving you in this state.

🔥He didn't made you say anything didn't ask anything just hugged you tightly to his chest rubbing your back.

🔥A long quite moment passed still in his arms you open your mouth begging him not to leave you. Tears sobbing hiccups and mumbling words left your lips

🔥"Calm down tell me what's wrong?" He kept his voice soft and purred more.

🔥"I-i use to b-be marr-married." Half a loath off your chest, it seemed Ace didn't care so what if you where married before your now here with him and your his that's all that mattered.

🔥But it all changed when you continued

🔥You were married once before. To a man you thought was truly your soul mate, you two where happy but it all shattered when you tried having children.

🔥You tried and tried and tried. But nothing.

🔥Slowly he started becoming less of the man you knew, he became rough and untenable during your "activities". He made you bleed and didn't stop when pleading for it he.

🔥He began using his alpha voice on you, scaring you. Breaking you down.

🔥Not long after he became a drunk, hitting cutting and sexually abusing you.

🔥You had enough tearing out his mark/bite, escaping his claws, but he chased after you, till you literally ran into Whitebeard, the pirate captain defended you, beat the living shit out of him, took you in treated you with respect and care.

🔥You became his daughter/son. You became one of the most strongest and feared pirate under Whitebeard. (And the old geezer is damn proud of you!)

🔥After hearing all that Ace accepted you even more, loving you with care as he continue to praise your body analyze ever curve, scar, soft squeezy place (Butt/Boobs😏) .

🔥Till he reached your private parts down below seeing the stretch marks and abusive places.

🔥He must've think its disgusting and not worth it anymore, just through you in the back. And be forgotten - That's what you thought.

🔥But instead he gave you a night you'd never forget, he was so gentle and considerate letting you take the lead. Along with marking you as his mate forever no regrets.

🔥lest just say, the following week you came on to some morning sickness, It was like destiny was telling you Ace is the only one no one else would work.

🔥Fire First Ace is your Alpha. And you his omega.

[victorie552onepiecespeedrun]

Reading One Piece pt 328: Farewell, Pirate

Chapter 576

Thoughts:

- aww, Old Trio made a birdhouse

- Blackbeard took all prisoners from Impel Down Level 6 with him. Not so forgotten to the world anymore, huh, WG?

- “Those are the worst criminals in the world!” you know, now I’m actually confused why they’re even alive. It’s not like WG would have a problem with executing them. They’re already established as cruel and not caring about pirates’ lives, and Impel Down must cost a lot of money - Level 6 alone is a lot, just look at that giant, how much does he eat, as much as Luffy I bet. They don’t even get free labor out of it, they already have slaves, besides prisoners didn’t seem to do anything except suffering there. I don’t get it

- big name, big name, big na… oh, look, finally, an ugly woman! They’re all ugly to be honest. But hey, piracy isn’t a cat walk

- (so who’s the biggest giant around? First it was Oars, then Oars Jr., now it’s that Juan guy)

- oh right, what happened in Impel Down?

- WAIT, ARE BON CLAY OK

- Sengoku wants to know how Blackbeard got here undetected. It was hypnosis, lots of hypnosis

- “If the government had seen me as a pirate, I couldn’t have opened the Gates of Justice or infiltrated Impel Down! That’s why I needed to become one of the Seven Warlords! But now that it’s done, I don’t need that title anymore!” wow, Blackbeard used WG politics to his own gain perfectly. Respect where respect is due

- You got played, Sengoku, played HARD

- “Releasing them was your plan all along?” “Zehahahaha! That’s right! It was all about it from the beginning! And that is everything! You’ll know what I mean soon enough!” damn, what plan do you have, Blackbeard

- Whitebeard had ENOUGH

- right, Blackbeard was one of Whitebeard’s people. It’s even worse now that I know Whitebeard treats his crewmates as sons. Betrayals are the worst

- “You’re the only one I won’t call son, Teach!” …yeah

- and Blackbeard continues to say important things. Looks like we’ll get a duel on our hands

- “Thatch died, but so did Ace, Pops!” Thatch’s the guy Blackbeard killed when he ran away. And DON’T call him Pops, your rights to do that got revoked

- “I respected and looked up to you more than anybody! But you got old! You couldn’t even save one of your men from execution! I spared his life on Banaro Island but that was a waste!” !!! Ace WAS saved from execution! He WAS saved!! He just acted stupid right afterwards and protected his brother!!!!!! It’s completely different!!! And, and, do you just like to hurt people or what

- “Your powers have no effect on me anymore!” *Whitebeard stabs him* YEAHHHHH  

- “That hurt, blast you!” lol

- no mercy for you bro

- Blackbeard’s crew jumps in to kill Whitebeard! Wasn’t it supposed to be a duel

- no, he’ll really die this time

- yep, flashbacks started

- oh hey, it’s King Roger

- “Want me to tell you how to get to Raftel, Whitebeard?” “I won’t go even if you tell me. Not interested in that” huh. I’m not surprised, but then where did Ace get the notion Whitebeard wanted to be a Pirate King?

- “What is that “D.” thing anyway?” “You wanna know? Then I’ll tell you” !!!!!!!!!!!!! WE COULD HAVE KNOW!! Somehow (I’m salty)

- “You’re not him…” hm?

- “The man Roger is waiting for… is definitely not you, Teach.” OH BURN

- “Just as there are some who inherited Roger’s will… someone will eventually do the same for Ace. You can sever bloodlines, but their flames will never be extinguished.” Yeah!!!

- “It has been passed down like than since ancient times! Someday one will arise who will challenge the world… and shoulder centuries of history.” …Is Whitebeard recalling the prophecy? Are prophecies a thing in One Piece? Anyway, this is IMPORTANT, I hope Sabaody and world hears that

- “Sengoku, you and the World Government… fear the Great War that will come to this world one day!” ?

- “I’m not interested in the treasure, but when it’s found… the whole world will be turned upside down!” oh, he’s talking about One Piece

- “Someone will find it. That day will come”

- “The One Piece… DOES EXIST!” Sabaody hears!! It’s live!!

- oh no. Here come the tears

- “Forgive me, my sons. I couldn’t finish off that fool. This is it for me. You’ve given me everything.” damn it

- “What kind of pirate isn’t interested in treasure? Then what do you want?” “There is something I wanted ever since I was a boy.”

- “A family” *through tears* told you

- “I owe you everything, my sons. Farewell.” Farewell, Whitebeard. You were great

- “Huh? H-he’s dead… but he’s still standing!” huh?

- “Whitebeard is dead! Even in death, even with half his face gone, he would never fall. He will forever be remembered as a monster for the way he destroyed his enemies that day.”

- “In this one battle alone he suffered 267 sword wounds… was struck by 152 bullets…and 46 cannon blasts. And yet…”

- “..neither that mighty body… nor his pirate’s pride…”

“…suffered even one “coward’s wound”!”  

rOP 327  rOP 329

[yukipri]

Marco’s Bauble Part 5 - a One Piece Mermaid AU Text Story

Here’s the next part of Marco’s Bauble!

In which the Whitebeards gossip even more, and the gossip circle widens.

Contains mention of Marco x Luffy.

Continues off of, and should be read after:

👒🐟Marco’s Bauble Part 1

👒🐟Marco’s Bauble Part 2

👒🐟Marco’s Bauble Part 3

👒🐟Marco’s Bauble, Part 4

"Does the meeting have to be in my room?"

Jozu's room feels cramped with six commanders crammed inside. The Commander bedrooms, which double as their offices, aren't exactly spacious. They're still the only crew members who even have their own private quarters, so no one complains. Of the Commander's rooms, Jozu's is the largest, simply to accommodate the fact that Jozu's physical bulk is several times that of any other Commander. So naturally, Jozu's room is where they gather when they need to have the rare Secret Meeting, away from any of Pops's rooms or public spaces that anyone can walk into.

"I don't even know why we're here," Jozu mutters mostly to himself, perched awkwardly on the edge of his own bed. Vista and Rakuyo take up the rest of his mattress, because Izo's commandeered Jozu's desk and chair. Izo's even brought a mirror and makeup kit, and is putting eyeliner on Namur for some reason. Haruta's sitting on the floor by the door, to "keep watch," apparently.

"You can leave if you'd like, it's private anyway," Rakuyo smirks. He's only been let in on the secret because he'd been the one to make up the lie at lunch, announcing loudly that Haruta had actually shouted about marigolds in Izo's new perfume and not Marco. And oh yeah, Vista's allergic to them! Hence the overreaction, of course.

It's a miracle their other brothers bought the honestly bizarre lie, and Rakuyo secretly thinks that they most definitely heard but are bro enough to play along because the other Commanders looked so pathetically desperate for them to pretend it never happened. But well, it worked out for Rakuyo, who was able to corner Izo and Haruta (along with a still very much spooked Vista), to demand answers for so generously providing a coverup, no matter how shoddy.

(Rakuyo can just imagine how the rumor mill is churning right now, now that everyone other than the night shift is crammed into the barracks and lights are out. But ah well, that's not his business, at least until he gets some answers himself.)

Which leads them to now, in a Secret Meeting to reveal all.

Jozu heaves a massive sigh that jostles the other two Commanders taking up his bed, before getting up with a creak. It's very clear that Rakuyo is especially eager to start getting all the dirt or whatever this is about, and perhaps that really isn't something he wants to be a part of.

Jozu doesn't much like being chased out of his own room, but he doesn't really like gossip anyway. Maybe it would be better to step out, and not have to deal with the drama afterwards.

"Maybe I'll go take a walk..." Some fresh night air doesn't sound too bad.

"Yeah, we'll just be talking about Marco's upcoming wedding," Haruta chortles, even as he moves out of the way to let Jozu through.

Jozu freezes. Rakuyo makes a little oooh sound.

Jozu sits back down, and Vista and Rakuyo grunt as the mattress sinks towards their brother's greater mass.

"Wait, since when was it a wedding?" Namur's eyes widen. "I only know about his proposal, not even a formal engagement yet..."

There must be several steps between "proposal" and "wedding," or so Namur thought. But perhaps he's just misunderstanding humans once again.

"Hush, don't move, you'll ruin your eyeliner," Izo scolds, and Namur shuts up, wisely, because everyone knows how Izo feels about ruined eyeliner.

"Wait, wait, wait," Jozu starts, because he's just heard several things in rapid succession that he's failing to process. Jozu prides himself on fast thinking in battle, but it apparently doesn't apply outside of it, which is a problem because he's reeling. But then again, these types of cannonballs aren't shot into his face every day.

Jozu isn't given time, because Rakuyo's hooting like a madman, flailing arms smacking Vista, who has also gone frozen and wide-eyed, and Jozu's glad that at least he's not the only brother who feels lost.

"Alright, let's hear it! Who's the lucky boy?" Rakuyo leans as far forward towards Izo and Namur as he can without his ass leaving the bed.

"Get this," Izo leans in too, just as eager. "Marco's fiancee is a girl."

Jozu chokes, but it goes completely ignored, as does Vista's gasp and dainty hand to his heart, and Rakuyo expelling what seems to be all of the spit in his mouth, all in the face of Haruta bolting to his feet and shrieking "WHAT?!" loud enough to probably be heard on the other side of the Moby.

"Izo..." Namur cringes, and looks distinctively miserable, an expression all the more exaggerated by the dramatic winged liner Izo's put around his eyes.

"It's too late, we're all here, might as well share with just our fellow Commanders no? It's a big occasion for our dearest first mate," Izo says, well over the initial guilt he felt. After all, such a big occasion for their brother is most certainly relevant to their fellow Commanders!

Everyone else in the room makes silent eye contact at Izo and Namur's exchange, immediately understanding what had occurred: Izo had been sworn to secrecy, but had slipped.

Well, they all sympathize. They feel for their poor fishman brother, they've all been in his shoes before.

But they're also all currently in this room, and the secret's been spilled, so at this point...well, what happens in Jozu's room, stays in Jozu's room, no?

And so the story comes out, and multiple other bombs are dropped: that the girl's a mermaid, Marco's never even met her, and she's also Ace's little brother.

"Wow, didn't know he liked them that young, Ace's practically a baby himself," Rakuyo mutters, and gets a sharp jab in the elbows from Vista.

“A mermaid,” Vista breathes, stars in his eyes. “A phoenix with a mermaid, that’s so romantic!”

“Isn’t it?” Namur looks eager for the first time since the meeting started, glad he’s found a kindred soul. “They’ll look so good together…”

Jozu's brain has finally caught up to the situation, but something's not adding up. He makes to raise his hand, but ends up loudly cracking his shoulder against the wall instead, which still does the job of catching his brothers' attentions.

"Wait, but I thought Ace said he couldn't join our crew because he promised to be pirates with his little brother...but if she gets married to Marco and she joins our crew, then...?"

There's a moment of deep contemplative silence.

"Well, there's the chance that Ace doesn't know about his little brother's relationship with Marco," Izo says slowly. "He might not even know that they've been corresponding."

There's a collective wince as they imagine how Ace's reaction to that being revealed might go, if it indeed is a secret. The one thing they know about Ace's little brother is that Ace has a MASSIVE brother complex, and is very, Very protective. They suddenly don’t envy Thatch.

"Do you think Thatch knows?" Vista speaks up. "Is this why he went with Ace?"

"If he didn't know, he knows now, Marco sent the letter and engagement gem to him to deliver," Namur says hesitantly, finally willing to contribute information.

"So let's get this straight, Ace thought he was just going back to East Blue to start a new pirate crew, and Thatch was just tagging along to help, but Thatch was actually sent by Marco to escort his bride back to us? Without Ace knowing? Is that right?" Haruta's eyes are wide and he sounds extremely impressed. "That's so evil of him, I didn't know he had it in him, holy shit!"

"We don't know that," Namur mumbles, but is ignored.

“Do you think Thatch’ll be best man at the wedding?” Vista wonders.

“That’s not fair!” Haruta hisses at the same time Izo shouts, “Favoritism!”

"Okay, okay, wait. So in that case, assuming Ace eventually calms down and supports the union, that means his little brother joins us, right? And if she joins, doesn't that mean Ace would join too? Since she was the only reason why he didn't join us, and he wants to be on the same crew as his brother..." Jozu can't let go of the possibility, now that it's there.

They'd all been terribly sad when Ace announced he was leaving. Their crew all understood why he had to go, a promise is a promise, and they'd still always be brothers but...the 2nd Division Commander seat had practically been waiting for him.

"There's always the chance that they mean to do long distance," Namur says then, glumly.

"That's so boring!" Izo says dismissively. "Marco should take what's his, we're pirates!"

Rakuyo cheers while Namur gasps in indignation, and everyone else sighs, except Vista who suddenly freezes.

"Marco wouldn't...leave us to join them, would he...?"

Well there's a thought.

"...We can't know what the bride thinks, but that we can ask Marco, probably," Jozu says uncertainly. Suddenly this whole "marriage" business is a lot more stressful than expected, because Jozu's not sure he likes the idea of suddenly losing their first mate, no matter how nice his future company is.

"It's not likely, probably, because they're just a baby crew, who already have our brothers as senior members," Haruta reasons. "Far more likely that they'll join us!"

"The 2nd'll be happy to have Ace and Deuce back," Vista nods, focusing on the positives, and the mood lightens considerably. "And we'll be able to have a wedding!"

“A wedding! I love weddings!” Rakuyo cheers. “Drinks all around!”

"Ace'll become our 2nd Division Commander after all," Namur says, and he looks so happy that Izo croons and pokes his cheek.

"Wait," Jozu says, and Izo groans not again. "This may be getting ahead of ourselves but...if Ace is 2nd Division Commander, that puts his room right next to Marco's...isn't that sorta awkward for the newlyweds?"

"Jozu!" Namur looks very scandalized, while Rakuyo and Haruta cackle.

"Maybe Ace'll burn a hole through the wall so they can't have any privacy," Haruta grins.

"That's terrible," Vista says, despite also beginning to smile.

This is nice, imagining what their family's future might be like. It'll no doubt be wild, but a positive change.

"But maybe being close to his brother would make Ace happier too, so maybe the 2nd Division would really be perfect," Izo says contemplatively.

"Question, would Ace's little brother be in the 1st or 2nd Division?" Namur wonders.

Bickering breaks out, but Rakuyo cuts through it. "She's Ace's brother, she might be Commander material herself, who says she'll be in one of their divisions?"

"Commander of Division 1.5," Namur says dreamily.

And oh, well, that wasn't what anyone else had in mind, but the more they think about it, the more it appeals.

"Perfectly in between her husband and brother, our future Commander of Division 1.5," Izo says it out loud, testing how it feels.

"I like it," Haruta shouts, and is echoed by his brothers.

~~

~~

~~

WHELP that took forever to write, but I hope you enjoyed! The next part has Marco :P

The number of Whitebeards keeps increasing! We now have all the main Whitebeards that are usually given attention (Marco, Thatch, Jozu, Vista, Izo, Haruta), and in addition to Namur, I decided I wanted to give Rakuyo some love! I think he looks like a Jack Sparrow rip off so I like him haha. Did anyone catch the reference?

Anyway, still very much figuring out how I want to portray them, but I'm enjoying exploring them in writing, so I'll know how to better depict them in any future art ^ ^;

As always, thank you so much for reading, and any comments are immensely appreciated!! (Comments are what make me decide how frequently to update, because the next parts are already written and up on Patreon <3)

❀ ❀ Send YukiPri an Ask! ❀ ❀

Read the next part: Marco’s Bauble, Part 6

~This ask has been added to the Mermaid AU Text Headcanons Compilation post~

[one-piece-drabbles]

Can you please do one with Rodger knowing about ace's execution and maybe ace being saved by luffy and reacting idk alive or dead. This doesn't even makes sense but anything like this will work.

Y’know, it’s not really what you’re looking for, but I figured an answer to this ask was better than no answer at all. Between rewriting an old Ace time-travel fic of mine, I’ve been working on a new Ace time-travel fic with...different goals. If you don’t mind, I’ll be using your ask an excuse to post about it.

So if any of y’all out there have facts about Roger and/or his crew (I’ll take headcanons too), send them my way! I could use some inspiration. Read on if you want a taste of what I’ve been up to with all of this.

“This will be my final order as your captain!”

Ace slowed to a stop. Final?

“It’s time for us to part ways! You must all survive and return to the new world!”

Someone was yelling, begging Whitebeard to say he wasn’t planning on dying here, but it was plain on the old man’s face: he was making himself the last sacrifice.

“I’m a relic of a bygone era!” Whitebeard declared, silencing the complaints. “No ship can carry me into the new age! Get away from here, my sons!”

His next quake rocked Marineford, nearly throwing Ace off his feet. Luffy was still tugging him along towards the ships, but Ace couldn’t tear his eyes from his father.

“Pops!” One last word. One last look. One last something.

Whitebeard grinned in the face of the entire navy bearing down on him. “It’s been a long journey. Let’s finish this once and for all!”

All of Marineford was crumbling, the massive structures little more than paper in the face of Whitebeard’s power. The ground rumbled like the sea in a storm, but through all of it, Whitebeard was an unshakeable pillar of destruction.

Haruta broke rank. “We can’t leave you behind, Pops!”

Whitebeard’s response was swift and catastrophic, stopping Haruta in his tracks. “Can’t you follow your captain’s orders?” he roared. “Get away from here, you lousy brats!”

The tide of pirates began to retreat. It pulled at Ace, but he remained rooted to the spot, that pounding need for just one more look crystallizing into its true shape. He broke from Luffy’s grip and took one step towards his father. His only father.

“Ace!” Luffy cried. “We gotta go!” And then, words that cut like knives: “Don’t let the old man’s sacrifice go to waste!”

That was exactly the problem. Ace glanced back at his brother. “Don’t worry, I won’t.” He turned back to the horde of marines closing in on Whitebeard, the heat of his own flames swirling around his fist. It would have to be enough.

“Out of the way!” His hiken tore through their ranks like a torrent. As the flames died down, so did he, dropping to his knees and bowing his forehead nearly to the ground. Tears built in his eyes and he squeezed them shut.

Somehow, impossibly, Whitebeard’s words carried across the distance between them. “I have little use for soft words…but tell me one thing, Ace.” The tears threatened to break through. “Was I good father?”

The damn broke. “Of course!” he cried, his whole body shaking as his voice cracked.

Whitebeard just laughed. Ace, bowing even lower, swallowed and climbed back to his feet, finally heeding Jinbe’s order to get to the front, only for a new voice to cut through all the noise.

“You free Ace and then turn tail and run, huh? The Whitebeard Pirates are a pack of cowards.” Time slowed. “But considering who your leader is, that’s no surprise! After all, Whitebeard is nothing but a loser from a bygone era!”

And suddenly, he wasn’t heeding Jinbe at all. Rage flared high in his chest and his tears burned up. He turned to face the admiral—

But Akainu wasn’t there. Uncomprehending, Ace stared at the tropical forest where Marineford had been. Five distant peaks stretched into the sky like fingers, but there were no buildings, no fortifications. Instead of walls bearing down, palm fronds rustled in the calm breeze while waves gently rolled onto shore behind him.

Even the air had changed. There was no smoke, no gunpowder, only salt. The fallen marines and pirates were gone. He turned around again, but Luffy and all of his crewmates were gone too. No ships sat on the glimmering waves. No ice held fast the sea.

“P-Pops?” His voice sounded strange to his ears. The breeze came again. A coconut broke free and tumbled the long way to the ground, only for it to get stuck in the sand. “Luffy?”

Another spin didn’t change anything. There was no one around. The sun wasn’t even in the right place. It hung high in the sky, dead at its zenith.

His balance rocked and he sank to his knees. Was this a joke? A Devil Fruit? He brought his arms up to hug himself, only to notice something odd about his left. There was no ink in his skin; his ASCE tattoo had disappeared. Yanking off the tank top that had materialized on his torso and tossing it aside, he craned his neck, fingers pulling on his skin to bring more of it into view, but no matter how he looked—over his left shoulder, over his right shoulder, around his sides—his Whitebeard tattoo was nowhere in sight. It was like it had never been there at all. Even his necklace was gone.

He held out his shaking hands, only then realizing just how small they were. His gaze drifted back to the trees. Were they really that big, or was he…

He was. Shaking harder, he tried to summon some fire, any fire, but nothing happened. There was no response at all. When he dug his nails into his palms, though he could feel it just fine. He could feel everything—the breeze tousling his hair, the sand shifting under his feet, the sun warming his skin. The odds that this was a dream or a nightmare were dwindling with every second that Ace spent hoping this wasn’t real.

Something crashed through the underbrush just past the tree line. Ace froze, then scooped up his shirt and gave chase. Branches lashed at his skin, but even though he hadn’t been this small in years, he still remembered all those days crashing around Goa Island. This place didn’t hold a candle to those wild forests.

The shadow darted left. Ace hooked a hand around a tree’s narrow trunk and swung after it, but he overestimated his reach and fell comically short. He tumbled to a stop, backside stinging, pride bruised.

As he raised his eyes from the ground, he met the gaze of a wild boar. It blinked at him, then, with a huff and a snort, turned and walked away.

That was what he’d been chasing? Ace let his head fall and scrubbed a hand through his hair. What was going on?

“And why am I a kid?” he mumbled. Sure enough, his voice came out way higher pitched than he was used to. Letting his hand fall, he tipped onto his back and stared up through the canopy. He hoped Luffy was okay. His sworn family, too. If they’d come all that way to save him only for him to disappear in the middle of it…Well, Pops would probably keep everyone in line. Marco, too.

He squinted as the sun came out from behind a cloud. What did he know? He was a kid again, for some reason. He was on some island he’d never seen before, for some reason. And, of course, he didn’t have his powers anymore, for some reason. The strategy he’d used to escape that island with Deuce wouldn’t fly here.

As the edge of another cloud took the edge off the sun’s glare, Ace’s skyward gaze fell on the mountains punching over the horizon.

Any kind of vantage point was better than nothing, right? At least he could see if there were any other islands nearby. If this was an archipelago, there were probably people on one of them, and where there were people there were ships.

Getting to the mountain was the easy part. As small as he was, and without being able to rocket himself upwards with his devil fruit, he found himself struggling to actually get up the mountain. Strength wasn’t the problem, but something as simple as a handhold being a couple feet out of reach was enough to stymie him until he found another way up.

By the time he got to the top, he was sweaty, dirty, and tired. He’d scraped his knees and bloodied his fingers before he’d realized that he could still use haki to protect himself from the damage he’d been able to ignore as a logia user.

He sat down hard, drawing in deep breaths. That had unequivocally sucked, but at least he was at the top now. He’d picked the shortest and closest mountain, figuring that anything out of sight from its peak would be out of his reach anyway. Once he had his breath back, he pushed himself to his feet and peered out over the ocean. The wind was much harsher up here, and he had to use a hand to shade his eyes from the sun. The light bouncing off the cresting waves was still bright enough to hurt.

No matter how long he looked, he only saw those waves. It was ocean as far as the eye could see. No other islands, no chain, and no people. Even though he’d kind of expected it, frustration still curled his lips into a frustrated scowl.

What was the point? Why was he here?

Releasing his irritation in a huff, he turned to start the long climb down. It would probably be easier than coming up, since he could use his haki to absorb some of the longer drops from ledge to ledge.

A blurry smudge near the horizon gave him pause. He stopped and peered out at it. Was it a cloud? No, it was getting closer. It was on the water.

His heart lifted. It was a ship.

He threw caution to the wind as he scrambled down the mountainside. His rushed haki didn’t save him from everything, but the adrenaline pumping through his veins numbed the pain. He landed hard on the forest floor, rolled to his feet, and then tore through the trees. He needed to give that ship a reason to stop at this island in case it was just sailing by. A kid waving from the beach would catch anyone’s eye, right?

Panting, bruised, and bleeding, he broke through the tree line, stumbled on the sand, and limped up to the water’s edge.

“Hey,” he croaked at the approaching ship. “Hey!”

He drew breath to yell a third time, but as he did, the wind changed. The ship’s crimson sails filled out, its flags snapped out horizontal, and Ace got a good look at the symbol emblazoned upon them all. His voice died.

A mustached skull and crossbones.

The Roger Pirates.