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Chapter Text

Of course, things go wrong when things are just looking good for Law. Just as he was about to propose an alliance with Straw Hat Luffy, a bright light appeared out of nowhere, and everything went black.

When he woke up he almost had a panic attack looking at all the different people in the room he awakened from. The room was pretty spacious with different types of chairs and couches, there was also a large black rectangle in front, facing the seats– that looked really comfortable to Law. He had to take a moment and calm himself, when he realized he was the only one awake– thank god. As he observed the powerful unconscious bodies, he spotted pink feathers, and immediately tried to attack him– keyword 'tried'. When he tried to activate his devil fruit power, nothing happened, that's when he noticed that Kikoku was missing. When he tried to use other means to try to dispose of the feathered freak, an invisible force held him back and prevented him from moving any further.

So, that leads him to where he is now, silently watching the other occupants in the room– that Law's tried to escape from– only to find out that there's no exit. He's slightly worried about when the others will wake up because he knows it's not going to be a pretty sight. Law's just hoping, for when they wake up, that the invisible force will work on them too.

As if on cue, he heard a low grunting, and immediately tensed. It seemed like everyone decided they wanted to wake up together because everyone was slowly opening their eyes, and looking around. He did not want to be the center of these strong- and possibly insane- people's attention, so he tried to hide against one of the walls in the room and watched the others try to figure out what was happening.

"What the hell- where the hell am I?!" asked an angry redhead.

Law immediately cringed when he noticed that it was Eustass Kid who shouted. He was glad he wasn't in his shoes right now. Thankfully, Eustass seemed to understand his situation once he looked around the room and noticed the overpowered people in the room, and immediately tried to access his devil fruit power with no success. Law noticed that Eustass looked around the room in confusion- and a little fear- before his eyes settled on Law. He seemed a little relieved, and made a beeline for him- and Law couldn't blame him. He himself was secretly reassured that someone of the same power level was with him, but would never admit it out loud. As Eustass made his way to Law, he took note that the others in the room didn't notice Eustass move or ignored him in favor of figuring out where they were which he was thankful for. When Eustass reached him, he didn't say a word and they both watched the conflict that was about to erupt.

"Eeh- Rayleigh, I think I had one too many drinks last night because I'm pretty sure we were on the Oro Jackson when we went to bed."

"Don't worry, you're not going mad captain. We were definitely on the Oro Jackson."

"Then explain why we are in a room, full of random people- oh hey look, it's Newgate."

"You're right, I wonder if he has any idea how we got here."

"Hey, Newgate! Do you know what's going on or how we got here?!"

"Oh Roger- of course, you would me in the middle of this mess- and no I don't know what's going on, I was on the Moby Dick last time I checked. It seems like we're in the same boat."

"Aww, that sucks. Oh, hey Marco."

"Hey."

There was an awkward silence. It seemed the other individuals in the room were as baffled at the exchange as he was.

Suddenly there was a bang, and everyone tensed and looked around for any threat. Everyone turned their heads towards the noise and noticed a puff of white smoke was above their heads and a piece of paper was falling from it. Everyone watched as it gracefully floated down and landed in the pirate king's hands. He seemed to make a decision in his head because he nodded to himself and unfolded the piece of paper and read it. There was a tense silence then- WACK!

"Ow! Rayleigh what was that for?!"

"Read it out loud dumbass!"

"Oh."

The pirate king cleared his throat and read,

"Welcome everyone. I know y'all are confused and wondering what's going on."

There were some scoffs and grunts- in agreement or in exasperation Law didn't know.

"I have gathered you all here for an important viewing, but first, as I'm sure you've noticed, there are some people here that are from different times. So, first things first, I need y'all to introduce yourselves and tell me what time period you're from. And please just cooperate, because I don't have time for you to complain about how you're busy or you could be doing something more important than this. In any case, time has momentarily stopped from the outside world so there should be no complaining. And before you ask how I am able to do this, let's just say it's my devil fruit power. After you have introduced yourselves another paper will appear and give y'all more details about what y'all will be doing."

There was silence until-

"Ok, I guess I'll go first. My name is Gol D. Roger, captain of the Roger Pirates, and I am from XXXX period." grinned an overly happy pirate king, considering his situation.

Law guessed that's who he was, but he was still shocked when it was confirmed. It seemed that others in the room agreed with Law because some people seemed to shift around in uneasiness.

The next man rolled his eyes and stepped forward,

"I'm Rayleigh, first mate of the Roger Pirates, and I'm from the same time as him."

There was less shuffling at the statement, but still some uneasiness.

"I'm Whitebeard, captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, and I'm from the same time."

"I'm Marco, and I'm the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."

Marco looked really young, and it was really weird to see an almost naïve look on the man, Law thought.

"I'm Monkey D. Garp, a vice admiral for the navy, and I'm from after Marineford."

"Doflamingo, or Joker, one of the seven warlords of the sea, and I'm from the same time as the marine."

Law gritted his teeth as the feathered freak smirked. Acting like nothing was wrong, and was just enjoying the show. He calmed himself down as the next person introduced themselves.

"I'm Shanks-"

"SHANKS?!" interrupted the Pirate King. "What the heck- are you telling me that this man right here, is also the little brat who was scrubbing my deck last night?!" Roger-ya sounded totally confused and skeptical that this grown man- who's almost as tall as him- was his apprentice. As for the red-haired man, he looked exasperated, if not a little embarrassed, at his old captain's outburst.

"Yes captain, that's me." grinned the red-haired man. As for Roger, he had a dumb expression on his face, while his first mate had a thoughtful one. Law was seriously doubting that this man was the pirate king.

"As I was saying, I'm Shanks, one of the four emperors of the sea-"

"WHAT?! How the hell did-" WACK!

"Roger, shut up, and let him finish or we will be here all day."

"Oh right, sorry." There was a moment of silence then, "please continue."

Shanks looked exasperated, but there was some fondness in his eyes, then continued, "I am from after Marineford."

"Kaido, captain of the Beast Pirates, one of the four emperors of the sea, same time."

Law noticed that Kaido seemed very disinterested in what was going on.

"Mamamama, I'm Big Mom, captain of the Big Mom pirates, one of the four emperors of the sea, and from the same time as Kaido."

Suddenly all eyes went to Law and his shoulder buddy. He felt himself and Eustass tense and straightened up at all the judging eyes on them. Before Law could even say anything Eustass beat him to it- and he silently cursed the other, because that means he would have to go last.

"I'm Eustass Kid, captain of the Kid Pirates, and I'm from after Marineford." Everyone seemed underwhelmed by his title and appearance and moved their eyes to Law, and he thought he might as well get this over with.

"I'm Trafalgar Law, one of the seven warlords of the sea, captain of the Heart Pirates, and from after Marineford." Law felt relief when he didn't have to speak anymore. Some of the others in the room eyed him, but eventually, their attention was moved elsewhere when another piece of paper appeared out of nowhere and floated onto the pirate king's hands. He cleared his throat and read,

"Ok, since we got that covered, we can move on. So, as I said before, y'all will be watching an important viewing. These viewings will show the past, present, and future– and don't act shocked, all of you have been to the New World, and nothing's impossible. The viewing will show a certain pirate crew and their journey. The viewing will be shown on the black rectangle on the wall, and y'all can sit down on those chairs and couches. The viewing will contain music, and footage of this pirate crew and their adventures. Also, there is no fighting. As some of you noticed, you can not activate your devil fruit powers, and your weapons are gone. If you try other ways to inflict violence, then an invisible force will hold you back, and you will look dumb, while everyone else will laugh at you. Ok, have fun. Bye."

There was another awkward silence then–

"Well this is better than sitting in my office, so I'm in." said a clearly bored Garp.

"I wasn't doing anything either, and possibly watching the future sounds interesting." Red hair Shanks said with a grin.

Kadio suddenly moved towards the couches and chairs, plopped in a chair– that somehow grew to fit his size– and grunted, "Whatever."

Roger followed his example to the seats, and shouted, "Hey, Shanks! Come sit next to me and Rayleigh!"

Shanks shook his head in exasperation, but started to walk towards his old captain, and sat next to him on one of the couches. It was a weird sight to see Red Hair Shanks being sandwiched between the Pirate King and Dark Silvers Rayleigh. They seemed to be happily talking together, acting like this was normal.

"Gurararara, let's go Marco."

Marco hummed an agreement and they sat on a couch next to the Roger trio. Garp sat in a chair a few paces away from them, and somehow found a package of crackers and was now happily chomping on them. Doflamingo was already seated in a chair near Kiado, and Law made a note to sit far away from him. Big Mom was also seated in a chair near Kaido and was also somehow snacking on some sweets. Eustass and Law shared a glance, shrugged, and moved to a couch near the Roger trio.

There were sounds of talking and crunching sounds of people eating when–

"Did the note say what pirate crew we will be watching?" asked a confused Marco.

Some people had a look on their faces that said, "why didn't I think of that." But then Roger spoke up and said,

"Aah, no, it didn't say." the Pirate King stated kind of dumbly.

There was a ruffling sound and then an exasperated sigh, "Roger, there was a P.S at the bottom of the note." Rayleigh looked like he was about to end it all. As for Roger-ya he had a sheepish smile on his face, and said a simple, 'Oh'. Rayleigh rolled his eyes and read the note out loud, "P.S the pirate crew y'all will be viewing, are the Straw Hat Pirates."

"Bawahahahaha, of course, it's my grandson!" Garp exclaimed loudly.

Law himself was curious as to why it was Luffy and his crew that would be shown. And it seemed that his couch buddy was confused, and possibly a little angered by this. Then Shanks said something that shocked Law and some of the other occupants in the room.

"Aah, we will be watching Little Anchor, eh?" He seemed to have a fond look on his face.

His couch mates had the same confusion, but soon formed into an interesting expression on their faces when the Pirate King asked, "You know this pirate crew Shanks?"

"Well, I know their captain, Luffy," said Shanks with a grin. Well, this was news to most of the people in this room. Red hair continued, "I met him when he was just a kid, and I gave him my straw hat. He actually reminds me a bit of you, captain." He said with a laugh.

The pirates from the past looked interested, and Law was shocked to be informed that Luffy's hat previously belonged to Red Hair Shanks.

"Gah! If it wasn't for you, Red Hair, my grandson would've become a great marine!" Garp stated but didn't seem to be too entirely upset about the matter. He seemed to accept that his grandson was a pirate, and nothing could change that.

"Stop your squabbling, and let's get this over with." Grumbled the captain of the Beast Pirates.

"Mamamama! I agree, let's start this viewing so I can go back to eating my treats. Although I don't know what's so special about Straw Hat," huffed Big Mom, "He only causes trouble where ever he goes, and is just a pestering fly, one that I will soon crush, because he ate all my candy."

Ok, Law did not know that Straw Hat already had an emperor on his bad side, and was now questioning his alliance proposal to Luffy. Although it seemed Luffy had another one backing up, so he would wait on his decision until after this viewing was over. After all, it will show the future, and Law was curious to see what Luffy will do.

Suddenly the lights dimmed, and everyone went quiet. Law guessed that the viewing was about to start, and was eager to know what will be shown. It seemed the others were too because they all turned their eyes to the black rectangle.

Chapter Text

Law was really curious about what was about to be shown, and he could tell that the others in the room were too. He didn't have to wait long until the screen lit up.

There were drums and some other instruments playing in the background when the words "One Piece" showed up in a weird font that was red and yellow.

Everyone kind of jumped at the sudden light and sound, but soon calmed down in order to see what would happen next. Law was curious about what the "One Piece" part meant, but pushed it to the back of his mind.

A hand swept across the screen and displayed the execution of Gol D. Roger, on a piece of parchment.

"Wait, is that me?!" asked the man in question. Rayleigh looked shocked and confused as did the other two pirates from the past– not that Law could blame them.

"Unfortunately captain, that is you," Shanks responded with a remorseful look. Roger-ya had a blank look on his face, then nodded to himself and said,

"Well, it was gonna happen sooner or later."

Almost everyone stared blankly at the man who just accepted the fact that he was going to die in his future, and didn't seem to be upset about it. They soon got over it and turned back to the screen.

Law noticed that it looked frozen, so he concluded that if they wanted to talk or if there was an interruption, the screen would freeze.

The screen started up again and the image of Roger being executed panned to the left while a voice narrated,

"Wealth, fame, power… Gold Roger, the King of the Pirates, attained everything this world had to offer."

The parchment that was panning left, next showed a crowd witnessing the execution of the pirate king while the voice continued,

"The words he uttered just before his death drove people to the seas."

Law had to admit that this was surreal to see. He himself was alive when the pirate king was executed, but too young to remember the event. He could tell that some of the others in the room were also a little weirded out by the display. So far, none of the Straw Hats have popped up, and he was a little curious about why they haven't, but Law guesses he will find out soon.

The screen pans over to a close-up on a disheveled-looking Roger as he says,

"My treasure? If you want it, you can have it! Find it! I left everything this world has to offer there!"

"Of course, you would say something like that Roger," Rayleigh said, shaking his head with a fond–and slightly sad– look. Roger had a grin on his face, then frowned and said,

"It's a little weird to hear my own voice… Do I always sound like that?" Roger-ya had a thoughtful look on his face. His couch buddies decided to ignore their captain was the best option, and turned back to the screen, as did everyone else.

The music was crescendoing  while the screen showed sails that are being untied on a variety of ships, as the narrator from before continued,

"And so men head for the Grand Line in pursuit of their dreams!"

The screen showed different ships sailing on the ocean blue.

"The world has truly entered a Great Pirate Era!"

"Wow, I started a whole era. That's pretty cool."

"Shut up Roger."

The music seemed to be at its peek and a voice started to sing,

"We're going to gather up all our dreams."

The screen showed a smiling, Straw Hat Luffy, running towards the screen, up a hill, and jumping off of the said hill, into the shape of a star.

"Hmpf." A sound next to Law grunted. He looked over at Eustass and saw that the man had an annoyed look on his face.

"Don't like Straw hat?" Law asked curiously with a low voice in order not to draw attention. Eustass side-eyed him before saying, "He's a naïve fool, is all." Law hummed to himself before he noticed that another conversation was going on.

"So, that's the kid you gave your hat to?" Roger asked with a spark in his eye.

"Dahahaha, yup! He's grown up since the last time I saw him." Shanks seemed to have a fond look in his eyes as if he was remembering a distant memory.

"Well, I'm interested to see what he does on his journey." hummed the Pirate King. The man next to him nodded in agreement and turned their eyes back to the screen.

The images rapidly showed Luffy's crewmates; Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji.

"And set out in search of something to find"

Back at Luffy, he used his devil fruit power to stretch one of his arms to the Going Merry. The screen showed a smiling Luffy falling towards the screen while holding his straw hat, so it wouldn't fly away.

The screen showed the words "ONE PIECE" with Luffy's pirate mark in the title, with a map in the background.

"One Piece!"

"I'm guessing he has a devil fruit power then." Marco stated more than asked, "What type is it?"

Law knew the answer but didn't say anything. He did not want to speak up if he didn't have to.

"It's the Gum-Gum fruit, and it's a Paramecia type, and I should know because it was my fruit before Anchor ate it." Red Hair said with a deadpan stare.

Law had a feeling that he was going to keep getting surprises today.

"Gahahahaha! I like this kid already!" Roger said with a wide grin.

The screen showed the Going Merry sailing on the ocean blue while sea kings emerged from the water before diving back in.

"Compasses only cause delays, delirious with fever I take the helm"

The scene switched to the front of the Going Merry. Luffy was hanging off the head, upside down, while his crewmates were standing behind him smiling.

"If the dusty treasure map has been verified,"

The screen pans closer to Luffy's face as he smiles at the ocean.

"I like this song, it's very catchy." Roger nodded sagely.

"Me too, I think it fits Luffy and his crew very well." Shanks also said in the same tone. Rayleigh-ya just rolled his eyes at their antics.

Law would never admit it, but the song was pretty catchy. He thinks Bepo would like it. He wishes he was with his crew right now, instead he was here, in between all these legends.

The scene changed to a landscape view of a map, while somehow the Going Merry was sailing on it, and moved like a cartoon.

"It's not a legend!"

The scene changes to Zoro fighting with his swords, and bandana on, sending his opponents flying.

"When it comes to personal storms,"

Then Sanji kicks his opponents while smoking, and also sending them flying.

"Simply ride aboard someone else's biorhythm"

Next, to Usopp using his slingshot, and shooting an egg at his singular opponent. Then Nami hits Usopp's opponent with her staff on his head.

"And pretend it isn't there!"

A sea king– the one that chopped off Shanks's arm– swims toward the screen before Luffy uses his devil fruit power and punches it.

"Even though there's five of them, they seem strong in their own way." Rayleigh pointed out.

"Humpf, they seem pretty weak to me," Kaido grunted to Law's right.

"Considering that Luffy and his crew were in the East Blue, they were pretty strong, but now they are stronger than they ever were." Red Hair stated from Law's left.

"Mamamama! You seem pretty confident in the boy, Red Hair." Big Mom accused.

Law could feel the tension rise. He wished that he wasn't sitting in between the feud, and it seems that his couch buddy agrees with him by the way he was shifting in his seat.

"Hey! I'm trying to watch my grandson," Garp said with a cracker in his mouth, "fight later."

Surprisingly that worked because everyone turned their eyes back to the screen.

The next scene rapidly showed people that were shadowed which were: Buggy, Kuro, and Don Kreig.

The scene changed to the Straw Hats standing on the deck of the Going Merry before Luffy jumps down, and stands up with a smile.

"We're going to gather up all our dreams"

The next scene rapidly showed people that were shadowed which were: Arlong, Alvida, Smoker, and Dragon.

"Did anybody see who those shadowed people were?" Marco said, squinting at the screen.

"No," Shanks shook his head, "It moved too fast for me to see any details."

Law had a pretty good idea of who they were based on the members of the Luffy crew and the fact that this was in the East Blue. He debated on whether or not he should say anything. Well, he can't stay quiet forever, so might as well get comfortable with the idea that he was going to have to talk to these intimidating figures sooner than later. Law cleared his throat before saying,

"They're probably the people Straw Hat defeated in the East Blue." Law directed his answer towards Marco-ya because he felt the easiest to talk to.

Law felt several eyes on him, and he knows it was probably because they didn't expect him to talk, and tried to ignore it. Marco looked at him with a suspicious glance before nodding in thanks. There was an awkward silence then-

"You're Trafalgar Law, right?" asked Red Hair suddenly, with a calculating look. Law didn't know what else to do but nod, so he did. Shanks hummed to himself, and Law tensed up. Shanks looked back at him, grinned, and said a simple,

"Thanks!"

Law noticed that the others in the room were confused, especially Red Hairs couch mates, but didn't ask any questions. He himself had a pretty good idea why Shanks said that to him, and it was probably because he saved Luffy-ya after Marineford.

Law nodded to the red-haired man, and he then turned back to the screen, and that was the end of it. He could still tell that the others were confused and a little intrigued before they turned their eyes to the screen.

The screen showed the Straw Hats flag flowing in the wind.

"And set out in search of something to find"

The next scene showed Luffy leaning on a barrel, spinning his straw hat on his finger, with the sea behind him.

"A coin in my pocket, and do you wanna be my friend?"

The screen pans closer to Luffy's straw hat before it turns into a grinning Shanks wearing it, and his crew shows up with him, with a white background.

"Hey look, Shanks, it's you!" Roger said with a big grin. As for Shanks, he looked a little shocked to see himself on the screen, "Huh, I guess you're right."

Law hopes he isn't in any of these videos.

The screen switched to Luffy grinning in the front, while Nami and Zoro are behind him, also grinning.

"We are,"

The screen switched to Sanji smoking, smiling, and Usopp next to him, also smiling.

"We are,"

The screen showed the Going Merry sailing away on the ocean blue.

"On the cruise!"

The screen showed the words "One Piece" as it did in the beginning.

"We are!"

The screen fades to black and the music stops.

There was silence– in case anything else was to start on the screen– but then the lights brightened and nothing else started on the screen.

"Huh, I guess that was it," Roger said, "Well that was a really fun experience, I can't wait what else we will see!" Rayleigh, next to him, nodded in agreement.

"Gurararara! This brat looks interesting like you said, Roger." Whitebeard said with an amused smile.

Law didn't understand what was so interesting about Straw Hat-ya. I mean sure he's impulsive, reckless, and strong, but they haven't seen that yet. Maybe it's because Shanks-ya gave the straw hat to Luffy, or that he is a 'D', but Law doesn't know.

"He looks irritating to me." said a voice that sent shivers down Law's spine. Everyone looked over at Doflamingo who hadn't said a word since he introduced himself.

"Oh yeah?" asked a curious Pirate King with an intent stare, " Have you met him?"

"Once," grinned the feathered freak, "and from what I saw, he's the kind of guy that doesn't know when he's beat. Sure, he's got some power, but he's tied down to his feelings, and that makes him weak. He barges in without thinking and doesn't know what he's getting himself into, and that will get himself killed," Doflamingo smirked, "just like his brother."

"Watch your mouth brat!" shouted an angry Garp, "Don't talk about my grandsons like you know them!"

"Hmhmhm," laughed a clearly amused warlord, "like you have any room to talk, Vice Admiral. You didn't do anything when your family was going to be executed. You sat there and watched as your grandson got killed, and only then did you think you should step in, only to end up getting your face smashed into the ground."

There was a tense silence. Garp seemed like he wanted to retort but ended up keeping quiet. There was conflict in his eyes, as he seemed to stew in his thoughts. Law could tell the past pirates were confused by the exchange, and Shanks had a sad expression on his face.

"That's enough Joker," Kaido said in a bored manner. Doflamingo didn't do anything but smirk to himself. Law had to remind himself to stay calm. He just had to wait and be patient, and then he could start his plan.

It was silent for a while before the lights started to dim, and everyone turned their eyes back to the screen.

Chapter Text

Law was uneasy as the silence continued on, he wanted the viewing to start, so the tension could melt away, but even though the lights dimmed, nothing showed up on the screen. Maybe something wasn't working, or they were finished. However, Law remembered that the note said that they would be watching 'viewings' as in plural, so they couldn't be done yet.

Just as the silence was becoming unbearable, a light showed up on the screen. Law was expecting to see Straw Hat or some of his crew, but instead what he saw were words, which read,

"Y'all will be watching something a little different from the last viewing. Y'all will be watching a fight that Straw Hat Luffy fought in the East Blue. There will also be some information about Luffy's crewmate. This fight is also what gave Luffy his first bounty, 30 million berries. So, I hope you enjoy it."

Law was curious how they would be able to see a whole fight, but he guessed that's just this person's power.

"At least this will be more entertaining." grumbled the Beast Pirate. Law had to agree, he was interested to see how Straw Hat got his first bounty. He also wanted to know how Luffy fought, it would help Law know how to work with him if he decided he wanted to make an alliance with him.

"Well, I'm interested to see how Anchor uses his devil fruit powers," Shanks said with his head tilted to the side, "and see the different types of people he's gathered for his crew."

"Me too, I want to see this kid in action!" Roger said with a grin. Others seemed to agree, and they all turned their eyes to the screen. Suddenly more words showed up on the screen.

"Before we start the viewing, I will give you some backstory and information, so you won't be totally confused. First, the man who Luffy will be fighting is a Fishman named Arlong. He came to the East Blue to conquer it and took over a village as his base. This village is actually the home to one of Luffy's crew mates, Nami."

Law gritted his teeth, he knew where this was going.

"When Arlong took over she was 10. For complicated reasons, Arlong killed Nami's mom and kidnapped Nami. Arlong made a deal with Nami saying that if she could steal 100 million berries, then she could ensure her village's freedom. Nami agreed and became one of the Arlong Pirates, and has been for 8 years. At first, Nami's village thought she betrayed them but soon found out that Nami joined Arlong to free them. Nami was close to getting all the berries, and Arlong didn't like that, so he broke their deal, and used a marine to confiscate all her stolen berries. Nami found out and tried to handle it herself by talking to Arlong, but he threatened to kill all the villagers. So, Nami could do nothing but agree, and start over to get 100 million berries. She went back to the village to tell them that everything was fine and that they didn't need to worry. Instead, the villagers were angry and were planning to fight back. The villagers agreed that Nami did everything that she could to help them, but it was their turn to help. Nami tried to stop them, but they all ran past her to Arlong Park, and that is where this next viewing will pick up."

Every word that Law kept reading, he could feel himself getting angrier. He had no idea that the navigator had to go through all that. She must have felt useless, and Law could relate to that feeling.

"That poor girl had to go through all of that, and her village will probably be slaughtered by the fishmen, too," Roger said with a remorseful look.

"Hopefully, Luffy will be able to help her, and defeat Arlong," Shanks said with the same tone. Roger nodded in agreement. Law looked at them in confusion. Didn't they know that Luffy beat Arlong, the person showing them the screen said that at the beginning. Also, Nami is a part of Luffy's crew, so she's fine.

"Well, we do know that Luffy defeats him since that's how he got his first bounty." Marco said with a thoughtful look, "I'm interested to see how that goes."

Roger and Shanks looked over at Marco with a look of disbelief. Rayleigh facepalmed and shook his head at their stupidity. Law had no idea how the first mate could put up with their antics, he doesn't think he could. Good thing that his crew didn't act that unintelligent– they do have their moments, but not often.

The words finally disappeared, and everyone turned their eyes to the screen.

The screen showed Nami, with a look of fear in her eyes, and she was breathing heavily. She had a bloody knife in her hands, which she soon dropped, and made a clanking noise. Nami fell to her knees, with her head bowed so her hair shadowed her eyes. Nami had a distraught look in her eye, as the other was covered by her hair.

"Nami doesn't look so good." said a worried Marco.

"Of course, she's not dumbass, she just found out that her goal was for nothing, and her whole village is about to be potentially slaughtered by fishmen." Law cringed when he heard that voice. He tried to scooch as far as possible from the person sitting next to him.

There was silence as everyone's eyes focused on the person next to Law. For the first time since he introduced himself– at least out loud to the rest of them– Eustass decided to speak up. Law agreed with what he said, but he didn't have to insult the first mate of the Whitebeard Pirates. Marco looked over, slightly startled by the new voice, but soon his face morphed into a look of confusion.

"Uhh, what's your name again?" Eustass's face grew into an agitated one, as he replied to Marco's question,

"It's Eustass Kid."

"Oh." simply said the Phoenix. Eustass rolled his eyes and turned back to the screen. Law didn't know what his problem was, but he knew that he didn't want to get dragged into it.

Everyone seemed to get that the conversation was over, and turned their heads away from their couch.

The screen slowly zoomed out to show Arlong's mark tattooed on Nami's shoulder. Suddenly a laugh is heard, and Arlong is shown behind Nami. As Arlong fades away, Nami looks at her shoulder and clenches it with her hand. Nami heavily breaths in and cries,

"Arlong!"

Nami clenches the tattoo on her shoulder. She is trembling, and she sounds like she is about to cry. Then it shows Nami picking up the blade she dropped-

"Arlong!"

Nami's tattoo on her shoulder is suddenly being stabbed by the blade, and she immediately starts to bleed.

There were some intakes of breaths, and hisses before–

A wider view shows Nami on the ground stabbing herself, and she screams,

"Arlong! Arlong!"

She keeps stabbing herself, her face is in agony, while she cries.

Law is horrified by what he is seeing. He had no idea that the happy– and slightly temperamental– navigator of the Straw Hats, could be capable of something like this. Law really does feel for the girl, she was trapped, and when she was almost done with her goal, it got taken away from her, and now her village was possibly going to be annihilated. Law could understand what she was feeling, but as a doctor, he did not like seeing what Nami was doing to herself.

"That poor child," Whitebeard said with a sad look in his eyes.

"Damn that Arlong," Shanks gritted his teeth, "I hope Luffy kicked his ass all the way to the West Blue!" Shanks couch mates nodded in agreement with grim expressions on their faces.

The scene continues to show Nami crying, stabbing herself, as she shouts Arlongs name. Nami's hand– the one with the blade– is about to swing down–

"Arl–"

–but a hand stops her from doing so. It shows Nami startled from being stopped with tears running down her face, with a person standing behind her. Nami breathes heavily, before slowly turning around to see who it is, and it shows Monkey D. Luffy, with a blank expression on his face.

There were some sighs of relief.

Law was relieved when Luffy stopped her, he did not want to see the navigator hurt herself anymore.

"Good job Luffy." Shanks softly with a proud smile.

"Luffy…"

The blade drops to the ground by both of their feet. It is silent as Nami sits in front of Luffy. Then finally,

"What do you want?! You don't even know anything!"

Luffy responds in a monotone voice saying, "Yeah. I don't know."

Nami's hand clenches the dirt, while she says,

"This has nothing to do with you!"

Nami starts throwing dirt behind her to hit Luffy, and says with a tremble in her voice,

"I told you, leave the damn island already!"

She keeps throwing dirt, and Luffy doesn't move. Luffy responds again in a monotone voice,

"Yeah. You told me."

Law doesn't know why Straw Hat is so nonchalant about this. There is a girl on the ground, crying, who also stabbed herself, and is losing a lot of blood. At least, give her some first aid. Law's doctor's side is screaming right now.

Nami fully breaks down, crying. Luffy just stares at her with a blank look. Nami takes her hand and covers her mouth, to try to muffle her cries.

"Luffy…"

Nami drops her hand, and slowly turns her head towards the screen/Luffy. You can see the hopelessness and hopefulness in her eyes, and tears streaming down her face.

"Help me…"

Luffy's eyes are shadowed. Suddenly, he walks by her, and puts his straw hat on her head. Nami has a confused look on her face as Luffy keeps walking. Luffy stops a few paces in front of her. You can hear Luffy inhale, gritting his teeth-

"Of course, I will!"

Luffy's scream seemed to echo off the walls in the room, and no one said a thing. You could hear the conviction in his voice.

Nami looked shocked, but then it soon turned into relief, and tears started to stream down her face. Luffy walked back the way he came and passed Nami, and she looked on in confusion. The screen zoomed out to show the rest of the crew; Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp, and all of their eyes were shadowed. Then Luffy said with a hard stare,

"Let's go."

The screen showed the other 3 men, with also hard looks in their eyes, obeying their captain's orders,

"Yeah!"

The final shot showed Nami crying then the screen faded to black.

Law was slightly in awe of the loyalty and friendship between the Straw Hats. It looked like they had just started out as a pirate group, and you could already see the bond between them. He knew that they were a different type of pirate crew, but it was definitely interesting to see. Though Law was a little upset that they left her on the ground, still bleeding.

"Shanks, you found one of a kind," Roger said with a proud smile. Shanks also smiled in pride in himself, and his 'chosen one'.

"He does remind me of you, Roger," Rayleigh said with a contemplative look. The Pirate King tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes in thought. He nodded to himself,

"Yeah you're right Rayleigh, he does remind me of me." Law thought he sounded too proud of that fact.

"I can't wait to see Luffy beat up that Arlong bastard!" Marco said with a glint in his eyes. The rest of the past pirates, and Shanks, nodded in agreement. Law had to agree, he wanted to see some action too.

"Then shut up so we can continue. I want to see my grandson kick ass." Well, it seemed Garp was over the conversation from earlier. Marco looked offended and was about to retort before Whitebeard-ya put a hand on his shoulder. Marco huffed and settled into his cushion, he seemed to get the idea, if a bit reluctantly, and faced his head towards the screen.

Arlong is sitting on his throne at Arlong Park when suddenly there is a loud band coming from the gate. Arlong looks over in confusion. Another bang and the doors start cracking, finally, one last bang and the doors shatter.

"Well, he certainly knows how to make an entrance," Whitebeard said with a small grin.

"What?" Arlong asks in confusion.

Luffy is seen walking through, and he asks,

"Which one of you is Arlong?"

Shanks whistles, "Dang, I haven't seen Luffy this seriously mad before."

He sounds impressed, Law thought dryly.

Arlong looks pissed, as he confirms that he is Arlong. Luffy starts walking towards him while he says,

"That so? I'm Luffy."

"And, Luffy… who are you?"

"A pirate." Luffy answers as he still walks toward Arlong.

"He also gets down to business," Marco smirked, clearly anticipating the fight that is about to happen.

"What business does a pirate have with me?"

Suddenly Luffy is gone and is right in front of Arlong, and punches him into the wall and the wall crumbles.

There were some whistles. Law was impressed by Luffy's speed, he looked pretty strong even though he just started his journey as a pirate.

Arlong is angry while he asks,

"What do you think you're doing?" Now it's Luffy's turn to look angry as he replies,

"Don't make our navigator cry!"

And the screen fades to black.

"Doing all this just because some girl cried." Kadio seemed to be annoyed by the thought, "What a foolish reason."

The other side of the room definitely disagreed with that statement if their glares were anything to go by, Law thought. The past pirates– plus Shanks– had irritated looks on their faces, but didn't think it was worth their time to retort, so they turned back to the screen. The screen lit up and showed a new scene.

There is a loud crash, and Luffy is seen crashing through a window and rolling into a room.

Some people jumped at the loud noise, but soon they were more concerned for the person who crashed through the window.

Arlong is seen, and looks a little bloody, smirks, and says,

"Just curl up and sit, rubber bastard."

Luffy is seen sitting in the middle of a room of maps. He has a lot of blood and bite marks on him, and he looks around and asks,

"What's with this room?"

"What the hell happened to Luffy?" Marco asked with a worried look, "He is all bloody." he hesitated, squinting at the screen, before shouting, "Are those bite marks?!"

"We probably skipped some of the fighting," Shanks stated, fidgeting in his seat, clearly worried for Luffy too.

"This is the room where she draws her maps! These are all the sea charts Nami has drawn in the past eight years. You can search the whole world, but almost nobody's maps are as accurate as hers!" Arlong smirks, "She's a genius."

"Really." Luffy looks over as a pen drops to the ground.

Law saw that the pen was stained with blood, and he hoped he didn't think what he thought it was.

"There'd be nothing more foolish and pitiful than wasting her innate talents!-"

Luffy picks up the pen with his hair covering his eyes as he states, "This pen… is stained with blood."

Damn. Law grits his teeth in anger.

"-For Nami, continuing to draw maps here is the ultimate happiness! It's to fuel my ambitions!"

Arlong takes his weapon and moves it towards Luffy. The blades are on either side of Luffy's head, as he stares at the pen.

"He seems very unbothered that there is a weapon in front of his face." Shanks said with a deadpan stare, "Reminds me of someone I know." He said as he turned his head to one of his couch mates. Said couch mate didn't even seem to hear the others' statement, as he was still looking at the screen. A few moments passed, and almost everyone stared at the man. Roger shivered, turning his head to everyone's eyes. He had a confused look on his face,

"What?"

Some people huffed at him– some in annoyance and others in amusement– and turned their heads back to the screen.

"What?!"

Arlong continues his speech,

"Once she's revealed the entire world with her maps, we fishermen will have no more enemies, and the whole world will become my empire!"

There were some scoffs of amusement at the Fishman's statement.

Luffy's eyes are shadowed, "Really."

"Can you think of a better way…" Arlong smirks down at Luffy, "to use her?!"

There were some huffs of anger at Arlongs statement, and Law wouldn't deny that he was one of them.

"Excuse me…" Roger- had a hard look in his eyes. Law could feel his aura from where he was sitting. It was like the pressure was surrounding him from all sides, and it was suffocating. Law was never the one to be claustrophobic, but he was starting to think he was, he certainly did not like this feeling of being trapped, not being able to move. Law thought this man was bipolar from the way his attitude completely did a 180. It seemed Eustass was also having the same experience because Law could see sweat starting to form on his brow, "Did he say use her?"

Rayleigh put a hand on the Pirate King's shoulder, and the suffocating aura immediately vanished. The first mate whispered something in his ear, with a reassuring smile, and Roger-ya nodded and seemed to calm down. Law let out a sigh of relief, as did his couch partner.

Luffy drops the pen, and grabs the blade in front of his head, as Arlong grunts in amusement. Arlong suddenly has a look of confusion on his face as he thinks, 'What? It's not moving an inch!' Arlong is seen trying to move his weapon but is unable to do so. Luffy grits his teeth in anger, and crushes the blade with his hand.

Arlong is shaken, "What?!"

Luffy looks up in anger, "Use?!"

"Yeah kid! Beat up that bastard!" Roger-ya had an insane look in his eyes. Law was questioning this man's sanity.

Arlong is still shaken as he says, "You broke the Kiribachi?!"

"What is she to you?!" Luffy furiously asked.

"A first-rate cartographer. I will make Nami draw maps in this room forever! I'll feed her, and give her all the clothes she wants! Her life will be perfect, as long as she keeps drawing maps for me! We are nakamas!"

"That isn't what it means to be nakamas!" Shouted an angry Phoenix, "You don't use your nakama, especially for your own benefits!"

Whitebeard gently put a hand on Marco's shoulder and said softly, "We know Marco, and don't worry, Luffy will save Nami." he smiled in full confidence, and Marco looked reassured by his words.

Luffy suddenly kicks a desk. It flies through the wall and crashes to the ground outside. Luffy is now kicking and punching everything in the room to destroy it. Arlong is pissed off and tries to stop Luffy with his weapon, but Luffy keeps dodging and destroys more of the room.

Law was slightly touched by Straw Hat's actions. He was freeing Nami of her imprisonment, and his actions helped her move on from her past. Law is seeing Luffy in a new light, and he was starting to think that he was understanding just what type of guy Straw Hat is.

Nami is seen watching the maps and desks fall from her room to the ground. She covers her mouth as she cries with gratitude in her eyes,

"Thank you!"

Law looked to the left side of the room, towards the past pirates, and he saw looks of pride, joy, and smugness. He was a little concerned about that last one– since it was coming from the Pirate King– but decided he could worry about that later. Law then looked over at the other side of the room and saw the looks of boredom, disinterest, and hunger. Law was also worried about that last one too because it was Big Mom, but he just decided that he would pretend he didn't see anything, and look back at the screen.

Arlong finally stopped Luffy by biting his neck.

There were some hisses.

There is blood pouring out of the wound, and Luffy grabs Arlong's nose and snaps it sideways. Arlong falls to the ground screaming in pain.

"What a baby." Eustass quietly commented. Law rolled his eyes.

Luffy is shown with a vicious look in his eyes,

"This room can't be here anymore! I'll destroy every place that she doesn't want to be kept in!" Luffy all but screams out at the end.

"Yeah! You tell 'em' kid!" Rayleigh rolled his eyes at his captain, but also seemed to agree, with the way his foot was tapping repeatedly on the ground.

Arlong is starting to get back up, and Luffy makes his move.

"Gomu Gomu no," Luffy stretches his leg so that it breaks through the ceiling, and shoots to the sky.

"Enough of your insolence!" Arlong says as he fixes his nose. Arlong then attacks Luffy with his teeth.

"Axe!" Luffy's leg starts to descend, and Arlong bites into his side.

There were some more hisses, and Law cringed at all the blood.

Before Arlong can do too much damage Luffy's foot slams on the back of Arlong, and Luffy smashes him to the floor, and it cracks from the force.

"Holy shi-" Marco shouted with wide eyes.

"UGGGHHH!" Luffy's screams and pushes harder on Arlong's back, and he is sent through all the floors. Arlong Park starts to form cracks and shakes, then suddenly comes crashing down.

"I'm impressed, the kid is strong enough to send a Fishman through multiple levels of concrete," Rayleigh smirked in interest.

"He also just destroyed a whole building with one blow!" Marco stated excitedly.

"Luffy!" Nami cries worried that Luffy got buried by rubble. When the noise stops, the light starts shining through the clouds, and Luffy pops up from the rubble.

"Nami!" Luffy suddenly yells, "You are our nakama!"

Nami looks happy, and has teary eyes, "Yeah!"

The screen fades to black, and the lights turned back on.

Law was stuck in a trance at what he just witnessed. Law had to admit that it was very satisfying watching the Fishman get his ass beat, but he was more in awe of Luffy and his words, or the lack thereof. Even though Straw Hat shouted only five words, they seemed to hold a lot more to them and mean more to him than what other pirates say when they say nakama. The words were enough to understand the meaning and conviction of what Luffy was trying to get across when he shouted them at his new navigator.

"Bwahahahaha!" Garp laughed with his head tilted back, "That's my grandson for ya!" He seemed very proud of his grandson.

"That was very enjoyable to watch," Roger commented with a satisfied grin. The red-haired man next to him nodded, with a proud smile,

"I am happy that Anchor saved Nami," all the past pirates nodded in agreement, "I am also excited to see their journey, and other people he will defeat!" The man glowed at the thought.

"Me too, I am curious how Luffy will fight stronger opponents." Rayleigh chimed in.

There was a loud rumbling sound, and everyone was immediately silenced. Law felt a drop of sweat drip down his back. Everyone slowly looked to where the noise came from.

"I'm hungry!" Complained Big Mom.

Everyone held their breath. They didn't want to say the wrong thing and become the emperor's snack. Suddenly there was a bang from above their heads, and packages fell down towards Big Mom. She swiftly caught them, started to tear away at the packaging, and started to shove the contents in her mouth. Apparently, it was sweets, because Big Mom hummed in happiness, and everyone breathed out a sigh of relief. Law heard about Big Mom's infamous hunger pains, and he certainly didn't want to witness one.

Everyone started to calm down before the lights dimmed. Law guessed that the next viewing was about to start. So, he turned his eyes towards the screen and hoped that this was almost over.

Chapter Text

Everyone settled in their seats as the lights dimmed.

The screen lights up and shows the ocean, while guitars and drums are being played.

Law had to shut his eyes for a second at the brightness. It seems like this viewing will be similar to the first one Law thought begrudgingly.

Luffy is shown smiling, while people and places are being shown behind him. Then the same happens for Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji.

"That is a lot of people," Marco stated as he squinted at the screen.

"Yeah, they're probably people Luffy and his crew encountered on his journey." Marco looked over at Red Hair-ya in thought before nodding in agreement.

While this is happening the Pirate King starts to narrate,

"Inherited will. The destiny of the age and the dreams of the people. These are things that will not be stopped. As long as people continue to pursue the meaning of freedom, these things will never cease to be!"

"Couldn't have said it better myself!" Roger exclaimed with a wide grin. Almost everyone gave the man a deadpan stare.

Shanks is shown, then the Pirate King, and then the title 'One Piece'.

"Huh, I didn't expect to be in this one either," Shanks said with a surprised look on his face.

A females voice starts to sing,

"I believe in the future alone, and I don't care if other people laugh at me for it."

The Going Merry is shown sailing on the ocean.

"Your wild running passion makes you sparkle."

A sunset shows, and then you get a view of all the Straw Hats smiling on the ship.

"Looks like it's the same group," Rayleigh said while scratching his beard.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Roger agreed.

"You're blinding me, but I still want to watch."

The screen shows the ocean, and then a waterfall.

"Somehow you give me a sense of beauty."

Luffy seems excited by this, while the other Straw Hats have a comical expression on their faces.

"Ha! Look at their faces!" Marco shouted with a laugh. The past pirates and Shanks gave laughs of amusement.

Law had to admit that the Strawhats' faces did look a little comical. He was glad that he got used to the Grand Line's freaky weather pretty quickly, he guessed it also helped that he has a submarine.

"I'm really really stuck on you."

The next scene shows the Going Merry defying gravity by sailing up the waterfall.

Law furrowed his eyebrows in confusion at the display. He was pretty sure that sailing up a waterfall was impossible.

"What the hell." Kid looked bewildered.

"Agreed, what the hell." Marco also had the same face, and now that Law looked around, almost everyone had the same expression on their face.

"Why are all of you so surprised?'' The only marine in the room stated as he searched –Law guessed– for another bag of crackers, "You have to sail up a mountain to enter the Grand Line."

"True, but that makes sense," Marco said, before pointing at the screen that shows a frozen screen of the Strawhats' ship sailing up a waterfall "But that doesn't!"

Garp rolled his eyes and grumbled to himself before his eyes lit up in satisfaction. He pulled a bag of crackers out of nowhere, opened it, stuffed one in his mouth, and ignored everyone else around him.

"Quit your squabbling brat," Kaido grunted, "Just accept that the Grand Line is unpredictable and move on. I don't want to be stuck in this room forever."

It seems the Beast Pirate is getting impatient, Law thought warily

Zoro and Usopp have a scared look, Sanji has hearts in his eyes as Nami is clinging to him, and Luffy is smiling.

"The end of a dream that is like no other,"

The screen switches to Zoro using One-Sword Style, while it shows his fights behind him.

"I'll chase it and chase it again,"

Then it shows Sanji using his foot fighting style, while it shows his fights behind him,

"Until that pragmatic moment is in my grasp"

Usopp is shown using his slingshot, and his fights are shown behind him. Nami is shown using her staff, and her fights are shown behind her.

"Believe in wonderland!"

Luffy is shown using his devil fruit, and his fights are shown behind him.

"It seems the brats all have their fighting style," Whitebeard said with a thoughtful look, "They will be an interesting crew once they master their skills." Marco nodded his head in agreement.

Quick flashes are shown of a little girl, two men, Crocus and Laboon, baroque works agents, and 2 giants.

"The share of a dream that resembles no other,"

Luffy's legs are shown running on a beach.

"I'll capture it, and capture it again."

The whole crew is then seen running behind Luffy on the beach, and daytime turns into nighttime, also while a huge sea king is seen in the background in the ocean.

Law wasn't even going to question the shenanigans that he had just witnessed and move on. Law heard a quiet 'what the hell' from his couch mate, and Law could concur with his statement.

"Wait, how did-?"

"Roger, shut up and keep watching." It seems like Rayleigh isn't going to question things either.

"I'll be following that,"

Shanks' crew is shown a distance away, and they get closer.

"Warm feeling."

The screen zooms into Shanks' eye and shows the journey of the Straw Hats through the East Blue.

"I don't care about making ends meet, or living an everyday life."

Shanks is shown, missing an arm, in the ocean bleeding, holding a young crying Luffy.

"Woah! What the hell was that?" Marco exclaimed with wide eyes. Other occupants in the room including Law himself also had the same looks. Shanks closed his eyes before explaining,

"I saved Luffy from a Sea King when a mountain bandit kidnapped him and threw him in the ocean." Shanks closed his eyes and clenched his left shoulder with his remaining hand, "I don't regret what I did, and I would do it again if it meant I could save Luffy." Shanks smiled as he opened his eyes and let his hand drop into his lap.

Law could hear the conviction in his voice and didn't doubt the man.

"You lost your arm for a brat?" Kaido seemed to scoff at the mere thought, "I'm disappointed in you Red Hair."

"Mamamama! How pathetic!" Big Mom chimed in.

"It's not like I was seeking your approval," Shanks said with an eye roll. The two emperors sneered at the Red Hair Pirate before huffing and turning away.

"I'm proud of you Shanks." Roger smiled softly, "You've grown into a wonderful man." Rayleigh nodded along at his best friend's words. Law saw the Red Hair's cheeks dust with pink. Law smirked at Shanks's embarrassed yet prideful face. It's not every day you get to see an emperor blush.

"Thanks, Captain."

"I run towards paradise."

Luffy is holding his pirate flag, while it pans out to show his crew standing beside him.

"Believe in wonderland!"

Finally, the screen shows the words "One Piece" in the same way the last viewing ended. The screen slowly fades to black, and the music stops.

The lights slowly turned back on.

"Well, that was something." Marco deadpanned. He still seemed upset about the ship sailing up a waterfall. Not that Law could blame him.

"Gurararara!" Whitebeard laughed in amusement at his son, "Common Marco, aren't you having fun?" The giant captain goaded with a mischievous look in his eyes. The phoenix pouted at his words and glared up at his father in suspicion. They seemed to have a staring contest before Marco huffed in exasperation for smiling,

"Yeah yeah, I guess I am." he begrudgingly admitted. Whitebeard seemed content with his answer and gently patted Marco on the head.

Law feels his chest tighten and looks away from the scene. He knows how things ended up with Whitebeard-ya at the Paramount War and he did feel some compassion for Marco-ya, but he knows that's not why his chest hurts. Law glances over to his right at the Doflamingo and glares at him. Law would never forgive what he did, and he will make sure he will get revenge for Cora.

"Why are you glaring at the warlord?" Law instantly schooled his face and looked at his couch mate, "You got beef with that guy or what?" Eustass had a curious expression on his face.

"Something like that."

Eustass scoffed at his simple reply, but didn't push for any more details and turned away from him. The lights started to dim again and Law focused on the screen.

Chapter Text

Words started to appear on the screen when the lights dimmed.

"Alright, you guys will be watching another viewing similar to the one where Luffy and Arlong were fighting. Only this time, this one will be a lot longer. So, sit back and enjoy."

Law was interested in what that meant. He hopes this doesn't mean that it will be boring, he thought as the words disappeared from the screen.

Usopp is shown at the rudder of The Going Merry, humming before it breaks.

"Well, that isn't good." Marco deadpanned before squinting, "Hey, isn't that guy on Luffy's crew."

"Yeah," Shanks answered, "I think he is the son of one of my crewmates."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah."

Suddenly a map is slammed on a table as Nami says,

"Look at this."

Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro sit at a table on The Merry and look over in confusion.

"I've heard the rumors, but it's written here on the map, too. If they're true, then the entrance to The Grand Line is a mountain." Nami says as she points to the map.

"Ah, so they're trying to enter The Grand Line." Roger grinned, "I'm interested to see how this goes." His couch mates nodded in agreement.

"Really? This is boring; at least show some action." Eustass grunted in annoyance.

Law had to agree this does seem underwhelming, but he wasn't going to voice that out loud. And by the grumbling from the right side of the room, they agreed with Eustass's statement.

"A mountain?" Luffy questions with a cup in his mouth, while Usopp struggles with the rudder in the back.

"You mean we have to crash through the mountain?" Zoro asks skeptically.

"The hell." Sanji chimes in.

"Are you telling me they don't know how to enter The Grand Line?!" Marco exclaimed with wide eyes.

Rayleigh sighed, "Apparently not."

Law stopped himself from facepalming at how unprepared the Straw Hats are for The Grand Line. At least the navigator was actually trying to be helpful.

"I thought it was crazy too, but… there are canals drawn along the mountainside. That might mean we have to climb it." Nami deduces.

Luffy makes a sound of excitement, "Sounds like fun!"

"What are you talking about? Even if there was a canal… it's impossible for a ship to climb a mountain." Zoro says factually, as Usopp continues to struggle with the rudder.

"It seems that long nosed brat is having trouble." voiced Whitebeard.

"And none of his friends seem bothered by this." Rayleigh deadpanned.

"But that's what the map says." Nami counters.

"There's no way Nami-swan could be mistaken!" Shouts and angry Sanji.

"You stole that map from Buggy, right?" Zoro says, "You really want to trust it?"

"Buggy?!" Three different voices exclaimed. Everyone turned their heads towards the trio.

"They stole a map from Buggy?" Roger said with a bewildered face. His couch mates had the same expressions on their faces. Shanks looked deep in thought before he nodded to himself,

"Ah right, I remember." The Red Hair man closed his eyes, thinking, "Buggy was in the East Blue, so he probably encountered Luffy and his crew."

"Buggy really let some kids steal his treasure?" Roger had a skeptical look in his eyes before laughing out loud,

"Gwahahaha! I'm glad he is still around!" Rayleigh had a soft smile on his face as he nodded at his captain's words.

Suddenly Usopp yells, "Zorooo! Help me with this damn helm!"

"Sanji, go help Usopp, will you?" Nami orders more than asks, "I can't think straight with all that noise."

"Yes, Nami-swan!" Sanji says with hearts in his eyes,

"Wow that guy is…" Marco trailed off. The Roger trio nodded in agreement.

"Here we go- what?" Sanji tried to push the rudder but it wouldn't budge.

"T-The current's flowing too fast!" Usopp declares as he sweats from trying to push the rudder.

Nami looks like a lightbulb went off and asks, "Usopp, say that again?"

Did the navigator finally figure out how it works, Law thought.

"I said the current's flowing too fast!"

"The current…" Nami says, "I got it!"

Luffy and Zoro looks over in confusion and Luffy asks,

"Got what?"

"We really do have to climb the mountain." Nami concludes.

"You're still talking about that?" Zoro asks.

"Look here." Nami points at the map, "Listen. There's no doubt the "guiding light" was pointing here. Here on the Red Line, Reverse Mountain." Nami, Zoro, Luffy, and Sanji all look down at the map.

"Oi! What am I supposed to do here!?" Usopp shouts as he is left to hold the rudder.

"And they just left him to struggle." Marco sighed.

The others ignore him and Nami continues,

"See the canal here?" Nami points at Reverse Mountain on the map, "If a strong current from each of the four oceans flows toward this mountain… The four currents would climb the mountain, meet at the top… and flow straight down into the Grand Line. Since Reverse Mountain is a "Winter Island"... the currents that collide with the Red Line travel toward the oceans floor. If we can't make it into the canal… The Going Merry will slam straight into the Red Line… and the ship will be destroyed. Nothing left but ocean debris. Understand?"

"What an intelligent young lady," Rayleigh commented with a smirk. The other past pirates and Red Hair nodded in agreement with impressed looks.

Law could now see who is the brains on the Straw Hat crew. If he had any chance to have a normal conversation about an alliance he would have to talk to her. It seems that she is the only rational and intelligent person on that ship.

"I see!" Luffy exclaims, "So it's a "Mystery Mountain", right?" Luffy laughs at his statement.

Yep, Nami was his only hope of communication.

"Gwahahaha! I like this kid!" Roger-ya laughed tilting his head back.

Nami sighs, "I don't think you understand at all."

Nami looks up, "In any case, this ship's already riding on one of those currents. So if we don't mess up our steering, we should make it up Reverse Mountain in one piece."

"Nami-swan, you're so awesome!" Sanji shouts with hearts in his eyes.

Zoro has a skeptical look on his face,

"I ain't ever heard of that. Ships climbing mountains"

"I've heard something." Sanji says.

"About the Mystery Mountain?" Luffy chimes in.

"Nope." Sanji deadpans,

There were some chuckles at the dryness of Sanji's voice.

"Just that about half of the wannabes die trying to enter the Grand Line."

The Merry is shown sailing while dark clouds appear.

"So I know it ain't easy to get in" Sanji continues.

The scene changes and shows Luffy hoisting the sails while it is raining. He looks up in confusion and notices a red wall.

"Oi! I can see the Mystery Mountain!" Luffy shouts and his crew comes running out to see.

"What?" Usopp asks in disbelief, "Man it's huge!"

"The entrance to the Grand Line," Nami says with awe in her voice.

Luffy laughs, "So that's the Red Line, eh?"

We see the Merry next to the Red Line and Usopp exclaims,

"Y-You c-can't even see the peak past the clouds!"

"If they think this is crazy they have a rude awakening." Doflamingo laughed.

Law's fingers twitched at the voice.

Shanks looked over at the Warlord and shrugged,

"Well, they made it this far."

Doflamingo hummed with a small smirk and looked away as did the Emperor.

The Merry shakes and the Straw Hats struggle to stay on their feet. Luffy falls from the sails but hangs on and bounces up and down as he screams,

"We're getting sucked in! Grab the helm!"

"We've got it!"

"Leave it to me!" Sanji and Usopp shout together.

"N-Nami! Where's the entrance!?" Luffy exclaims, "If we head straight, we'll run into the cliff!"

Nami looks at the Red Line, "That crack in the cliff…" Nami thinks.

"Nami, what should we do?!" Usopp asks while he and Sanji hold the rudder.

"Hold our path steady!" Nami orders.

"You sure?!" Usopp asks skeptically.

"Just do it!"

Luffy stretches toward Nami, lands next to her, and asks,

"Nami, is that the canal's entrance?"

"Perhaps, eh?" Nami says with a mischievous tone. Luffy smiles in excitement.

"Seems the girl has an adventurous side too," Rayleigh commented and his couch mates nodded in agreement.

Zoro is seen looking through binoculars,

"Unreal…!" The entrance to the Grand Line is shown, "The water really is climbing up the mountain."

"Make sure we go straight between those water gates, okay?" Nami states, "If we don't, the ship will be smashed to pieces."

"We're drifting!" Luffy shouts, "More to the right! Right! Right!"

"Right?" Usopp exclaims, "Okay, hard to starboard!"

"He's really that captain?" Eustass rolled his eyes, "He doesn't even know how to use starboard or portside."

"Yeah," agreed Marco, "I would not want him as my captain."

Sanji and Usopp push the rudder in the right direction. The rudder is creaking from the force and snaps in half, and Sanji and Usopp go flying into a table.

There was silence.

Luffy, Zoro, and Nami have shocked faces and they all shout,

"THE HELM!"

"They're really a bunch of idiots." Eustass deadpanned.

"You're not wrong." Law quietly agreed.

Luffy takes quick action,

"Gomu Gomu no… Balloon!"

Luffy inflates himself and positions himself between the gate and the ship, so they won't crash. Luffy has a distressed look on his face as Merry uses Luffy as a cushion and turns him sideways. Finally, Merry bounces off Luffy and goes up Reverse Mountain.

"He looks stupid, but it's effective," Marco said with an impressed face.

"LUFFY!" Zoro screams as he holds out a hand, "Grab hold!"

Luffy deflates and stretches his hand out to Zoro. Zoro pulls him in and Luffy crashes face first into the deck.

The Red Hair Pirate facepalmed at the destruction of the ship.

Sanji and Usopp celebrate in the back while Nami lets out a relieved sigh. Sanji, Usopp, and Luffy shout,

"WE MADE IT!"

The Merry is shown climbing Reverse Mountain.

"And now, we'll just head straight to the peak!" Nami smiles as she takes her raincoat off.

Luffy is struggling with his head still stuck in the deck. Finally he manages to get himself free,

"Sweet! Hey, I wanna see it too!"

A shadowed figure is shown hiding on The Merry.

"Looks like they have a stowaway." Whitebeard pointed out.

"And they don't even notice." Marco sighed. It seems that everyone has been doing that a lot Law noticed.

Luffy runs to the front of the ship next to Zoro and exclaims,

"A-Awesome!"

Each Straw Hat is shown smiling. Suddenly a man is shown standing on the railing of The Merry,

"You bastards!"

The Straw Hats are tense and Nami says,

"Uh-oh."

"The Okama Fruit guy…" Luffy states.

"Bastard, you're still alive?" Zoro angrily asks.

"You don't give up…" Luffy chimes in.

"I'm guessing they encountered this man before." Shanks deduced.

"By the way they're talking," Roger said, "They probably fought him."

"Shut up!" The man shouts, "You have crossed me for the last time… Thanks to you, my dream of obtaining Dragonite is gone! But I won't let it end like that!"

"Dragonite?" questioned Marco.

"Bones from a dragon that grants immortality." Law supplies, "So the rumors say."

Marco blinked, "Oh"

The man points at Luffy and declares,

"I will at least have the pleasure of taking that 30 million beri bounty on your head! Surrender now!"

"What should we do?" Sanji asked in desperation, "If he uses that sycal thing here… there's no telling what he'll cut!" Usopp has a scared look on his face.

"We don't have any room to move…" Zoro points out.

Law was interested to see what the Straw Hats were going to do. They couldn't make sudden moves or the man could use his devil fruit and possibly destroy the ship and they could all drown. They would have to be faster in order to take him down.

"It seems this man has a devil fruit that can slash things." Shanks commented.

"Yeah." Roger nodded before smiling, "I am curious to see how they will defeat this man."

"Gurararara!" Whitebeard laughed, "Me as well, it seems that the brats are in a tight spot."

The man laughs, "Well, well. Not one of you can lay a finger on me!"

Nami looks down as she notices something. She points at the deck and exclaims,

"AH! Dragonite!"

The man looks down and Nami steps toward him and kicks his leg. The man loses his balance and falls into the water. The others have shocked expressions on their faces. Zoro and Luffy sweat drop as the man skids across the water before completely submerging.

"Heh," Marco deadpanned, "I wasn't expecting that."

Law felt stupid for thinking that the man was even a real threat.

"Pfftt."

Law looked over at the noise and saw Eustass covering his mouth with his hand while his body was shaking from silent laughter. Law raised an eyebrow at the man when they made eye contact and the redhead glared at him before looking back at the screen.

Nami smiles and waves,

"Bye-bye!"

"That woman is scary." Roger shivered. Shanks nodded with a wary look.

The boys put a fist in their palm and simultaneously say,

"Oh! Shoulda thought of that!"

There were some laughs at the display.

"Since he's a hammer, he won't be bothering us anymore~!" Nami says with a happy tone.

"Even if he could swim, this current's just too choppy!" Usopp exclaims while Sanji next to him has hearts in his eyes.

"That's my Nami-swan!"

They all laugh as The Merry continues to sail up Reverse Mountain.

"We made it to the clouds!" Luffy shouts.

Luffy is shown sitting on the figure head as he makes a noise of excitement.

"AWESOME!" Luffy exclaims as they reach the top of the mountain, "We got above the clouds!"

"Look! The mountain peak!" Nami says with a smile, "It's the peak!"

The Merry reaches the top and the ship is launched into the air.

"YAHOO!" Luffy laughs.

The Merry suddenly descends and the Straw Hats stay in the air for a second before they soon start to fall.

"Uh…"

"Just keep watching Roger."

"...Ok."

The Merry lands on the canal that enters The Grand Line.

"Mihawk is here…" Zoro thinks with a determined face.

"Mihawk?" a surprised Shanks questioned.

The past pirates looked over in confusion. Shanks closed his eyes in thought before a lightbulb seemed to go off above his head,

"Ah yes now I remember," The Emperor smiled, "Mihawk did tell me about a certain swordsman that he thought had potential. I guess that was Luffy's crewmate."

"Is this Mihawk strong?" questioned The Pirate King.

Shanks nodded, "Yeah, he's the strongest swordsman in the world."

Roger had a thoughtful expression on his face as he scratched his chin.

"Getting closer to All Blue.." Sanji thinks with a smirk.

"A complete map." Nami thinks with a smile.

"To prove I'm the bravest pirate!" Usopp thinks as he scratches his nose.

"They all have admirable dreams." Whitebeard smiled softly.

The Beast Pirate scoffed at his words.

Luffy sits on the figure head as an awe look and says,

"I can see it!" Luffy puts a hand on his hat so it doesn't fly off, "The greatest ocean in the world… Grand Line!"

Luffy stretches his mouth into a big grin, "And somewhere ahead… One Piece is waiting!"

"That brat really thinks he can find the One Piece and become The Pirate King?!" Big Mom sneered, "Don't make me laugh!"

"That rookie doesn't stand a chance in the New World," Kaido said offhandedly.

Doflamingo laughed in agreement. The past pirates and Shanks glared at the other side of the room.

"Luffy will become The Pirate King." Shanks declared.

Kaido and Big Mom glared at the Red Haired man. The room started to shake at the intensity. Law was feeling a little claustrophobic sitting in between the aura of three Emperors.

CRUNCH!

The aura immediately vanished, and everyone looked over at the noise.

"Will you- CRUNCH- guys stop arguing- CRUNCH- so we can leave faster- CRUNCH," Garp commented while eating his crackers.

Everyone deadpanned at the man and looked back at the screen, the conversion from earlier completely forgotten.

"LET'S GO!" Luffy shouts as The Merry descends the mountain.

The scene changes to nighttime and shows Luffy and Zoro glaring at each other. They look beaten up and look ready to charge one another.

"Uh, did we miss something?" asked a very confused Phoenix.

Law was just as confused as he was because he was pretty sure that Zoro is on Luffy's crew, not an enemy. Law looked around the room and saw that almost everyone had a puzzled look on their face.

A girl with blue hair is shown watching them looking scared. Suddenly Luffy charges,

"WAAAAA!"

Then Zoro,

"AAAHHH!"

"They look very serious about this." commented Roger, "Which is weird because aren't they on the same crew?"

"Yeah. Maybe they are being controlled," suggested Shanks with a shrug.

They're about to collide when a dark figure shows up behind them,

"STOP IT!"

And punches both of them in the face.

"What the-"

Zoro and Luffy both fall to the ground. We see the person who punched them, Nami.

"It was the navigator girl?!" Eustass incredulously shouted.

Law was also having a hard time believing that the girl he watched crying an hour ago, just punched her captain and first mate to the ground, and stopped them from fighting.

"Gurararara!" laughed Whitebeard, "Don't get on her bad side!"

"Yeah, no shit." Marco deadpanned. Law could see the sweat start to form on his brow.

"I like this girl," Rayleigh said with a small grin.

Roger looks over at him,

"Really? She's scary."

Rayleigh looked over at him with a blank look and said,

"It's because I can relate to her."

"What do you mean you can relate to her?" asked a confused Pirate King.

"It's because I have to deal with your shenanigans." Rayleigh deadpanned.

Roger blinked a couple of times before he said a simple,

"Oh."

Rayleigh huffed at his captain and turned back to the screen.

Nami shouts,

"I can't believe you two! What the hell do you think you're doing!? You're just lucky you managed to keep the girl intact!" Nami walks closer to the two with her hands on her hips, "You almost cost me 1 billion berries, y'know!?"

"I have no idea what is going on." commented Marco.

"Same."

Nami picks up both of them by the back of their shirts,

"Got it?"

We see the blue haired girl sitting on a duck and have scared looks on their faces while the girl says,

"You people… What are you talking about?"

"And who is that girl now?" asked a frustrated Marco before he squinted at the screen, "Is she sitting on a large duck?!"

Whitebeard gently put a hand on his shoulder and said,

"Calm down son, I am sure that we will understand what is happening soon, just have some patience."

Marco grumbled as he looked up at him,

"Ok Pops."

Zoro and Luffy are glaring at each other while Nami still holds them.

"Why did you save me?"

Zoro punches Luffy in the face, Luffy kicks Zoro in the face. Nami answers the other girl,

"Oh that's right. We need to talk about that."

Zoro stretched out Luffy's mouth, and Luffy put his hand on Zoro's face.

"I wonder why they started fighting in the first place?" Shanks asked, referring to Luffy and Zoro.

"Who knows," Law voiced, "Probably something inconsequential knowing Straw Hat-ya."

Red hair looked over at him before laughing,

"You're probably right! Anchor would always get mad at the littlest of things!"

The man grinned at the thought before he turned back to the screen.

Nami continues,

"Would you mind negotiating a contract with me?"

The blue-haired girl has a confused look on her face,

"Contract?"

Suddenly Nami slams both of her first on the two boys and yells,

"QUIT STRUGGLING!"

The boys crash to the ground and the duck makes frightened noises.

"I can't believe Straw Hat is letting her do that," Eustass grunted.

Law looked over at him curiously and said,

"I guess Luffy is a different kind of captain."

Eustass looked over at him with furrowed eyebrows,

"A captain that lets his crewmates walk all over him? Yeah, that doesn't sound very captain-like."

Law hummed at his words. Law could definitely see Eustas's point of view. Law has certainly never seen a crew like the Straw Hats- and is not sure if there is another crew like them. He has only had an encounter with them briefly, and he has to say that it is a change of pace from his crew, but Law can tell that Luffy's crewmates do respect him. He can also see how other people can see it as Eustass does. Straw Hat, not being a serious captain, and his crewmates doing whatever they want. Law reckons that's just how they operate, and he won't judge them if that is what makes them stronger.

"A man, definitely not fit for the title of King," Doflamingo smirked.

"Shut up brat," grunted Garp, "I don't want to hear an argument right now, especially if it's about my grandson."

Doflamingo frowned at the man but didn't reply to the statement.

The scene changes and Luffy is laughing,

"Man, Zoro! Why didn't you just say so?" The blue haired girl is seen talking to Nami, "I thought you got mad and killed 'em all just 'cause they didn't have your favorite food!"

Zoro has a tick mark and shouts,

"YOU JERK, THAT'S WHAT YOU WOULD DO!"

"Well, it looks like they made up." Marco sweatdropped at the two boys on the screen.

Luffy laughs,

"Well, don't worry about it!"

Nami points at the two and exclaims,

"You two, SHUT UP!"

Luffy and Zoro immediately do so and sweat a little.

"See Rayleigh!" Roger exclaimed as he pointed at the screen, "She's scary."

Rayleigh sighed before nodding in agreement at his captain's words, deciding better that agreeing with him would be better than arguing.

Nami looks over at the blue-haired girl,

"So, that's our offer. We want 1 billion berries to escort you there safely. You saw how strong these guys are, right? Quite a bargain, don't you think?"

"Impossible." The blue-haired girl interrupted, "You have my gratitude for saving my life. Thank you."

Nami is confused and asks,

"Why not? You're a princess, aren't you? It's just a measly billion…"

"A princess?" Shanks questioned.

"It sounds like Nami wants to be rewarded berries for escorting the princess," deduced Whitebeard.

"Seems about right," agreed Rayleigh, "I wonder how they meet a princess though."

"Do you know of a country named Alabasta?" The bluenette asks.

"No…" Nami answers.

"It was a great pillar of civilization. A land of peace. Long ago, that is."

"Ah, so she's the princess of Alabasta." Rayleigh said as he scratched his beard.

"Alabasta?" Shanks said with a tilt of his head. The past pirates looked over at the redhead in confusion.

"You've been there Shanks?" asked his captain.

Shanks shook his head,

"No, but it sounds familiar hmm… it's probably nothing."

The past pirates looked at him for a little longer before they turned their eyes back to the screen.

"Long ago?" Nami questions, "And now?"

"It's on the verge of a civil war." the princess says while the three pirates listen, "In recent years, a call for revolution has emerged. The citizens began committing acts of insurrection causing the land to fall into chaos. But one day, I heard the name of a secret organization: Baroque Works!"

The symbol of Baroque Works is shown and the bluenette continues,

"I discovered that they were responsible for inciting the rebellion. Aside from this, however, I was unable to procure any further information. So I went to Igaram, who had looked after me since I was a little girl."

"The tube haired guy?" Luffy asked.

"'Tube haired guy'?" Roger, Shanks, and Marco questioned simultaneously.

There was a moment of silence as the three men stared at each other before they slowly turned their heads back toward the screen.

"Tube- Yes, that's him." The princess answered while Igaram is shown with some dummies, "I decided to infiltrate Baroque Works. I thought that if I did, I could find out who was pulling the strings, and what his plans were."

"Pretty gutsy for a princess," Zoro smirked

Law agreed with his statement, it's not every day you see a princess get her hands dirty.

"So? Did you find out his intentions?" Zoro asked.

The girl nodded.

"The establishment of an Ideal Nation." Nami said and the princess looked up in surprise, "Igaram told me earlier. Could it be that…"

"Yes." the bluenette nodded, "He claims that establishing this "Ideal Nation" is their purpose. But that is a complete lie. His true intention is to seize the throne of Alabasta! I must return to my country to tell the people the truth! And prevent them from joining the insurrection!"

"How boring," grunted Eustass.

The pirates listen on as she continues, "If this continues… If this continues…!"

"I see." Nami frowns, "So that's what's going on. It finally makes sense now. If you're on the verge of civil war… money must be scarce."

"Oi." Luffy smirks, "So who's the mastermind?"

"The B-Boss' true identity!?" The bluenette exclaims, "You can't ask me that!"

"Why is she freaking out so much?" asked Marco with a raised eyebrow.

"The guy is trying to take over her country." Eustass deadpanned, "And she had to infiltrate his organization just to find out his identity. That is not what a princess usually does, it was probably very stressful on her, as her whole country is relying on her."

There was a beat of silence as almost everyone stared at him before,

"Quit your staring! I was just pointing out the obvious!"

Everyone slowly looked away from the redhead.

"I didn't know you could be so insightful, Eustass," Law smirked at the man.

Eustass glared at him,

"Shut up Trafalgar."

"But you know, don't you?" Luffy counters.

The girl puts her hands up and shakes them and frantically says,

"Don't ask that! I can't tell you! If I told you, they would hunt you down too!

"Well we don't want that." Nami laughs, "And of course, trying to take over a whole nation… He must be an incredibly strong guy, right?"

"Yes, He is." The princess confirms, "No matter how strong you may be, there's no way you could even hope to touch him."

Luffy frowns at her words as does Zoro.

"One of the Warlords. CROCODILE!"

"Uh did she just…"

"...Yes, yes she just did."

There is silence before Luffy asks,

"Who is that?"

The Princess covers her mouth with a horrified look as Nami stares at her in disbelief.

"You just said it?" Zoro sweat dropped.

Suddenly a vulture and an otter show up and they stare at them in silence before they immediately take off and fly away.

"What the- why are there animals here all of a sudden?!" Marco exclaimed. Law could understand how the phoenix was feeling.

"HEY!" Nami screams as she shakes the bluenette, "WHAT'S WITH THE OTTER AND VULTURE!?"

"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I'm so sorry!" The other girl says as Nami shakes her.

"Nami is really aggressive," Shanks said warily.

"Well, she did just find out that a warlord is potentially after her." Rayleigh shrugged.

"True."

"One of the Warlords is gonna be after us now!" Nami continues to yell.

"She said ''Warlord"?" Luffy said with an excited smile.

"Not bad!" Zoro smirked back.

"It seems the boys are feeling the opposite of the navigator," Whitebeard said with a laugh.

"I would think they would at least feel a little worried about a Warlord being on their hit list," Marco commented.

"Not Anchor!" grinned Shanks, "He loves a challenge!"

Eustass grunted at the words, but Law could tell that he feels the same way as Luffy.

"WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN TO US!?" Nami shouts.

"I'm so, so sorry! It just slipped out!" The bluenette cries as Nami continues to shake her.

"'SORRY' WON'T DO US ANY GOOD NOW!' Nami yells back.

Luffy starts laughing.

"NOW YOU GOTTEN US MIXED UP IN ALL THIS!"

Nami lets go of the other girl and has tears in her eyes and says,

"We just made it to The Grand Line and now I'm marked for death by one of the Warlords…" Nami has her face in her hands and cries, "Why me…"

"Gurararara! This girl is amusing." Whitebeard laughed.

The past pirates plus Shanks nodded in agreement with small laughs. Law had to say that it was humorous watching the navigator lose her emotions. At least it was better than her crying and stabbing herself, Law thought dryly.

"We're pretty lucky we get to fight one so soon." Zoro commented.

"Wonder what he's like?" Luffys says with a grin.

"SHUT UP YOU TWO!" Nami points at them with a scream.

"Though it wasn't for long, it's been nice knowing you all," Nami says as she walks away from the others.

"Is she actually going to leave the crew?" Marco asked skeptically.

"Where are you going?" Luffy asks.

"They don't know my face yet, so I'm outta here!" Nami explains as she walks.

Suddenly a very good portrait of Nami is shown. The otter is in front of Nami and shows portraits of Nami, Luffy, and Zoro.

"Haha! You're good!" Nami forces out and claps at the drawing.

There were some laughs at the display.

The animals fly away as Nami screams,

"NO! NOW I CAN'T EVEN RUN AWAY!?"

"I'm so sorry…!" The princess says sorrowfully as the others watch the two animals fly away.

"That guy's pretty cool." Luffy compliments the animals.

"Where were you going to run to, anyway?" Zoro asks Nami before he grins, "In any case, the three of us have been added to the Baroque Works Death List!"

Luffy laughs in delight,

"This is so exciting!"

Law was concerned for his future.

Nami is in the fetal position as the bluenette comforts her,

"I have savings… about 500,000 berries…"

"DO NOT WORRY!" Igaram declares.

Luffy and Zoro look over and see Igaram dressed up as the princess, holding three dummies.

"Uhh…"

"Fear-" Igaram clears his throat, "Mah~ Mah~ Maaah~! Fear not, for I have a plan!"

"Igaram!" The princess exclaims, "What are those clothes for?"

The girl and Luffy walk closer to the taller man and Luffy laughs as he inspects him,

"Old man! You'll fool anyone wearing that!"

"Really?" Eustass deadpanned.

"My god." Nami says despairingly as she still sits in the fetal position, "I'm surrounded by idiots."

At least she is aware of that, Law thought.

"Princess Vivi, please listen carefully." Igaram says as Luffy continues to inspect the man and his dummies, "Baroque Works' information network will soon receive that report. Once they learn we are the ones that know the Boss' true identity, you understand what will happen, don't you?"

"As many as a thousand hunters could be coming after us." Vivi answers.

Nami looks over in shock.

"That is a lot of subordinates," Shanks commented.

"That is why I have dressed in the manner of the princess." Igaram informs as Luffy pokes one of the dummies, "I will depart with these three dummies… and travel on a straight course for Alabasta."

"These are us?" Luffy looks up in confusion.

"Decoys." Zoro supplies.

"Once they have begun pursuing me…" Igaram continues, "Princess Vivi and yourselves can depart safely for Alabasta."

"NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE!" Nami shouts as she gets up from her position, "Who said we would take the princess anywhere!?"

The others look over as she continues,

"We still don't have a contract."

"Take the princess?" Luffy asks, "What's that about?"

There were several facepalms at Straw Hat's stupidity.

"Weren't you listening to them?" Zoro asks in exasperation before he stands up, "The old man here wants us to take her home."

"Oh, is that what they're on about? Okay." Luffy states.

Vivi makes a noise of confusion as Nami yells,

"CROCODILE'S GOING TO TRY TO KILL US!"

"This Crocodile, is he really that strong?" Luffy asks Igaram, ignoring Nami.

"He is currently one of the Seven Warlords." Igaram answers, "Though, as a government- sanctioned pirate, he is no longer on their wanted list. But before his sanction, his bounty was 80,000,000 berries."

Crocodiles' silhouette is shown as the Baroque Works flag is behind him. Zoro makes a noise of interest as Nami screams,

"80 million!? That's FOUR times Arlong's! TURN HIM DOWN!"

Law could see Nami's point of view and he felt for the girl. He personally would turn it down because it would draw too much attention, but he assumes that Luffy will escort the princess. Law guesses that is just another difference between the Straw Hats and every other pirate crew.

"Will you accept?" Igaram asks Luffy.

"Sure." Luffy immediately replies with a smile, "Sounds like fun."

"Well, he accepted that easily." Marco deadpanned.

Nami facepalms as Igaram says,

"You have my utmost gratitude."

The scene changes to show a boat and the group stand on the shore as Igaram clears his throat to change the pitch to make it sound like Vivi's,

"Well then, I, Vivi, shall be leaving now…"

Luffy laughs,

"Old man! You're just like her!"

"This boy is dense," Kaido stated.

No one disagreed knowing that The Beast Pirate's statement was true. It didn't mean that some people didn't like his comment.

"Like WHO?" Zoro asks.

"Now then princess, please hand me the Eternal Pose." Igaram says as he holds out a hand. Vivi pulls out the Eternal Pose and hands it to Igaram a bit reluctantly.

Nami looks up in confusion,

"Eternal Pose?"

"They don't know about Eternal Poses either?" Marco pinched the bridge of his nose, "They are so unprepared that it's giving me anxiety just thinking about it."

"Gurararara!" Whitebeard laughed as he gently patted his son's head.

"You haven't heard of it?" Igaram asks in surprise, "I'll try to explain. It is an eternally preserved version of a Log Pose. A Log Pose guides you from one island to the next, but an Eternal Pose never forgets the magnetic location of the one island it is set to. It shall "eternally" point towards that island. And this one points the way to Alabasta."

Vivi looks up at Igaram,

"With this, you can get to Alabasta."

"Princess Vivi, after making a few stops…" Igaram says, "Please hurry to Alabasta. I have never done it myself, but I am certain you can follow the Log two or three times to get there."

Luffy and Zoro smile as Igaram turns his attention to the captain,

"And with that, I leave the princess in your care."

"Sure!" Luffy voices.

"Igaram." Vivi says with a concerned face and holds out a hand which Igaram takes, "You too."

The boat is now sailing with Igaram and the decoys.

"We shall meet again upon our homeland." Igaram thinks as it shows the others smile as they see him off, "Our country's salvation is in your hands."

"Well, he's gone." Luffy smiles with his hands behind his head, "He was a cool old man, wasn't he?"

Vivi smiles at him,

"Yes. We can count on him."

The boat is seen getting further away from the group. The music cuts and a bunch of hands are seen reaching out at something.

"What-?"

Suddenly the boat is blown up and everything turns white as the wind blows their hair and Luffys hat. The sound is heard again when there is a huge explosion.

"WHAT THE FU-!"

The dummies are seen burning up. Luffy is seen with a shocked expression, then Zoro, Nami,

"No…!"

Law's eyes were wide as he watched the screen. He was in shock at how out of the blue the explosion happened. Law could feel his heartbeat throughout his entire body and took deep breaths to calm down from the sudden adrenaline rush.

"What- what the fuck just happened?!" Marco exclaimed a little breathlessly.

No one had words.

Vivi is shown but not her face as she stares at the explosion. The Eternal Pose falls from the boat and sinks into the ocean. The group is shown watching the explosion in front of them.

"It can't be!" Nami exclaims in disbelief, "They've already come…!?"

Luffy turns around, grabs his hat on the ground, and places it back on his head. His eyes are shadowed and inhales, "HE WAS A GREAT MAN!" Luffy shouts and runs towards the village.

"Damn." Law heard from the left side of the room.

"Nami! The Log!" Zoro shouts.

Nami looks down at her Log on her wrist,

"It's okay! It's already set!"

"Grab her!" Zoro orders, "Get to the ship!"

"Vivi! Vivi!" Nami yells.

Nami runs up to the girl and grabs her shoulder,

"Hurry!" Vivi bites her lip, "If they see us here, everything will be in vain , right!?"

Blood starts running down Vivi's chin as she bites down harder.

"That poor child." Whitebeard said sadly as he closed his eyes in sorrow.

Nami notices it and hugs Vivi hold the back of her head,

"It'll be alright! We'll get you home!" Vivi has a traumatized look on her face and tears start to form in her eyes, "See these guys? They might not look like much…"

"Oi Luffy! Get the other two!" Zoro shouts running away from the shore, "I'll get the ship!"

"...but they saved all of East Blue!" Nami continues, "Just the four of them!"

"Nami has a lot of faith in her crew," Rayleigh said with a small smile, still a little shaken up from before.

Roger and Shanks gave small smiles at his words but they quickly vanished in favor of watching what was happening on the screen.

"Okay! Will do!" Luffy shouts as he runs.

Usopp is shown snoring on a table as Nami says,

"What's Baroque Works to them?" Sanji is also shown snoring, "What's Crocodile!?"

Nami smirks as she still holds Vivi,

"The Warlord doesn't stand a chance."

Luffy is huffing as he runs. He kicks down a door and quickly looks around. Luffy grabs Usopp's nose and Sanji's leg.

"WE'RE LEAVING!" Luffy yells as he drags the other two and they break through the wall and shout in protest.

There were small laughs at the display, Law thought they sounded a little forced.

Usopp's nose is turning purple as he shouts in pain and Sanji's head is banging on the ground and he shouts in pain as well. Luffy is sprinting as Sanji yells,

"What the hell are you doing, Luffy? OI!"

"YOU'RE GONNA BREAK MY NOSE!" Usopp exclaims.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Sanji shouts.

Nami is running and yells behind her,

"Hurry, Vivi!"

"R-Right!" Vivi answers as she runs behind Nami.

"Carcue is missing…" Vivi thinks.

'Carcue?', Law thinks.

The broken ship is shown with fire and smoke all around it. There is a black figure shown on the water before it's revealed to be a woman with a cowboy hat.

"What a fool." The woman said with a smirk, "Acting as a decoy."

"So she's the one who blew up that guy!" Marco exclaimed.

Law thought that she looked a little familiar, but he didn't get a good look at her before the scene changed.

Zoro is shown hosting the anchor.

"Oi! I've got 'em!" Luffy says he holds a nose and leg.

"Get on! We're ready to go." Zoro says.

"Eh?" Luffy turns around in confusion. Sanji and Usopp are on the ground groaning in pain.

"You guys are still sleeping…" Luffy complains as Zoro looks at them with pity.

"We don't have time to look for him right now!" Nami's voice is heard.

"But I can't leave him here all alone!" Vivi says worriedly as Luffy drags Sanji and Usopp to The Merry.

"But, you know.." Nami trails off.

"Oi, what's wrong?" Zoro shouts down at them.

"She says that her spot-billed duck is missing!" Nami answers.

"Oh yeah," Roger said, "She had a huge duck with her."

"Huh?"

"She says that it should've come when she whistled, but it won't!" Nami supplies.

Zoro looks to his side.

"You mean him?" Zoro points at the duck standing next to him. Carue waves at them.

Everyone sweatdropped at the scene.

"YOU WERE HERE THE WHOLE TIME?" The girls shout with tick marks.

"He was already onboard when I got on." Zoro said nonchalantly.

"If we sail up the rivers, it'll branch off into the sea." Vivi informs as she climbs the rope ladder of The Merry, "We'll be able to get on course faster."

"ALRIGHT!" Luffy shouts, "LET'S GO!'

The sails are released and they catch the wind.

"Oi." Zoro voices.

"Mr. Bushido!" Vivi looks over.

"Just how many hunters are we talking about?"

"I don't know. Baroque Works has about 2,000 employees. And I've heard that there are other towns like this one in the area."

"Wow, that's more than in our crew." Marco side with an impressed look.

"Really, 2,000 people?" Nami asks in disbelief.

"Huh!?" Sanji exclaims.

"Hey… the ship is moving?" Usopp asks in confusion.

"You're finally up?" Nami asks with a raised eyebrow.

"WAIT! Let's stay another night!" Sanji yells.

"RIGHT!" Usopp agrees.

"This town was so much fun and the girls were SO CUTE!"

"When will we find another awesome place like this?"

"Let's take it slow, dammit! We're pira-"

"It's not even morning yet!"

"What annoying brats," Kadio grunted, picking his ear with his pinky finger.

"They still don't know what's going on.." Zoro said with a sigh as Usopp and Sanji continued to yell in the background.

BONK! BONK!

"Oi! Explain it to 'em already…" Zoro said to Nami.

"Oh, all done!" Nami replied.

"That was quick.." Zoro said warily.

Usopp and Sanji are shown laying on the deck with bumps on their heads.

"Scary." Roger shivered.

"Yeah, I skipped the boring details." Nami supplied.

The Merry is seen sailing and Vivi says,

"We're about to clear the island."

"Cool! Fog!" Luffy says excitedly.

"It'll be morning soon." Nami muses.

"Well, it's a good thing you got away from your pursuers!" A feminine voice says.

"Uh, wait, who was that?" Marco said with a raised eyebrow.

"If I had to guess," Law supplied, "It was probably that woman who exploded Igaram."

Almost everyone had looks of worry about how close the woman was to the crew. If she could blow up an entire ship, who knows what else she could do?

"It sure is!" Nami says.

"Watch out for the shallows so that you don't strike the hull." The feminine voice advises.

"You can count on me!" Nami grins.

"All of these brats are brainless." Big Mom huffed before she continued to snack on her treats.

Nami turns to Luffy and asks,

"Uh, was that you, Luffy?"

Luffy makes a noise of confusion as he turns to Nami. Nami slowly turns around and we see a woman, eyes shadowed by her cowboy hat, holding her head in her hand as she smiles down at the crew.

"Nice ship." The woman comments.

Nami and Vivi gasp in shock at the woman. The woman is shown sitting on the railing of the ship looking down at the crew.

"Who's that!?" Zoro exclaims with a hand on the hilt of his sword.

"You! You're…!" Vivi shouts looking up at the woman.

The woman softly laughs as we get a good view of her. She has black hair that goes a little past her shoulders with blue eyes.

"Nico Robin?!" Several voices exclaim. Law is one of those voices, Shanks, Eustass, Big Mom, and Garp.

The past pirates looked at them in confusion. Law also looked confused about some of the voices as well.

"Who is Nico Robin?" Rayleigh asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well from what I know." Shanks started, "She is one of the crew members of Luffy."

The past pirates looked confused at his words. Law was also confused about what he was being shown. He was pretty sure- no, definitely sure, Nico Robin is a member of the Straw Hats. So why is she shown as an enemy?

"But…" Marco trailed off, as confused as the others.

Shanks shook his head before saying,

"I don't know anything about her or how she joined the crew."

The past pirates were all lost in thought before another voice said,

"Nico Robin, otherwise known as the 'Devil Child', had a bounty of 79 million at the age of eight."

Everyone looked over at the only marine in the room as he ate some crackers.

"79 million?" questioned Roger, "Isn't that a bit excessive at the age of eight?"

Garp didn't reply to his question and continued to munch on his crackers.

"Supposedly, Nico Robin sank seven battleships." Law supplied.

The past pirates plus Shanks looked over with curious looks, clearly wanting to know more about a potential Straw Hat member. Law felt a little pressure at the eyes staring at him but continued on.

"Her homeland had a buster call sent to it, because there were scholars that could read poneglyphs, and she was the only one to escape."

The past pirates had horrified faces as they listened to Law speak. They clearly didn't like what they were hearing.

"The reason Nico Robin is called a 'Devil Child' is because she can read poneglyphs." Law finished.

"Mamama! She could be useful." Big Mom laughed.

The past pirates glared at her but didn't comment on her statement clearly not in the mood to have an argument.

"That child must have been through hard times," Whitebeard said softly.

"My question is how does she join Luffy's crew?" Roger said with a raised eyebrow. Law was also curious about how the woman would join the crew as she is shown as an enemy right now. What an interesting turn of events, Law thought.

"Maybe you would find out if you would stop talking." Kaido bluntly said.

Roger huffed at his comment but turned back to the screen.

She smiles as she tilts her head,

"I saw Mr. 8 not too long ago, Miss Wednesday."

"You killed Igaram!" Vivi states as she glares at the woman.

"Even if you did," Luffy interrupts and points up at the woman, "Why the hell are you on my ship? Who are you?"

"What are you doing HERE? Miss All-Sunday!" Vivi yells.

"Miss All-Sunday?"

"Miss All- Sunday?" Marco asks at the same time Nami does.

"Which number's partner is it this time?" Nami asks Vivi.

"Mr. 0's." Vivi answers solemnly, "The Boss' partner."

"Oh."

"CROCODILES?!" Nami gasps.

"So she's a bad guy?" Luffy asks in interest.

"She is the only one allowed to know the Boss' true identity…" Vivi informs, "We shadowed her in order to find out who he really was."

"Or to be more precise…" Miss All-Sunday smirked, "I let you shadow me."

"Oh, she's a good guy." Luffy concluded.

Law tried to ignore the stupidity as he tried to listen to the more important conversation.

"I knew that!" Vivi shouted angrily, "And then the one who informed the Boss of his exposed identity… was you, wasn't it!?"

"Correct." Miss All-Sunday confirmed.

"So she is a bad guy." Luffy said with a pout.

There were some smacks heard as a few people facepalmed.

"Just stay out of it." An exasperated Zoro said to Luffy.

"Just what exactly are your intentions!?" Vivi asked.

"Who knows?" Miss All-Sunday said as she closed her eyes, "But you were so serious about it… I just had to cooperate. A princess who actually thinks she can make enemies of Baroque Works and save her country… It's just so ridiculous…"

"YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Vivi screams at her as she thinks about Igaram.

Suddenly Sanji is pointing a gun at Miss All-Sunday while Usopp aims his sling shot at her. Zoro takes his sword out of his hilt and Nami brings out her staff.

"Good reactions," Rayleigh commented.

"Oi, Sanji. Any idea what's going on?" Usopp asks.

"Nope. Not exactly." Sanji answers, "But it seems the lovely Miss Wednesday is in danger.

Miss All-Sunday closes her eyes,

"Would you mind not pointing such dangerous things at me?"

Suddenly Sanji and Usopp are sent flying away from her as well as Nami's staff getting knocked out of her hands.

"What?"

"Probably a devil fruit."

"Oh yeah, probably."

"Could it be…?" Zoro looks at the woman in surprise.

"Oh!" Luffy says in surprise.

"The Devil…" Vivi starts.

Zoros' sword is knocked out of his hand. Sanji and Usopp land at their feet.

"The Devil's Fruit!?" Zoro asks in surprise.

"I guess they are still new to the whole 'devil fruit' thing since they're from the east blue." Shanks deduced.

"Yeah probably." Roger nodded in agreement.

"What?" Nami questions, "What kind of ability is it?"

Sanji looks up at Miss All-Sunday,

"WHOA! Looking from here, she's one beautiful lady!"

Some people sweat dropped at the change of attitude.

Miss All-Sunday softly laughs,

"Really, don't be in such a rush. I'm not under any orders at the moment. So I have no reason to fight with you."

Suddenly Luffy's hat is flown off his head and Miss All-Sunday catches it.

"So you're the famous Straw Hat Captain, hm?" Miss All-Sunday asks as she twirls the hat on her hand, "Monkey D. Luffy."

"OI! GIVE BACK MY HAT!" Luffy shakes his fists at her, "YOU WANNA FIGHT!?"

"It's just a hat," Eustass grumbled quietly.

"You're not wanted here so get off our ship, jerk!" Usopp shouts from behind the mast.

Miss All-Sunday places the Straw Hat on her hat and says,

"What bad luck…You pirates picking up a princess that Baroque Works wants dead. And that princess being protected by such a small number of pirates…But your worst luck of all…is the route that Log Pose is leading you on."

Nami looks at her Log Pose in confusion.

"The name of the next island is…Little Garden." Miss All-Sunday smirks, "My sears, even if we do nothing to stop you, you won't make it to Alabasta. You will be annihilated."

"I DON'T CARE!" Luffy interrupts, "GIVE BACK HAT!"

"Luffy, calm down," Shanks said exasperatedly but with a fond smile.

"YEAH! YOU MORON!" Usopp supports from the back.

"Are you a little kid?" Zoro asks Usopp.

"Rushing towards a place where you will die." Miss All-Sunday says as she throws Luffy his hat back and an object towards Vivi, "Doesn't that sound awfully foolish?"

"An Eternal Pose…" Vivi comments as she stares down at the object Miss All-Sunday gave her.

"With this, you can avoid Little Garden." Miss All-Sunday smirks, "This needle points to Nothing Island just short of Alabasta. Since none of our members know this route, you will not be followed."

Nami looks up in confusion,

"What? She's helping us out?"

"Yeah, that's a little suspicious," Marco said warily.

"Why are you doing this?" Nami asks.

"It's obviously a trap." Zoro points out.

"I wonder." Miss All-Sunday smiles.

"What should I do?" Vivi thinks as Luffy starts to walk, "I don't want to accept something like this from her…But, if I'm going to be riding this ship…then taking the safest route would be best."

"Who the hell gives a crap!?" Luffy yells as he grabs the Eternal Pose and breaks it.

Law shook his head at the brashness of Straw Hat.

"I'm liking this kid more and more," Roger-ya said with a smirk.

Vivi and Nami gasps in surprise. Luffy glares up at Miss All-Sunday before he is sent flying back.

"MORON!" Nami shouts as she kicks Luffy, "ARE YOU A COMPLETE DIMWIT? She just told us the best way to go! What if she was trying to help us!? What then!?"

There were some laughs at the display diffusing the tension a little.

Luffy is laying on his back with his Straw Hat laying next to him, and ignores Nami too look at Miss All-Sunday,

"You don't decide the route for this ship!"

"Oh. How unfortunate." Miss All-Sunday tilts her head as she smiles.

Luffy sits up and outs his hat back on as Nami glares down at him,

"Geez!"

"She blew up tube guy. I hate her." Luffy declares.

"At least he's honest."

Vivi looks over in surprise at his words. Miss All-Sunday starts to walk across the upper deck.

"Well, I don't hate those with high spirits. If you survive, let's meet again." Miss All-Sunday smiles at Luffy.

"NO." Luffy pouts.

Well, that's a little ironic, Law thought.

Miss All-Sunday laughs and jumps off the ship onto her own,

"Let's go, Banchi."

"W-What's that?" Zoro asks as he looks over the railing.

"Is that thing a Sea King?" Usopp questions as he looks next to Zoro, "

N-no, it's-!"

"WHOA!" Everyone exclaims, "IT'S A TURTLE!"

"They get entertained very easily." Rayleigh said with a small laugh.

"That is one HUGE turtle!" Luffy points out.

Vivi falls to the ground,

"That woman…! I can't understand what she's thinking!"

"Then trying to understand is a waste of time." Nami states.

"Yeah, we got people like that on the ship already." Zoro comments as an arrow is pointed at Luffy.

Law was a little confused about the arrow, but agreed with it otherwise.

"Oi! Someone please explain all this?" Usopp asks desperately as The Merry is shown sailing away, "I have no idea what's going on!"

"Oh~! Miss Wednesday, are you one of our nakama now?" Sanji asks delightedly.

"Oi! Will someone explain…WHOA! We've got an OSTRICH now!?"

"Oi…what's going on?" Usopp cries.

"Would you like something to eat?" Sanji asks Vivi.

"SOMEONE EXPLAIN ALL THIS!"

"So noisy," grunted Garp.

The next day, The Merry is seen sailing on open waters.

"I see." Sanji says as he smokes, "I've done something inexcusable, but I still have yet to show my abilities. It's all right now your sleeping knight has awakened…" Zoro looks at him in disgust, "...and I will make it my duty to ensure your safety."

"Damn…! I'm glad I was asleep!" Usopp says relieved.

"Nami-Swan, are you jealous?" Sanji asks.

Nami has her arms crossed as she responds,

"Not in the least."

There were some laughs at her answer.

"I wonder…" Vivi starts, "...is it really alright for me to be aboard your ship? I don't want to be a burden…"

Nami raises an eyebrow and pokes Vivi in the forehead,

"What are you talking about? Thanks to you, we're all marked for death. If you didn't want to be a burden, you shouldn't have done that in the first place."

Law agreed with what the Navigator was saying. He would not be pleased if he was in her position.

"I'm sorry." Vivi says regretfully.

"Right, Luffy?" Nami asks.

Luffy raises his arms and shouts,

"OH! I'm hungry!"

Everyone sweatdropped at the captain's one-track mind.

"I don't think he cares…" Vivi sweat dropped.

The scene faded to black.

Chapter Text

As the screen faded to black, the lights turned back on. Law had to blink a few times to get used to the room's brightness. He huffed as he could finally see without blinking every second and looked around the room. Everyone talked to their couch partners, kept quiet, or ate. Law scans his surroundings and sees the Roger Trio talking amongst each other. He feels exhausted just looking at them. 

When the anonymous person said this viewing was longer, he didn't expect it to be almost an hour. Law could feel his limbs starting to numb, sitting in the same position for so long. He debated on whether he should get up to stretch his legs to possibly find a bathroom when a puff of smoke appeared in front of his face, and a piece of paper gently floated into his lap. Law was a little stunned at the sudden appearance of the article, as was Eustass from the annoyed face he was aiming at him. Law ignored him and prepared to read as the others who noticed the disturbance looked over, waiting for him to read the note. Law cleared his throat and read, 

"If you need to use the bathroom, there are doors on either side of the chairs and couches that you can use. If you're hungry or thirsty, just quietly ask for something, and you can be granted it, as long as it's reasonable. There will be a small break before we continue with the viewings. We will start back up in 10 minutes."

Law was sure that this person was a mind reader or something, or he was overthinking it. Either way, Law was pleased with the new information; he now won't be wondering if he would have to hold in his defecate. Just as he was about to get up to use the bathroom, he heard a quiet,

"Cabbage Rolls."

Law looked to his right and saw Eustass with his eyes closed and his head tilted towards the ceiling, clasping his hands together- Law thought he looked like he was praying. Eustass slowly opened his eyes when nothing happened, with Law still openly staring at him. Eustass turned towards him when he felt his stare, and Law raised an eyebrow at the man, and the red-haired man glared at him before a puff of smoke appeared before him, and a plate full of Cabbage Rolls gently landed on Eustass's lap. There was a beat of silence before the red-haired man smirked at Law before he started to gorge down his meal. Law rolled his eyes and got up to use the bathroom. As he stood, he looked at both sides of the room and thought the better option was to use the bathroom on the left so Law didn't run into someone he didn't particularly favor. 

Just as Law finished his business and started to wash his hands, he felt a presence enter the bathroom. Law tensed and looked into the mirror in front of him to see who was behind him. Law saw a flash of pink and quickly reached for his sword but cursed himself when he only grabbed air. He forgot that he didn't have his weapon and couldn't activate his devil fruit. Law could feel sweat start to trickle down his back when he made eye contact with the taller man. 

“Hmhmhmhm.” Doflamingo smirked at him. 

They stared at each other through the mirror, the sound of running water filling the silence. Law tensed in anticipation before Doflamingo looked away from him and continued his way further into the bathroom. Law's eyes tracked the man through the mirror as he supposedly left his line of sight to use the bathroom. There was a beat of silence before the sound of a stall door closing brought Law out of his trance. Law quickly finished washing his hands and exited the bathroom.

Why the hell was that feathered freak in there, he thought angrily. Doflamingo's chair is on the other side of the room, so he would have to stroll across the room. To what, to torment him? What a waste of time and effort. Law grits his teeth and continues walking to his seat when he hears his name being called and turns his head towards the voice, turning his face neutral.

"Hey, Trafalgar!" Shanks waved at him as the other past pirates looked at him curiously.

Law was tempted to return to the bathroom. At least he knew how to act towards Doflamingo, not two Emperors, a Pirate King, and two of their first mates. Shanks could see that he had a confused expression and made a waving motion with his hand that Law translates to, "come over here." Law felt like he really didn't have a choice and slowly approached the men in their seats. He stopped in front of them and waited for one of them to speak. 

"As you guys heard before," Shanks started before nodding his head towards Law, "This is Trafalgar Law."

The others looked at him up and down, analyzing him, and Law tried not to fidget under their gaze and stood still, wanting Red Hair to get to the point. 

"Trafalgar." Shanks looked at him before gesturing to his captain, "You also probably know, but this is my former captain, Gol D. Roger, his first mate Silvers Rayleigh."

Yes, Law already knew that. 

He guessed Shanks wanted to do a proper introduction, not that Law knows why. Shanks then gestures to the couch next to them,

"Edward Newgate, Whitebeard, and his first mate Marco."

Law nodded towards all of them in respect, not wanting to get on their wrong side, and waited for Red Hair to say why he called him over here finally. 

"Quiet one, isn't he?" Rayleigh said with an amused smile. 

Law was tempted to glare at the man who found his predicament amusing but refrained and forced his expression to be blank. 

"Hey, relax, man," Marco said with a laid-back grin, "We don't bite."

Law realized he was a little too stiff- probably from his encounter in the bathroom- and slowly relaxed his shoulders. Law guessed he was being a little impolite and decided to speak to them,

"Why did you call me over, Red Hair." 

Ok, maybe that wasn't so polite; Law realized after he demanded more than he asked the man. He winced at his own words but slightly relaxed when Shanks only laughed.

"As Marco said, relax, and you can call me Shanks," the man laughed, "Red Hair sounds too formal."  

"Alright." Law agreed before he saw the man look at him expectantly. Law sighed, 

"Shanks…Why did you call me over?"

The man smiled at him before he looked at his companions, and Roger looked at Law and said,

"I-We was curious about you and your knowledge about Luffy." 

Law should've guessed that's why they called him over. Roger had a calculating look, as did the others, and explained further,

"How do you know so much about Luffy?" Law could hear the underlining in his words even though the man had a neutral expression on his face. The Pirate King is fond of Luffy, Law thought warily. He gathered his thoughts together before speaking, 

"He is an infamous pirate; not a lot of people don't know about Straw Hat Luffy." 

Roger had a suspicious look on his face, clearly not believing that Law was telling the whole truth, which Law thinks is fair since he was somewhat vague with his answer. Before Roger even opened his mouth, Shanks quickly intervened,

"Don't worry about it, captain." the man said with an easygoing smile, "Trafalgar helped Luffy when he was in danger. We don't need to be wary of him." 

Shanks' words seem to reassure his captain, as he didn't seem as guarded as he was when Law first entered the conversation. Although the said couldn't be said for his first mate, he looked at Law and Shanks with a calculating look. 

As for Law, he didn't believe a word that the red-haired man said. He knew the man wasn't stupid to think he should trust Law just because he helped Luffy once. Shanks smiled at his captain before he turned to Law. Law felt like the man was staring into his soul with how intensely his eyes bored into his. Law saw the man's message through his eyes, "I'm watching you." 

Not like Law would do anything in the first place, he didn't want to sign his death warrant. Law was silently grateful that the emperor he tried to take down was Kaido but wasn't reassured by that thought- dreading his plans to lead up to the conflict. Law decided he didn't want to leave on bad terms and thought to give his opinion to make conversation and hopefully soothe their wariness.

"Luffy is a reckless pirate that drags a lot of attention." Law said as the others looked at him in surprise, "Although that can come off as arrogant, he does it for his crew and his dreams, as I'm sure you've all seen, and that is something to respect."

Law could tell they were surprised by his words, but he didn't make any notion that he noticed. Shanks looked at him for a second before he laughed in agreement with Law's words. The others seem to relax as the tension diffuses, but Law knows that Red Hair will continue to watch him. Law isn't worried about that because he doesn't have ill intentions towards Luffy- maybe he was using him a little bit, but it also seemed that Straw Hat was going to agree with his proposal for an alliance before he got transported here. Law decided he would worry about Shanks in the future because he had more significant worries.

Law was still standing in front of the couch as they continued to talk, lost in his thoughts. Law heard bits and pieces of the conversion, mostly about them wondering what they would be watching in a few minutes. And with that thought, Law realized that their time was almost up. 

"I wonder if we will see any more fights!" Marco exclaimed with a grin, clearly wanting to see more action. 

Whitebeard laughed at his son's words but nodded in agreement. 

"I am also curious to see how much stronger the boy gets," Rayleigh said as he scratched his beard in thought. 

"Since we will be starting in a few minutes," Law interjected, "I will head back to my seat."

Roger and Marco frowned at his words, to Law's confusion. 

"Oh yeah, I guess our 10 minutes are almost up," Marco said a little disappointedly before he perked up at the thought of watching more viewings. 

Law was just about to start walking towards his seat when the Pirate King voiced,

"Hey, Trafalgar!" Law looked at the man with a raised eyebrow, smiling so wide it looked like it hurt his cheeks, "If we have more breaks, come over here with your friend!"

Law was stunned at the man's words- he was so blunt that he reminded him of someone. Law could slowly feel the heat rise in his cheeks as Roger continued to smile brightly at him. He could hear a snicker from the phoenix and gave him a slight glare before he nodded at Roger in agreement- as he could refuse- and slowly turned around and walked back to his shared couch. 

Wait, did he say friend?

Law finally returned to his seat without interruptions and saw Eustass finishing his twelfth plate of cabbage rolls. Law sighed, sat down, and closed his eyes to collect himself. Law felt that this was going to be a long and stressful day. Wait, day? Law had a sudden thought and jerked his eyes open in horror. Law could feel Eustass stare at him from the sudden movement.

"What's wrong with you?" Eustass asked accusingly as his empty plates vanished in thin air.

Law debated whether or not he should share but decided he needed to share his thoughts.

"Do you think we will be here for more than a day?" Law asked slowly.

Eustass had a blank look as he took in Law's words. Slowly the man's eyes widened in horror as Law's did a moment ago. 

"Damn, if I am going to be in this room for more than a day, I'd rather die. I could care less about Straw Hat." Eustass grumbled in anger. 

Law felt the same way and dreaded the honest answer to his question. 

Suddenly, a puff of smoke appeared before him, and paper slowly fell from it. Everyone looked over at the noise and waited for Law to read the note- Law was seriously wondering why he was the messenger now. Law caught the paper and read it aloud,

"Alright, your 10 minutes are up, so that we will continue. Before that, though, I heard that some of you had questions, and I will answer them."

Law was now concerned for his privacy and his mind from this person. 

"If you wonder if this will take more than a day, the answer is yes."

Law closed his eyes and sighed. He heard voices of protest at the mystery person's answer, and Law felt the same way. 

"I have better things to do than to watch a brat pretending to be a pirate." Kaido voiced with a scowl on his face. Kaido directed his glare toward Law since he delivered the response. Law tried to ignore the beast and continued to read,

"But don't worry, the time has momentarily stopped from outside this room."

Well, that does make things a little easier, Law thought. Some protesting stopped as Law continued,

"As for how long you stay here, it won't be more than two weeks! :)"

Law stared blankly at the paper. He did not find the smiley face amusing or reassuring. He wasn't sure he would be able to survive here for more than a few hours. The others in the room looked like they wanted to object, but they seemed to accept that they couldn't leave, even if they wanted to. 

"As for the viewing," Law continued, "This one will be long just like the last one, and it is set a few days after. So, sit back and enjoy." 

Law wanted to cry; he had hoped all the viewings would be shorter like the first one. Law had to prepare himself as the paper vanished mentally. Everyone settled into their seats and faced forward. The lights started to dim, and the screen lit up. 

Snow is seen everywhere as it blizzards. A figure is seen trudging through the snow. We see Luffy walking as he carries Nami on his back and Sanji in his arm. 

"Ok, we missed something," Marco said with a raised eyebrow. 

"It looks like Luffy's crewmates are unconscious." Whitebeard pointed out. 

From how Nami's skin has a red hue, Law would say that she is either sick or from the cold. The same could be said for the Black Leg, but he noticed dried blood on him, so Law concludes it could be from blunt trauma. Law wonders what Straw Hat is doing; he hopes to seek medical aid.  

Luffy is red from the cold and struggling to walk against the wind.

"Doctor…" Luffy says desperately as he trudges through the snow, "Doctor… Doctor…"

Good. At least the hyperactive captain is being serious about his situation. 

"I hope Luffy's crewmates will be ok," Marco said with concern. 

Whitebeard noticed his son's worry and gently patted Marco on his shoulder, and the phoenix slowly relaxed at his touch. Marco looked up at his captain and smiled in thanks before returning his eyes to the screen. 

Suddenly a wall emerges from the snow in front of Luffy, and he looks up and sees a very tall mountain.

"So this is it…" Luffy says tiredly, "I can't even see the top."

"Don't tell me Straw Hat plans to climb that thing while carrying two people," Eustass said in disbelief. 

Law looked over at the man who had his eyebrows raised in skepticism. 

"From knowing how reckless and brash Straw Hat is so far," Law started as Eustass looked over at him, "Is that a question?" 

Eustass seemed to think over his words, then huffed and looked away. 

"Yeah, I guess he's a reckless idiot." Eustass begrudgingly amidated. 

Law didn't expect the red-haired man to agree- at least out loud- and smirked at his reluctance. Law also thought Eustass didn't have any room to talk about being reckless; he saw plenty of that at Sabaody from the red-haired man. 

Luffy breathes heavily as he stares at the mountain.

"At the top…" Luffy states determinedly, "... there's a doctor."

Nami is shown passing out on Luffy.

Law could see the others' confusion at Nami's state and decided he could inform them of her condition,

"The navigator is sick," Law announced. 

The others looked over at him when he spoke. 

"How'd you know?" Roger asked curiously

The other past pirates and Shanks also looked curious and focused their attention on Law.

"From how Nami is breathing and her skin color, it is easy to tell that she is sick and it wasn't from the cold." Law started, "Looks like the sickness started a few days ago by the way she is unconscious. I also don't see any bruises or bandages on her, at least not visible ones, so I assume Nami is sick."  

The others seemed impressed with his knowledge as they nodded to his analysis.  

"You seem very knowledgeable." Rayleigh pointed out.

"I'm a doctor," Law stated.

"Cool! You're a doctor and a captain!" Marco said with a smile.

Law didn't know how to take the compliment and just nodded- if not a little awkwardly at the phoenix-and turned to look back at the screen.

"Hang on a little longer…" Luffy tightens the cloth wrapped around him and Nami, "Nami, Sanji."

Luffy bites Sanji's shirt and holds on to the side of the mountain. Luffy climbs the mountain with his bare hands and feet. 

"Why is Anchor in the middle of a blizzard," Shanks sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "barefoot?"

The others stayed silent, not knowing how to answer the man.

Law was also wondering about that fact, also about Straw Hat wearing shorts in this weather. He doesn't think it is practical in the middle of a snowstorm, but Law decides not to overthink it and focus on Nami and Sanji's condition.  

Luffy breathes heavily as he climbs the mountain, carrying Sanji with his mouth and Nami on his back. Luffy's coat on Nami's back flies off her from the wind. Luffy determinedly grits his teeth and keeps climbing.

"Doctor…" Luffy grunts as he slowly ascends the mountainside, "Doc…tor…! Doctor…!"

Luffy reaches his arm up to continue climbing, but his hand slips. His nails crack, and blood seeps out of his wounds. 

Law grimaces at the site, but there are worse things he has seen.

"Shit." Marco hisses as he cringes at the display.

"OUCH!" Luffy shouts.

By doing so, Sanji falls from Luffy's mouth. 

"Moron," Eustass grumbled with an eye-roll. 

Luffy soon realizes his mistake and shouts,

"SANJIII!"

Luffy stretches his neck as Sanji falls and bites down on Sanji's coat. Sanji bounces a few times from the recoil. 

"I almost forgot he was rubber." Marco sighed in relief.

Luffy grits his teeth on the coat and says,

"T-Too close…"

Luffy is now further up the mountain.

"Doctor…! Doctor…! Doctor…!"

Law could tell that Straw Hat cared for his crew, which was refreshing to see because you don't know a lot of captains devoted to their crew. It's usually about gold and power, but Straw Hat is different. Law is now gaining new respect for the man, even if he's a little obnoxious. 

"What an admirable captain." Rayleigh grinned as he eyed his own. 

Roger nodded in agreement with a gleam in his eye as he observed Luffy, frozen on the screen, in the middle of climbing the mountain. 

Luffy is turning red from the cold, and blood pours down his hand from his cracked nails. As Luffy reaches up to grab the side of the mountain, he slips and falls; Luffy uses his hands and feet to scrape across the mountainside to try to stop. 

"Ah geez," Marco said, cringing at the screen, "Luffy just can't catch a break."

Law was also grimacing at all the blood and Straw Hat's screams. The injuries on their own are pretty terrible, but adding that he was in the cold didn't help. 

"Common Anchor," Law barely heard from his left, "Push through."

Blood starts to pour off his fingertips and toes as he continues to fall. Luffy screams as his appendages are being abused. Luffy is finally able to stop and takes a moment to catch his breath. Luffy slowly starts to climb the mountain with a determined face.

"Hang on…" Luffy thinks, "We're almost there… Don't die on me…!!"

Even more, blood runs down Luffy's arms and legs as he continues to climb. Luffy has a purplish, reddish color to his skin from the cold and grunts as he ascends. Luffy finally reaches the top and drops Sanji from his mouth. He looks up and notices a castle that is covered in snow. 

"Hopefully, a doctor is in that castle." Marco grunted, "It looks abandoned. Luffy better not have climbed this godforsaken mountain for nothing."

"Don't worry, son." Whitebeard said reassuringly, "I'm sure everything works out fine."

Marco loosened his tense shoulders at his father's words and turned toward the screen.

"Made it…" Luffy says breathlessly.

Luffy's vision starts to go blurry, and passes out on the snowy ground,

"Doctor…"

Suddenly the snow that Luffy is lying in shifts, and Luffy starts to fall off the side of the mountain with Nami still on his back. 

"EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE!" Marco shouted with wide eyes. 

The other past pirates also had wide eyes at the turn of events. 

Before he could fall, a fury hand grabbed Luffy's.

There was a collective sigh of relief from the left side of the room- that may or may not include Law.

"See, everything is fine," Whitebeard said confidently.

Marco turned towards his captain and pointed up at him.

"You didn't know everything was fine!" Marco shouted accusingly, "I saw your face!"

"I don't know what you're talking about, son," Whitebeard said casually with a slight shrug.

"Stop gaslighting me!" Marco yelled as blue flames started to flicker across his shoulders. 

"Gurararara! It's just a bit of fun, Marco," Whitebeard laughed and gently smiled, "No harm done; besides, Luffy and his crewmates are safe."

Marco seemed to calm down and huffed at his father before turning back to the screen, as did Whitebeard as he chuckled at his son's actions. Law also saw Roger trio lightly chuckling at the father and son interaction. 

A vast furry figure with a red hat is holding Luffy. The face of the creature is shadowed by his Hat, except for a blue nose.

The scene fades to black. 

"A big furry creature with a blue nose." Roger stated with his head tilted, "I don't think I have ever seen a creature like that before."

"Neither have I." Rayleigh and Shanks said simultaneously. 

"What an exquisite creature." Big Mom said with a sparkle in her eyes, "Another one to add to my collection." 

'Collection?' Law thought. He does not want to know what that means from the tone in the emperor's tone. 

"Anyways…," Marco deflected from Big Mom's comment, "I wonder what that creature was. At least it seemed like it helped Luffy. Hopefully, he finally gets a doctor."

The other past pirates and Shanks nodded in agreement. Law also was wondering about the creature; although he did think it looked a little familiar, he decided to think about it later and watch the next scene that was starting up. 

It's snowing while a pirate flag is blowing in the wind. The flag is torn, and there are cherry blossom petals on the flag.

"Interesting pirate flag." The design intrigued Roger, saying, "Although it looks a little torn up."

"Yeah, I wonder how that happened." Marco wondered.

"DALTON!" a voice suddenly shouted,

Law flinched at the sudden shout. 

"Pfftt."

Law sharply turned his head to the noise and glared at his couch buddy. The red-haired man found his actions amusing, Law thought dryly. Law rolled his eyes at the immature man beside him and turned forward. 

"Terrible news!"

Dalton is shown with a confused face as a man runs up to him, holding a piece of paper.

"Who are they?" Marco asked with a raised eyebrow.

The others shrugged, not knowing the answer. 

"I just remembered something important!"

"What is it?" Dalton asks.

"Take a look at this." The man shoves the paper towards Dalton. 

Dalton grabs it and sees Luffy's bounty.

"Luffy's bounty?" Shanks said warily, analyzing the screen; Law thinks he was trying to decipher to see if these people were friends or enemies. The other past pirates tense at seeing Luffy's bounty, protectiveness shining in their eyes. 

"It's him!" the man exclaims, "The pirate with the straw hat that defeated Wapol! No doubt about it!"

"Defeated who now?" Marco asked.

Everyone looked at each other in confusion, not recognizing the name. 

"By the sound of it, Luffy helped them out." Rayleigh deduced.

Before anyone could say anything, the screen suddenly turned black. Everyone turned toward the screen, tense, waiting for anything to happen. There was a beat of silence before white text started to appear, which read,

"You are correct, Rayleigh. Luffy did help these people by defeating a man trying to conquer their kingdom."

"Well, that would've been nice to know," Eustass grumbled to himself.

"Yes, you are correct Kid; I should've informed you of the situation so you wouldn't be lost."

Eustass looked shocked about being called out but huffed at the screen.

"This kingdom is called Drum Island. As I'm sure you've all concluded, Luffy sailed here to find Nami a doctor. Luffy reached the top of the mountain, and the creature that caught him was a doctor. He is a reindeer who ate the human human fruit, whose name is Tony Tony Chopper. Luffy liked him and asked Chopper to join his crew, which Chopper eventually agreed to. This is set right after the Straw Hats left for Alabasta."

The more Law read, the more it made sense why he thought the creature looked familiar. He had seen Tony Tony Chopper's bounty in the past, but when he saw the low reward, he moved on. It seemed like Straw Hat helped another person's home for them to become a crewmate, Law thought dryly. He wondered if this would be a recurring theme. 

"So, that big furry creature with a blue nose is a doctor on Luffy's crew?" Marco all but summed up.

"Seems like it," Roger said with a slight shrug. 

"Right, The Cotton Candy Lover, Tony Tony Chopper." Shanks said, nodding, "I didn't recognize him in this form. I thought he was just a pet Luffy picked up; it turns out he's a doctor." Shanks had a thoughtful look on his face at the new information. 

Law was interested in Tony Tony Chopper's skills as a doctor but turned towards the screen when it lit back up. 

“A 30,000,000 beri bounty…? On him?" Dalton asks skeptically.

"Oh?" Doctor Kureha voices curiously, "He must be quite the villain."

Law heard a snort from the right side of the room.

Doctor Kureha laughs as she walks toward Dalton.

"Where did you get this?" Dalton asks the man.

"I forgot to tell you about this when it happened, but…"

The man starts before the scene changes to show a deserted road with buildings alongside it.

"About a week ago in Robelle Town, this traveler showed up all of a sudden."

The wind starts to pick up, and a man wearing all black appears in the middle of the road.

"Well, someone's dramatic," Eustass said with an eye roll.

"Besides that," Marco interrupted, "Who is he?"

There were some shrugs at the question. 

"Strangely, it didn't snow at all that day… We have no idea where the heck he came from! Anyway, he said he was after Blackbeard, the same pirate that ransacked our country."

"Blackbeard?" several voices asked simultaneously.

There was a beat of silence before Marco asked,

"Who's Blackbeard?"

Law saw Shanks shift in his seat in an uncomfortable manner.

"Blackbeard is one of the four emperors." the Red Haired man said vaguely. 

"An emperor, huh?" Whitebeard commented.

As he turned toward the towering man, Law saw Shanks nod with a pitying look.

"Blackbeard is actually from your crew."

Whitebeard raised his eyebrow at the Red Haired man in slight surprise while Marco was openly gaping. 

"Are you going to elaborate, or leave me to guess, brat?" Whitebeard grunted.

Shanks hesitated before answering, the others noticing and watching the two men in tense silence.

"Marshall D. Teach."

Whitebeard looked more confused than surprised at the declaration. 

"Didn't expect that brat to be so ambitious."

There was a small huff of laughter from the right side of the room.

"There's a lot you don't know about Blackbeard, old man." Doflamigo laughed. 

"Then enlighten me." Whitebeard countered.

Doflamingo smirked at the taller man and replied in silence. Law gritted his teeth in annoyance before turning to the conversation at hand. Shanks shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable being the one to relay the upsetting information to the captain. Law is glad he is not in his shoes.

"Blackbeard betrayed you," Shanks rushed, "He murdered one of your crewmates for a devil fruit."

There was a tense silence.

"You want to run that by me again, boy?" Whitebeard said dangerously.

Shanks shifted in his seat but held Whitebeard's gaze with confidence.

"Teach murdered one of your crewmates," Shanks said slowly.

Whitebeard closed his eyes, lost in thought. Marco had a look of disbelief on his face, clearly not wanting to believe the words he was hearing. Law didn't know all the details about Blackbeard, and it was certainly interesting to listen to what happened, and he had some sympathy for them, but this had already happened to him two years ago. 

"That traitor!" Whitebeard roared, "I gave that brat everything after he begged on his knees! And this is how he repays me!"

The room started to shake from the intensity. Law tried not to move into action at the possible threat, not that he could. He could feel an invisible force pushing him down in his seat. Eustass seemed to be having the same problem with how he grunted. Law looked over to see a furious captain with a dark aura surrounding him. He could see Roger trying to calm him down, but it looked like Whitebeard wasn't listening to any of the words the man spoke to him. 

There was a slight sniffle, and everyone stopped to look at the noise. Marco had a troubled look on his face, sniffing every few seconds, trying not to let his tears fall. 

"One of my brothers is murdered by my other brother." Marco softly said with a shaky breath. 

Law could hear the distress in the teen's voice; he was worried that the boy would have a panic attack. Whitebeard immediately calmed down and looked soft as he gazed down at his troubled son. Whitebeard warped his large arm around Marco and cradled his son. Law breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in his seat, now that he could finally move again. He moved his eyes away from the scene that seemed very personal and tried to steady his heartbeat from the sudden adrenaline rush. He made eye contact with Eustass, and they shared a look that translated to, 'I'm glad that's over ; before they looked away from each other, not admitting that they were seeking comfort.

Everyone took a few minutes to collect themselves and settle in their seats. Whitebeard and Marco finally calmed down from their rush of emotions and faced the screen. 

The scene changed back to the man who showed Dalton Luffy's bounty and continued,

"But once he found out the pirates had long since left here…"

"Then I'll ask another question." the man in black said.

We see the mystery man's side profile. All we see are his freckles as his Hat shadows his eyes. His black hair shaped his face.

Wait… isn't that…?

"Has a pirate wearing a straw hat ever come here?" the mystery man asked.

"Does this man know Luffy?" Roger said with a raised eyebrow, his protective side showing through. 

Law saw Shanks observing the screen with a calculating look. Law also looked at the man frozen on the screen. Law has a pretty good idea who that man is, and he bet the Red-Haired does as well. 

"When I said I didn't know, he gave us this poster and said:" 

"If he does come here," the man in black says with an intense stare.

"If he comes…?" The other man asks timidly.

"Tell him I'll only wait in Alabasta for 10 days." the mystery man smirks as he points toward the other two.

"This is suspicious," Marco said quietly.

Law guessed the teen was still depressed over the news he heard earlier, not that he blames him.

"Yeah, this man seems to know Luffy personally," Roger commented.

"Maybe he has a personal vendetta against him?" Rayleigh thought out loud. 

Shanks looked over at them warily. 

"I'll leave it with you." he turns and walks away.

"Hey, wait a moment! What's your name!?" 

"Oh, yes. Yeah, that's right." the man in black says nonchalantly.

The man slowly turns back around, eyes shadowed by his Hat, and smirks,

"My name is Ace."

"Ace, huh?" Rayleigh said as he scratched his beard.

"Someone write that down." Roger said hurriedly, "We got to make a list of names of everyone who wants to hurt Luffy."

Shanks side-eyed his captain, and Law seriously wondered if the man would drag out the surprise any longer. 

"Ah, Ace, my grandson," Garp said nonchalantly. 

Shanks sighed at the man as he continued to snack on his crackers. 

"You're grandson?!" Marco and Roger said incredulously. 

The marine didn't respond, acting like he couldn't hear anything.

"So, Ace is Luffy's brother then," Whitebeard stated.

"Yes," Shanks replied a little hesitantly. 

Rayleigh glanced at his cabin boy with suspicion before facing the screen.

"Oh." Roger said, "I guess we don't need that list then."

"When he comes by, tell him that, and he'll figure it out." the man chuckles before walking away again.

Suddenly a man rushes in and shouts,

"OI! SOMEONE GRAB THAT GUY!"

Ace flinches violently at being caught.

"He's an eat n' run!"

"I'LL LEAVE IT WITH YOU!" Ace shouts and runs away.

"He's funny," Marco said with a small laugh, his mood improving from before.

Whitebeard smiled down at his son.

The scene changes back to the night as it snows.

“Waiting in Alabasta for 10 days, eh?” Dalton asks.

Dalton notices Doctor Kureha looking at Luffy's bounty.

"Dr. Kureha." Dalton voices, "What's the matter? You seem distant."

"Do you know of Gol D. Roger?" Dr. Kureha asks with a small smile.

There were some shocked and confused noises at the name.

"Huh? Me?" Roger asked with a blink.

"Why would she be asking about you?" Rayleigh questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't know?" Roger shrugged, just as confused as the others.

"'D'?" Dalton questions, "You mean Gold Roger?"

The screen shows The Pirate King on his execution day.

"Is that what they call him now?" Dr. Kureha asks.

Dr. Kureha looks down, and we see Luffy's bounty.

"It looks like… My little reindeer has followed a dangerous man. So it still lives… The will of D…" Dr. Kureha says with a smile.

The scene fades to black.

Law now had a lot of questions.

First, was Chopper, the little reindeer this old woman was referring to? Second, why is Straw Hat a dangerous man? Third, the will of D. That last one wasn't a question, but still puzzling. Law has heard the term before but not understanding it fully. He hopes he can finally answer some questions if these viewings keep showing the future. 

Shanks suddenly faced his captain and said,

"Captain, I have to tell you something."

Roger looked at him in confusion before slowly nodding, urging Shanks to continue. Shanks hesitated before saying,

"Ace is your son."

There was a beat of silence before-

"WHAT?!" Roger exclaimed with wide eyes.

Shanks looked a little sheepish with the way he blurted out the statement but otherwise nodded in confirmation. Rayleigh also looked shocked but in a more controlled manner. 

"Wai- what- but- huh?" The Pirate King stuttered out.  

Rayleigh slowly patted Rogers back- trying to comfort his best friend- before turning to Shanks with his eyebrows furrowed,

"Isn't he Luffy's brother, though? How can he be Roger's son?"

Roger stopped in the middle of his panic attack and looked from Rayleigh to Shanks.

"Yeah!" Roger exclaimed, "He can't be my son if he is Luffy's brother!"

Shanks sighed before explaining,

"Ace and Luffy aren't blood-related; they're bond brothers."

Rayleigh nodded at his words in understanding, and Roger looked lost in thought. 

"He does look like Roger," Whitebeard commented.

"Really?" Marco asked, tilting his head with closed eyes, "I don't see it."

Roger seemed to ignore the conversation instead of thinking about his presumed son. Law could see a mixture of emotions form on the man's face, the most prominent being happiness. 

"He is my son?" Roger asked Shanks with hopeful eyes.

Shanks smiled at his captain- Law could see a slight flare of sadness- and nodded. Roger's face formed into the brightest smile he had ever seen, and Law had to look away not to be blinded.

"Can we move on now?" Big Mom said with a huff.

Some of the others glared at her for ruining the moment but decided moving on would be best. They all settled in their seats and faced the screen. 

Chapter Text

Roger was still having a mental breakdown after ten minutes and didn’t seem to stop anytime soon, much to Law's dismay. He didn’t want to stay in this room any longer than he needed to.

Law could see Rayleigh still patting Roger's back trying to soothe his captain- not that it was really working- and Shanks, awkwardly watching the whole ordeal. The first mate looked to be talking to Roger, seemingly to soothe him, Law assumes, since he couldn’t hear what was being said.

Law huffed in annoyance and leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes trying to stop the headache that was starting to form behind his eyes.

How did he get into this mess? One minute he was on a half-freezing half-scorching island, the next, teleported into a room with living- and dead- legends watching the past and possibly the present, and future. How was this even possible in the first place? This anonymous person who brought them here must have a very powerful devil fruit, Law concluded. The power seems too complex and diverse just to be one power. How can one person teleport, show the past, and bring back the dead? You can only eat one devil fruit which means you only have one power. Maybe this person ate more than one? But then how did they not explode? It is common knowledge that eating more than one devil fruit results in your body exploding. Maybe they have a similar devil fruit as Blackbeard? Law furrowed his eyebrows at all the thoughts swirling around his head. This certainly wasn't helping his headache.

“Sleepy Trafalgar?”

Law squinted his eyes open and glanced to his right, not moving his head, only to see Eustass smirking at him leaning his back against his armrest, with a clearly amused look on his face. Law chose to ignore the man, preferably not to make his headache manifest more than it already has, and closed his eyes.

“Ignoring me now?” Eustass scoffed. Law grimaced at the harsh voice but ultimately kept his eyes closed. 

Suddenly, Law felt a heavy pressure on his legs and huffed from the force. Law opened his eyes only to see a pair of black boots resting on his lap. Law felt his eye twitch in annoyance and controlled his breathing in order to not lash out at the owner's boots.

“Eustass,” Law started slowly, “Kindly remove your feet from my vicinity.”

Eustass smirked at him, placing his remaining arm on the armrest and resting his head on his hand. They stared at each other for a moment before Law sighed at the comfortable-looking man,

“What do you want, Eustass?”

The redhead didn’t reply immediately, only studying Law.

“What’s your deal?” Eustass asked bluntly. 

Law raised his eyebrow at the question that demanded an answer. What is Eustass trying to get out of him?

“What’s my deal?” Law asked, “My deal is that your boots are getting dirt on me.” 

Eustass snarled at his remark but otherwise didn’t move from his position to Law's chagrin.

“Don’t be a smartass Trafalgar. Tell me, what is your deal?”

“Saying it again wont help me understand what you’re talking about.”

Law could see a tick mark form on the red-haired man's forehead and internally smirked at the man's agitation.

“Stop screwing around!” Eustass raised his voice, catching the attention of others. The echo of Eustass's voice echoed off the walls filling the silence. They eventually looked away clearly not that interested in what they had to say. Law realized that he was probably provoking the Eustass a little too much and decided to humor the man.

“Alright fine, I will answer your question,” Law finally said after a moment, “But I honestly don’t know what you mean by ‘my deal’.”

Eustass huffed in annoyance, “I mean what's your deal with Straw hat?”

“What does he have to do with anything?”

Eustass raised his eyebrow at him, “You seem to know a lot about him and his crew.”

Law was feeling a sense of deja vu, and not the good kind. Law could feel his headache starting to grow.

“You don’t read the News Coo?” Law answered coolly.

Eustass narrowed his brows, clearly not satisfied with his answer. 

“You seem to be interested in them.” the other captain prompted, “Even back at Sabaody.”

Law did not like the man's prodding, but if he didn’t give a satisfying answer, Eustass would keep badgering him about for the rest of the time they were in this room, and Law is not about to test his patience.

“If you really want to know why don’t you watch these viewings, and find out for yourself?” Law stated. The red-haired man glared at him but didn’t press him anymore for an answer. Law hoped that pleased Eustass for a while so he could be left alone in peace.

When Eustass didn’t say anything Law shoved his legs off his lap and crossed his own legs to prevent the other man from using it as a footrest. Eustass rolled him but otherwise kept to himself.

“If you kids are done with your lover's quarrel,” Rayleigh voiced, “we are ready to start.”

Law snapped his head towards the voice and saw the past pirates plus Shanks smirking at them. Law felt his cheeks warm and hid the lower half of his face in his jacket as Marco snickered in the background. Eustass scoffed at them and turned away, but Law could see a red glow form on the tip of his ears. Law seriously hopes he won't need to stay here any longer than necessary.

Law noticed that Roger finally stopped hyperventilating, and he sat up in his seat waiting to see what will be shown this viewing. The lights started to dim and the screen lit up.

Luffy and Usopp are fishing on the side of The Mary and have dumbfounded expressions on their faces.

“You know,” Marco deadpanned, “It’s getting a little annoying not knowing anything going into these viewings.” 

“Yeah, it would be nice to know what we are getting into.” Roger commented, before pouting and grumbling quietly, “Especially after that last one.”

Rayleigh sighed at his captain but otherwise didn’t comment about the man's childish behavior. Shanks chuckled at his former crewmate's actions and turned back toward the screen.

At the end of their fishing lines is a man in a ballerina outfit, with makeup on, and hanging on Carcue, who is bait.

“Uh- what.”

Carcue makes a noise of distress and the man looks at the duck and says,

“Oh no! Why am I grabbing a spot-billed duck I only just met!?”

Luffy and Usopp look at each other in confusion.

“A-A mermaid?” Luffy asks.

“Dunno.”

“I am so confused right now.”

“Same.”

“Uh-oh!” the ballerina exclaims, as he loses his grip on Carcue. The man falls towards the sea and falls into the ocean while Luffy and Usopp watch.

“Help me! PLEASE!” the man shouts as he struggles in the water, “I’m a Hammer and I can’t swim-”

“I guess he has a devil fruit…” Shanks says uncertain, also not knowing how to respond to the viewing.

Law would agree with the man's statement but was too confused to voice it. His brain was trying to make connections trying to figure out if this man was important or if he had seen his picture anywhere in the newspaper or a bounty. The ballerina man doesn’t look familiar, and Law doesn’t understand why this man would be important. 

Later, we see the man dripping wet on the deck of The Merry breathing heavily while the Straw hats, minus Sanji, watch. 

“Woah! What is that creature?” Marco voiced, “Is that a raccoon?”

‘Raccoon?’ , Law thought. He did not see a raccoon anywhere as he scanned the screen searching, before his eyes landed on a tiny brown fur ball, and- oh.

“It looks more like a raccoon dog to me,” Roger said, squinting at the screen.

“Oh, you’re right!” Marco nodded with a smile, “It totally does!”

“What idiots.” Law heard the quiet whisper from Eustass. Law rolled his eyes at the man and decided he would clear up the misunderstanding.

“That ‘raccoon dog’,” Law started gaining the attention of the occupants in the room, “Is actually the reindeer, Chopper, and is the Straw Hats doctor.”

There was a beat of silence.

“How did that big creature turn into something so cute?” Marco said in wonder.

“He ate the Human Human fruit.” Law supplied.

“Oh.” the phoenix said simply, “Wait, he's a doctor?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, cool… still doesn’t look like a reindeer.”

Law sighed before turning back to the screen.

“Oh… I thought it was all over.” the man says out of breath, “No, really! Swan, swan. My life has been saved by pirates that I do not even know. I will never forget your kindness!”

“ Swan, swan? ” Law heard the incredulous whisper from his couch partner.

The man bows his head in thankfulness.

“Oh, but I was wondering if I might have a bowl of soup?”

“WE DON’T HAVE ANY!” The crew all shouts with shark teeth.

“Jeez, that was aggressive,” Marco said with raised eyebrows.

“WE’RE STARVING TOO!” Zoro yells.

“I wonder how they ran out of food,” Rayleigh asks, scratching his beard.

“Luffy probably ate all of it.” Shanks says offhandedly. 

Law wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, he has heard that Straw hat’s stomach rivals Jewelry Bonney’s. 

Vivi is on the second level looking down at the scene. 

“It seems the princess is still with them.” Whitebeard comments.

“I wonder how long time has passed since she is still with them?” Marco questioned.

“Possibly a week.” Whitebeard offered. 

Marco shrugged at the guestimation and turned back towards the screen.

“Oh my~! Well, aren't you cuuute~! My little fruit, I just want to eat you up~!” The man says towards Vivi and blows a kiss.

“Desperation is not a good look on a man,” Eustass said with a disgusted face.

“Yeah,” Marco said looking a little green, “That was pitiful.”

Vivi makes a disgusted face,

“What a strange person…”

“You can’t swim, huh?” Luffy states more than asks from where he crouches.

“You’re so right there. I ate a Devil’s Fruit.” The man informs.

“Ah, which one?” Usopp asks, interested.

The man stands up and says,

“Yes, well… I suppose there’s no need to rush while I wait for my ship to come get me. I might as well put on a show.”

“Really?” Shanks asked with a raised eyebrow, “I would think they would be more cautious with an unknown person on their ship.”

“They are pretty naïve aren’t they,” Rayleigh said with a fond smile.

Luffy swings his arms in anticipation and makes a noise of excitement.

“Prepare to witness my ability!” the ballerina says dramatically before slapping Luffy in the face, making him slam into the wall upside down.

“I hate to say it, but he deserved that.” Marco laughed. The other past pirates and Shanks chuckled at Straw hats misfortune.

Law agreed, Straw hat is reckless and his crew is no better since they decide to follow that man, which possibly makes them worse interestingly enough.

Zoro immediately grabs his sword, Usopp has a shocked look on his face as do Nami, Chopper, and Vivi. Zoro unsheathes his swords and exclaims,

“What the-!?”

“Waaait! Waaait! Waaait~!” Luffy says with a weird voice, “I said I was putting on a show!”

“A voice mimicking devil fruit?” Roger thought out loud.

Law was thinking the same thing. A possible mimicking or copying fruit. Something that could be very dangerous in the wrong hands.  

Zoro has a shocked look on his face and makes a noise of disbelief. Luffy continues,

“Stop joooking around!” We see Luffy in the ballerina's outfit.

“Oh- pfft!” Marco laughed at the frozen image of Straw hat in the ballerina getup. Law could hear laughs start to erupt from the left side of the room. 

“Bwahahaha! That’s my grandson!” the marine laughed, clearly enjoying the bizarre image of his grandson.

“I guess you were half right Roger,” Whitebeard said to his rival.

“Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess I was!” Roger said a little breathlessly, the man trying to calm down from his laughing fit. 

The real Luffy is upside down, flips, and lands on his feet grabs his hat, and exclaims,

“It’s me!”

“Surprised you! Surprised you! Surprised you!” the imposter Luffy laughs.

“This is so weird!” Marco smiled, the teenager enjoying the comical scene.

“When I touch myself with my left hand…” not-Luffy touches his face with his left hand and he changes back to his normal self, “See! Back to normal~! This is the ability I gained from eating the Copy Copy fruit!”

Law heard a low grunt from the right side of the room and looked over at the noise to see the Beast Pirate raise an eyebrow at the screen. The motion only lasted for a split second before the emperor contorted his face back to a neutral one. Law narrowed his eyes in suspicion before a voice interrupted his forming thoughts. 

“What an interesting devil fruit,” The Dark King muses, “that power has the potential to be powerful, depending on the use.” Rayleigh’s couch buddies nodded in agreement.

“His voice…” Nami trails off.

“...and even his physique were the same!” Usopp says in disbelief.

“They’re still naïve about the grand line,” Kaido comments in a bored manner, “How they haven’t died is a mystery.”

“True, it is a little silly that they still question devil fruits.” Shanks says, “But it seems they’ve seemed to be doing alright in the New World.”

Kaido grunted at the red-haired man's statement and turned forward.

“They’re in the New World?” Roger asks interestingly. 

“Yes they are,” Shanks confirms before smiling, sneaking a glance at Big Mom, “And it seems the Straw Hats caused quite the commotion at Fishman island.”

The past pirates looked toward Big Mom as they tried to understand Red Hair's meaning. Law was a little puzzled by the man's statement and looked over at the female emperor in confusion before he remembered what Big Mom stated before they even started watching these viewings. Law felt a cold dread enter his body as remembered her words, “He only causes trouble, and he’s just a pestering fly that I will soon crush because he ate all my candy.”

How could he forget that Straw Hat was already on the bad side of an emperor? Law probably suppressed the memory from all the other weird encounters he has had today. But Straw Hat also had another one backing him up, his brain tells him. Right, Law can’t lose his cool yet. Also if these viewings will eventually show the future, he will be able to determine the right choice in whether he should form an alliance or not. Law sighed and turned back towards the screen. 

“C-COOL~!” Luffy shouts excitedly while the ballerina man touches the rest of the crew's faces with his right hand.

“Ok, I can’t defend them when they just let a stranger with a copying devil fruit touch them.” Shanks sighed, looking like he regretted what he said a moment ago.

Kaido huffed in amusement, startling Law at the positive gesture.  

“Well, there really is no need to hit anybody though. Hi! Look at me~!” The man touches his face with his right hand and turns into Usopp.

“If I touch my face…” He says in Usopp's voice and then turns into Zoro, “...with my right hand…” then he turns into Chopper, “...I can imitate aaanyone…” finally Nami, “Just like this!”

“Even the body.” 

Law brought his hand up to the brim of his hat and pulled it down in order for it to cover his eyes, he did not like where this was going. Law glanced at movement from his left and saw Rayleigh and Whitebeard both respectfully looking away from the screen as well.

She/he says as not-Nami opens up her/his clothes towards Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper. All three of them go bug-eyed and make noises of shock.

“Oi! What the hell?!” Marco said, covering his eyes, “Why would that ballerina do that?!”

“Well, at least we didn’t actually see anything.” Shanks shrugged before furrowing his eyebrows in disapproval, “But still that’s still disrespectful to Miss Nami.”

“Yeah, no shit.” Marco said incredulously, “I wouldn’t want someone to do that to me.”

Law decided it was safe from Red Hairs' remark, and looked to the screen to see Straw Hat, Usopp, and Chopper with comical looks on their faces. Law huffed at their expressions and waited for the viewing to start again.

Nami punches the ballerina in the head.

“OUCH!”

“Deserved.” Marco deadpanned.

“Knock it off!” Nami shouts with a tick mark on her head.

“Oi, you okay?” Luffy asks as he crouches next to the man.

“Well, now… I’m sorry to say that I shouldn’t show you any more of my ability than..” the man says offhandedly.

“You’re awesome! Do some more!” Luffy shouts excitedly, while Usopp whistles in agreement, and Chopper yells in encouragement.

“As I said before,” Rayleigh chuckled, “They’re very easily entertained.”

Yes, they are, Law thought warily.

“Ah! Really, I guess I have no choice! Wanna see some more?” the man twirls clearly enjoying the attention.

“Show us! Show us!” The three shout.

“What is the point of showing us this ridiculous display of childishness?” Big Mom suddenly voiced, clearly upset with this whole ordeal.

Law wisely kept his mouth shut, not wanting to become the target of the woman's anger

“Don’t know,” Roger said with a shrug much to Big Mom's offense, “But it’ll probably be important if this person deems it necessary for us to watch it.” 

Big Mom glared at the man who seemed to make a jab at her, not that Law thinks that's what the Pirate King intended, and huffed in indignation before she continued to eat her treats. Rayleigh smiled at the exchange and shared a look with Shanks that seemed to speak a thousand words. They both smiled at each other before giving their captain a fond look and tturningback to the screen.

“He’s going right along with them,” Nami says with her arms crossed standing next to a sitting Zoro with his arms also crossed.

Law felt a little sympathy for the navigator dealing with her crew's stupidity. 

“Very well! I’m going to show you something!” the man says dramatically while the three claps, cheering him on, “My memory ability!”

The three yell in excitement, clearly excited about the show. The ballerina touches his face and changes into strange-looking people, and the three laugh in amusement at the display. Suddenly, Vivi has a shocked look on her face staring down at the man.

“Woah, what was with that look,” Marco questioned with an eyebrow raised.

“Looks like the princess knows something.” Whitebeard hummed. 

“Hopefully she tells Luffy about it,” Shanks commented.

“Spin, spin~! Spin, spin~!” the man says as he twirls around while the three clap. 

“This is bullshit.” Zoro states with a disgruntled face.

“That is something I can agree on.” Eustass grumbled.

“What? You’re not having fun Kid?” Shanks smiled at the other redhead in the room.

Eustass glared at the emperor and looked away, clearly not fond of having small talk with the man who took his arm. Shanks huffed in amusement at the younger man and turned back to the screen.  

“So how was my performance? I don’t usually show this to people.” the man informs.

Vivi still has a shocked look on her face.

“I hope she is ok,” Roger said worriedly.

“Don’t worry captain,” Shanks smiled reassuringly, “Luffy is with her, so I am sure she is fine.” Roger smiled at his not-so-small cabin boy and nodded in agreement.

“It was great!” The three clap at the man's performance. 

Suddenly all four of them sling their arms around each other and dance,

“So cool! So cool!”

“Stop joking around~! Stop joking around~!”

“Well, they became friends fast.” Marco deadpanned.

“Do what you want.” Nami sighs.

“There’s my ship.” the man says amongst the shouting.

Nami looks up in confusion and notices a ship sailing toward them.

“And that ship just came out of nowhere.” Marco sighed. 

“Great! Great! Gr-”

“OH!” the man suddenly leaps into the air and lands in the railing next to Nami, “My. The time has come for us to part. How tragic.”

Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper make a distressed noise.

“Please don’t go!” Usopp pleads, with tears in his eyes, as he clasps his hands together. 

“Do not be sad! Journeys and partings go hand in hand.” 

“Where did this dramatic music come from?” Marco asked incredulously, “They haven’t even been friends for more than a minute?!”

“It does make it more entertaining,” Rayleigh said with a small laugh.

The man says wisely, while the three have tears in their eyes, “But, remember this: Too thumbs-up true friendship…” The man wipes his tears with his thumb and they sparkle, he makes a thumbs up sign and continues, “...how long you’ve known each other means nothing!”

The ballerina suddenly leaps from The Merry’s railing towards his own ship and shouts,

“Don’t cry for me!”

“WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN!” Luffy shouts and tears roll down his face. Chopper and Usopp try to control their tears but fail to do so. 

“I don’t know whether to laugh or not.”

“Me either.”

“Now, let’s go men!” the ballerina orders.

“Aye! Mr. 2, Bon Clay sir!” they reply and sail away. 

“Uh- wait-”

The Straw Hats have shocked looks on their faces as Usopp shouts,

“MR. 2!?”

“That was… Mr. 2, Bon Clay!” Vivi says.

Law didn’t know if the Straw Hats attract luck or misfortune, but it was something. 

“H- how…?” Marco trailed off, “How did they make friends with their supposed enemy?”

“Dwahahaha! What an interesting turn of events!” The Pirate King laughed.

“I’ll say,” Rayleigh smiled, “At least they can use their knowledge about his devil fruit to their advantage.”

“That’s true, this could’ve been a blessing.” Shanks laughed.

Law didn’t know what to call it, but Rayleigh is right about using this interaction to their advantage, not that Straw Hat will think of a plan, Law thinks. Their only hope is probably the navigator for coming up with a solid plan. 

“Vivi! Didn’t you recognize him!?” Luffy asks disbelievingly.

“No… I’ve never met Mr. 2 or the Mr. 1 pair before…” Vivi informs, “I don’t even know their abilities!”  

Vivi steps back and her back hits the wall and she slides down to the floor.

“But I did hear rumors… Mr. 2… They said he is a flamboyant ballerina with a loud voice… who wears a swan coat… with the words Bon Clay written on the back.”

“Not a very observant one is she?” Shanks said with his head tilted. 

“Yeah no.” Marco deadpanned.

“You should have noticed.” Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp deadpanned.  

“What’s wrong, Vivi?” Luffy asks, noticing Vivi’s behavior. 

“Just then…” Vivi says with her hand on her head, eyebrows furrowed, “among those faces he showed from memory… My father’s face was in his memory!”

A flashback is shown showing Mr. 2 changing his face to Vivi’s father.

“The face of the King of Alabasta, Nefertari Cobra…” Vivi says distressed.

“You were right Rayleigh,” Roger stated seriously, “This devil fruit can be powerful when used the right way.”

There was a grim silence at the thought of the enemy being able to copy the King of Alabasta. Law didn’t like the odds of the enemy being inside the kingdom. That will make things harder for sure. Impersonating the king could mean there is an inside spy. There is also the…wait…why is he even thinking about this. For a second, it felt like he was there on the Straw Hats ship trying to think of a strategy to defeat the warlord, Crocodile. Law shivered and cleared his head from his previous thoughts and looked toward the screen.

“If you could impersonate the King…” Zoro states uneasily, “you could pull off some pretty nasty things.” 

“We just let a really dangerous guy get away.” Usopp states.

“He was our enemy?” Chopper asks Usopp.

Law heard a scoff from his couch partner but otherwise ignored the redhead.

“He certainly will be in a lot of trouble if he turns out to be our enemy.” Nami says, “After he discovers that we are hush enemies… he can use that memory of his to impersonate any one of us. We won’t be able to trust our own nakama.”

“I wonder how they will counter the fruit's ability.” Rayleigh wondered as he scratched his beard. 

“Yeah me too,” Marco said excitedly, “I hope it’s something cool.”

“Really?” Luffy asks with his brows furrowed. 

“Listen, Luffy…” Nami starts.

“Well, wait a second.” Zoro interrupts, placing his hand on Luffy's shoulder, “While this guy may not have any basis for his opinion, he’s right in saying we don’t have to be afraid of that guy.”

Law quirked a brow at the swordsman. Seems the man has a plan and not the navigator, not all hope is lost for the Straw Hats.

Zoro smirks,

“I think we’re lucky that we met him. Now we take countermeasures.”

“I like the way he thinks!” Roger laughed.

Zoro is tightening a white cloth around his left forearm with his mouth. Vivi is tying Nami’s for hers, Chopper is tying Luffy's.

“Alright, make sure you tie it tight.” Zoro says through his gritted teeth, “There’s too much we don’t know about our enemy.”

“I see,” Vivi says, tightening Nami’s clothes. 

“If we use these to confirm our identities, we won’t have to doubt our nakama.” Nami states.

“Eehh,” Marco said disappointedly, “I thought it would be cooler than that. At least it looks effective.”

“Did he really look like you that much?” Sanji asks, tightening his own cloth,

 “When he did the “Copy Copy Fruit” transforming thing?”

“The problem was that he didn’t just look like us… he was us! Too bad, you really shoulda seen it! We were even dancing with the guy!”

“I’m not interested in male ‘ballerinas’,” Sanji says.

“Since we know that kind of guy is among the enemy…” Zoro says, “we can’t go around acting carelessly on our own.”

That might be a hard job for at least one member of the crew, Law thinks warily.

“Hey, what should I do?” Chopper asks.

“Right! Do what you can!” Usopp says determinedly, “There’s no need to do more than that! It’s okay to run away from enemies you can’t beat!”

“Is this guy really a part of the crew?” Eustass scoffed, “He acts more like a marine than a pirate.”

Law had to agree although it's been a couple of years since this happened, so maybe longnose has matured over time.

“Are you just telling that to yourself?” Sanji deadpanned.

“Do what I can… Got it!” Chopper says enthusiastically.

“I can see the island!” Luffy shouts.

“We’re going to stop at the port called Nanohana.” Vivi informs, “We have to hide the ship.

“Yosh! Whatever happens from now on…” Luffy starts, “This left arm is…”

Luffy holds his left fist in front of him and the rest of the crew plus Vivi and Carcue.

“The mark of nakama! Now, let’s get on dry land! TO EAT! Oh, and Alabasta…”

Laughs erupted from the left side of the room. Straw Hat as a one-track mind it seems, Law internally sighed.

“Sort out your priorities.” Everyone deadpans.

“We’re going up against a group of assassins, Luffy,” Nami informs Luffy.

“Yeah, that’s right.” Luffy nonchalantly says.

“So refrain from acting on instinct!” Nami exclaims, “Understood?”

Vivi is shown looking at the cloth on her arm, smiling.

“Yeah, I got it.” Luffy says, “Ow! I got it !” Vivi laughs.

“I don’t think he cares,” Shanks said with a small laugh.

The scene fades to black but the lights don't turn back on confusing most of the occupants in the room including Law. Before anyone could question anything words started to appear on the screen.

“This next scene will show the Straw Hats and Vivi already in Alabasta, just for some context.”

Well, that’s good to know, Law thinks. It seems that they were closer to the final fight.

“Thank you!” Marco says, clearly happy not going in blind. 

Whitebeard chuckles at his son's antics and pats his head. The words started to disappear before new ones appeared.

“You’re welcome.”

There was a beat of silence before the words disappeared and the screen lit up.

Zoro is seen in a new attire with an orange cloth wrapped around his head as he walks through a town. He looks over to his right when he notices something. 

“That guy…”

Ace is seen shirtless and in an orange hat. His tattoos are visible; one on his arm spells ‘ASCE’ while there is the Whitebeard Pirate symbol on his back. He is leaning over a table talking with an old woman.

“Wait, is that Ace?” Marco asks with his head tilted, “What is he doing here?”

“Yes, it is.” Shanks confirms before shrugging, “He did say he would be waiting for Luffy in Alabasta.”

“My son!” Roger exclaims as he stares at Ace with wonder in his eyes, “I hope he can reunite with Luffy…”

Roger trails off as he looks at the screen with a blank face.

“Oh, you’re right.” Marco nods, “I guess I didn’t recognize him. Although that tattoo looks like his name so-”

Marco suddenly goes quiet and his eyes go wide as he stares at the screen in shock. Law turned his head toward the screen trying to understand what they were seeing, but couldn’t find what the problem could be. He analyzed the scene trying to find the issue and his eyes met ink and- oh, now Law understands.

“Gurararara!” Whitebeard suddenly laughs and Rayleigh covers his mouth with his hand.

Roger bows his head and takes a deep breath. Law warily watched the man as he took controlled breaths, and didn’t know whether to laugh or tense up in fear at the outburst that was about to erupt. 

“Is my son…” Roger started with gritted teeth, and the room tensed, “...one of the Whitebeard Pirates?”

There was only the sound of Rayleigh trying to cover his laughs as his whole body shakes from the effort, and Whitebeard's chuckles, filled the silence. Shanks facepalmed, seemingly at himself, Law thinks, since Red Hair did leave that little fact out, and now it’s come to bite him back in the ass.

“Uhh right,” Shanks sighed, and looked towards his Roger, “Sorry captain, but yes, he is.”

Roger didn’t say anything as he kept his head lowered. Shanks warily stared at him, trying to understand how he was feeling before he continued,

“He is the Second Division Commander.”

There was a beat of silence.

“Pfftt.”

All eyes went towards Rayleigh, the man shaking uncontrollably. Suddenly, he leaned his head back and let out the loudest laugh Law has ever heard.

“Wahahaha! T-This is g-got to be the fu-uniest thing I have ever h-herard!” Rayleigh laughed breathlessly.

Rayleigh wiped his eyes from the tears rolling down his face, and Law felt a little better that the first mate wasn’t upset at the information, but he still wasn’t sure about his captain. Roger took a deep breath and looked up at his first mate, and the room tensed.

“Rayleigh, stop laughing!” Roger yelled with a pout. 

Yeah, Law had nothing to be worried about. 

Rayleigh laughed at his captain while Roger glared at him. Shanks smiled at their antics as they conversed loudly with each other, but still looked worriedly at Roger.

“Are you not upset, captain?” Shanks asks.

Roger looked over at his cabin boy in confusion before he raised his eyebrows in understanding,

“Well, it's a bit of a shock learning that my son is a member of my rival's crew,” the man started with a small pout, before he smiled, closing his eyes, “but if it’s what my son wants then I support his decision.”

Shanks smiled in relief at his captain's words.

“Does this mean Ace is my brother then?” Marco exclaimed before he gasped in excitement, “And by default, Luffy is my brother too!”

Law quirked his brow in confusion at the teen's logic but still found it amusing that the boy was ecstatic by the news. The past pirates and Shanks laughed at Marco's words and Whitebeard patted his son fondly.

“Well, it certainly looks like it, son.” Whitebeard smiled. 

Marco smiled in joy and bounced in his seat at the thought of having new brothers. Roger then turned towards Whitebeard and pointed up at him with a serious expression,

“You keep my boy safe, Newgate. If anything happens it's on your hands.”

Whitebeard raised his brow at the shorter man.

“There’s no question that I will keep Ace safe since he is my son. Are you questioning my strength, Roger?” Whitebeard challenged.

“I know your strength, Newgate.” Roger sighed “I’m just saying if anything happens to him, I won’t forgive you, not that I expect anything will.”

Law felt very uncomfortable and he could see Red Hair was as well with the way he was shifting in his seat. 

“Hmhmhmhm.” a laugh echoed from the right side of the room. 

Marco and Rayleigh raised their eyebrows at the voice but otherwise ignored it in favor of watching their captains quarrel. 

“I don’t need your forgiveness, Roger.” Whitebeard huffed, “Ace will be under my protection as well as Marcos and his brothers.”

Marco beamed nodding along to his captain's words. Roger looked between them before nodding in acceptance and smiling at them, trusting their words. Shanks watched with an unreadable expression, but Law understands what Red Hair is thinking.

Without anyone noticing Rayleigh glances at Shanks with a suspicious look.

Everyone settled down and turned back towards the screen.

“I’d like to ask you something,” he asks the old woman.

Luffy's bounty is shown of 30,000,000 beris.

“Eh? Monkey D. Luffy?” the woman questions.

Zoro makes a noise of surprise at his captain's name as do Usopp, Nami, and Chopper.

“Do they not know who Ace is?” Marco questions.

“They might not know what he looks like,” Shanks suggests with a shrug.

Marco nods at the reasonable explanation. 

“It does look suspicious when a random guy is asking about their captain,” Rayleigh starts while scratching his beard, “They might assume things.”

Law wonders how this will turn out, and if it’s anything to go by Straw Hats' reputation, it will probably be unexpectedly stupid.

“There’s a chance he might be in this town.” Ace says, “I’ve been looking around here for a little while now.”

“I’ve never seen him.” the old woman answers before she looks to her right, “Oh yes, if you’re looking for someone, maybe you should try the restaurant down the way. The master there is well connected around town.”

“Thank you.” Ace bows in thanks, “A restaurant, huh? I was getting hungry, anyway.”

“A good idea, Luffy and his crew did run out of food in the last viewing. Luffy might be gorging on food there.” Shanks commented.

“Ah yes!” Marco smiled, “They will reunite! I can’t wait!”

Law didn’t understand why that might be exciting to witness, but he was curious about Ace. After all, he was a major part of The War of the Best. 

Ace starts walking towards the restaurant while Usopp, Nami, and Chopper watch, they are also in different outfits.

“Why is Nami wearing a dancer's outfit?” Marco asks with a bewildered face. 

“Maybe to blend in…?” Roger says unsurely not knowing the reason.

Law didn’t really think that was a wise disguise since it brought more attention than blending in. Law sighed and looked back to the screen.

“Who was that?” Chopper asks in his heavy point form, “He looks really, really strong.”

“And why’s he looking for Luffy?” Usopp questions warily.

“A bounty hunter?” Nami suggests.

“You were right Rayleigh,” Roger said as he patted his friend on the back, “They are assuming things about Ace.”

Rayleigh huffed at his captain for his actions but smiled nonetheless. 

“No.” Zoro says, “He’s not.”

Ace is back shown as he walks towards the restaurant.

“This is annoying,” Roger grumbled, “I haven’t even seen my son's face yet. It’s either always shadowed or this viewing thing doesn’t show his face.”

Now that Law thinks about it, they haven’t seen a clear view of Ace's face. He guessed he never noticed since he already knows what he looks like.

“You’re right,” Rayleigh said, “I am curious if he looks anything like you, Roger.” 

“I know!” the Pirate King exclaimed, “At least I know he has my hair.”

“Wait,” Marco interrupts with a confused face, “Who is Ace’s mom?”

Roger blinked at the teen before his eyes lit up with joy.

“Portgas D. Rouge.” the man said with the biggest smile. 

Rayleigh had a knowing smile as he looked at his captain. Marco still had a confused face but otherwise felt satisfied with the answer. 

“Gurararara!” Whitebeard laughed, “I knew there was no other woman for you, Roger, with the way you talk about her!”

Roger smiled sheepishly and laughed with his rival. Law watched the exchange, a little bewildered by the scene. Sure Law has heard about the Pirate King and the man that could rival his strength but seeing them actually interacting, and friendly at that matter, was a sight to see. Law sighed, he wondered if this will get normal anytime soon, or if it ever will. 

“That mark…” Zoro trails off with an unsettled look.

Usopp, Nami, and Chopper look over at him in confusion.

“As a former pirate hunter,” Zoro starts, “I can never forget that mark.”

“Well, not a lot of people don’t know that mark,” Marco says proudly.

Whitebeard smiles fondly at his son, and Law can see a glint of pride.  

The three look back at Ace in confusion as Zoro stares warily at Ace.

The scene fades to black and a new one starts up.

Ace has his face in his food while he sits in the restaurant. His arm is up with his hand still holding his fork, with a lot of empty plates around him. 

“What happened to him?” Marco says with a bewildered look.

“Ok, it’s like they don’t want me to see his face,” Roger says with a pout.

Pedestrians stand behind him with worried looks. Suddenly, Ace lifts his head and everyone screams behind him in shock.

“HE CAME BACK TO LIFE!”

“Did they seriously think he was dead?” Eustass scoffs. 

Ace blinks lazily with food all over his face. 

“Really? Only his eye?!” Roger shouted incredulously.

Law thinks this is getting a little ridiculous, if not slightly amusing. 

He looks rapidly from left to right in confusion.  The woman to his left asks,

“A-Are you okay?”

Ace interrupts her by using her skirt as a napkin.

“I did not teach him that,” Roger says hurriedly.

“You're dead, remember.” Rayleigh deadpans.

Roger's face immediately falls at the reminder and his shoulders drop,

“Oh, yeah.”

The woman screams as do the bystanders, and she runs away.

“Man... Damn…” Ace starts, “I fell asleep.”

“YOU FELL ASLEEP!?”

“How is that even possible?” Marco asks with raised eyebrows. 

The other past pirates also had disbelieving looks on their faces as they stared at the screen. Law was curious about Ace ‘falling asleep, it could be a medical thing, or a ‘D’ thing, he thinks warily.

Ace starts to eat again with an unbothered look on his face.

“T-That’s not possible!” a man shouts, “In the middle of a meal and conversation!?”

“And he just starts chewing again..” another man yells bewildered.

Ace looks over his shoulder 

“He has Rouge’s freckles!” Roger exclaims with a smile. 

Shanks and Rayleigh smile at his captain's happiness with a glint of sadness.

and asks with food in his mouth,

“Anyhow, what are you guys all worked up over?” 

“WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT YOU!” three guys shout at him.

“You hire comedians or something?” Ace asks the bartender pointing his thumb at the three guys.

“Well, no…” the bartender starts, “But if you’re okay, I’m glad.”

Ace goes for another bite of his meal but his head falls onto his plate.

“Hahaha! My brother is funny!” Marco laughs, the teen clearly overjoyed about his new brother.

“OI!” the three guys and bartender yell, “DON’T FALL BACK ASLEEP!”

Ace starts to snore and people start leaving the restaurant a little upset that Ace wasn’t actually dead. A man with two cigars in his mouth white hair and a weapon strapped on his back looks over at the restaurant and furrows his brows.

“Whose this guy?” Marco asks with a suspicious look, “He looks shady.”

“Don’t worry Marco,” Shanks reassures with a smile, “Ace can handle his own.”

Marco looks a little relieved that Ace can protect himself, but Law sees the teen glare at the man on the screen when Shanks looks away. Law huffs in amusement at the Phoenix's newfound protectiveness for his brother.

Ace, now awake, throws his fork on his plate.

“Ah, I’m full!” Ace says as he picks his teeth with a toothpick, “By the way, old man.”

“What?” the bartender questions as Ace grabs something from his bag.

“This guy hasn’t come to this town, has he?” Ace asks as he pulls out Luffy's bounty, “A pirate wearin’ a straw hat…”

“I guess you don’t have a problem with eating in public.” The man with two cigars says from the front of the restaurant with a jacket with the words ‘JUSTICE’ on the back,

“Damn, a marine.” Eustass grumbles.  

Law looks over at the man with a raised eyebrow,

“You worried for Ace, Eustass?”

The red-haired man looks at him in disgust.

“No, Trafalgar.” Eustass states before grumbling, “Marines are just annoying in general.”

Law hums in agreement but otherwise doesn’t comment back.

“You say something about Marines, brat?” Garp grunts with a cracker in his mouth.

Eustass glares at the elder marine but doesn't answer the man and turns back to the screen. Garp continues to snack on his food and does the same. Law sighs and follows suit. 

“Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Second Division.” Ace smirks, “Portgas D. Ace.”

“Portgas?” Marco questions, “Wouldn’t it be Gol?”

Roger had a confused look on his face but didn’t look upset at the information, his face formed an understanding expression,

“He took his mother's name.”

“Oh,” Marco awkwardly said.

“W-Whitebeard!? The bartender says bewildered, “The Whitebeard Pirates!?”

Everyone in the restaurant whisper in excitement and fear at the news.

“That dumbass guy is part of the Whitebeard Pirates!?”

“I knew I’d seen that mark on his back before…!”

“It’s definitely the mark of the Whitebeard Pirates!”

“Why is he here?”

“What business does an infamous pirate like you have in this country?” The marine asks.

“I’m searching.” Ace turns around in his seat and looks up at the marine with a smirk, “For my little brother.”

The marine and Ace stare at each other.

“So then…” Ace starts, leaning his elbows on the counter behind him, smirking, “What should I do?”

“Sit there and let me arrest you.” The marine says.

“Like anyone would compile to that.” Marco scoffs.

“Rejected.” Ace says casually, “I’d rather not.”

“Well, that’s what I expected.” The marine sighs, “Right now, I’m looking for a different pirate. I’m not really interested in your head.”

“Then let me go.” Ace shrugs.

“I can’t do that…” the marine makes a fist and smoke starts to form around his arm, Ace smirks, “As long as I’m a marine… and you’re a pirate.”

“What a dumb reason…” Ace states as he casually leans on his elbows, and looks at the man with a raised eyebrow, “Shall we have some fun then?”

“Ah yes, a fight! I want to see some action!” Marco exclaims with a gleam in his eyes.

“I am also interested to see my son's strength,” Whitebeard says offhandedly. Roger glares up at the giant man and opens his mouth but Whitebeard interrupts him, “As he is my Second Division Commander. He must be strong if he has to fulfill that role.”

Roger opens his mouth to retort but closes it and repeats the action. The Pirate King huffs and crosses his arms and turns away from his rival in annoyance. Whitebeard chuckles at his friend and smiles to himself. Marco looks between them and sweat drops before he sighs, and turns back at the screen wanting to watch the fight. 

There is a tense silence as the two men look at each other waiting for the other to make the first move.

“GOMU GOMU NO… ROCKET!”

“Wait… isn’t that…”

Law sighs as he starts to feel his headache resurface.

Suddenly Luffy rockets himself into the restaurant and slams against the marines' back. In slow motion, you can see the marines' pained expression and Ace’s slowly forming into a look of shock. Ace makes a noise as the two bodies slowly get closer to him. The time reverts to normal speed and all three of them crash into each other on the wall behind Ace and smashes and smoke form everywhere.

There was a beat of silence before laughs erupted and echoed around the room.

“D-Did you s-see his f-face?!” Marco said breathlessly as he slapped his knee. 

“Only Luffy!” Shanks laughed. 

“That’s my grandson! Ace should’ve seen that coming! I need to give that brat a lesson!” Garp exclaimed as he made a fist with his hand.

Law did not want to know what ‘lesson’ meant. 

“I love both of my brothers! They’re a riot!” Marco smiled after he calmed down from laughing. 

“They’re certainly entertaining to watch!” Rayleigh smiled amusingly. 

It took a few minutes for everyone to calm down from the comical scene, and they turned back to the screen.

Everyone has a shocked look while Luffy lands on the floor and cheers,

“A restaurant! I finally found one!” the bartender looks at the destruction in shock as Luffy celebrates, “Now I can eat! I’m starving!”

“You were right Shanks!” Roger laughed, clearly in a good mood, “We would find Luffy at a restaurant. Well, eventually.”

Luffy suddenly sprints towards the bartender and sits down on a stool at the bartop,

“Old man! Food, food, food! I need it bad!”

The bartender looks at Luffy in shock not knowing what to say.

“Hurry, hurry, hurry.” Luffy smiles as he clangs his utensils together to form a beat, “Food, food, food!”

“Of course, Anchor doesn’t realize the situation he is in.” Shanks shook his head in disbelief but was clearly amused by Straw Hats's actions.

A little while later.

“Whoa! This is such a great restaurant!” Luffy yells.

“Y-Yeah…” the bartender trails off as he stares at Luffy, “Thanks, but you…”

Luffy is stuffing his face with food and looks up in confusion.

“You should probably get the hell away from here.” the bartender says.

Luffy momentarily stops eating and asks, “How come?” and then continues to eat.

“Do you know exactly who you just sent flying?” the bartender questions incredulously. 

“Sent flying? Who did that?” Luffy asks with food in his mouth.

“You did.”

“I did that? To who?”

“This boy is so slow it’s disgusting.” Big Mom snarled, “The brat might kill himself before I can get the chance.”

Several people from the left side of the room glared over at the female emperor, not happy with ruining their good mood. Law could tell that they weren’t planning on this snide comment slide and he didn’t know if he was ready for this conflict. If one did erupt, he might find a bathroom to secrete himself. 

“I think it’s part of his charm,” Shanks says offhandedly.

The glares immediately dropped and they looked over at Shanks confused at his casual behavior. Shanks glanced at Big Mom in a slightly challenging look, Rayleigh being the only one to see it. Big Mom scoffed at Red Hair and returned to eating her sweets. The past pirates raised eyebrows at the exchange, and Rayleigh with a proud one. Law guesses the Dark King is seeing his former cabin boy's potential strength. 

The bartender points his thumb behind him to several holes in walls and Luffy leans over at the destruction. 

“What’s that hole there for? This restaurant is pretty weird. Is that your hobby?” Luffy asks as he continues to stuff his face.

“YOU’RE THE ONE WHO DID IT!” the three guys from before and the bartender yelled.

“Me? When?”

“Asshole..” Ace starts as he gets up from the rumble, “Who the hell was that? Jeez…!”

Law smirked at Ace's remark, finding it amusing that Ace is cursing out his little brother. Although now that Law thinks about it, Ace probably has done that a lot with Straw Hats' behavior.

The marine slowly starts to get up with an irritated look on his face,

“Messing with me…”

Ace starts to walk back toward the houses,

“What’s the big idea? Doing that to me…”

Ace is walking through all the buildings and he sees a family sitting at a table with shocked looks on their faces as they stare at him. He suddenly straightens and deeply bows toward them,

“My apologies for disrupting your meal.”

“I guess he does have manners…?” Marco trails off unsurely. 

The marine relights his cigars as Luffy counties to eat.

“Who was the freaking idiot that did that? Jeez.” Ace grumbles as he stomps back through the wreckage. 

The bartender and customers run away in fear as Ace comes through the hole. Ace finally sees the perpetrator and he smiles in recognition. 

“Finally, the reunion!” Marco sighs in exasperation.

The marine, a little bit behind Ace, eyes widens his eyes at Luffy while the younger pirate eats to his heart's content.

“Uh- wait, does this marine know Luffy?” Marco asks.

“Well, Luffy is gaining recognition throughout the East Blue.” Shanks shrugs, “And possibly the Grand Line.”

“But why would he care about Luffy when Ace is the Second Division Commander of our crew?” Marco states.

Shanks furrows his brows at the logic and tilts his head to the side,

“Hmm, you’re right, that is a little weird.”

“Maybe this marine personally knows Luffy.” Rayleigh suggests, “Although, to go along with what you said Marco, it is a little weird that the marine had more of a reaction seeing Luffy than Ace.”

They sat in silence trying to understand the marines' behavior. 

“Maybe if you would shut up and watch, you would find out,” Kaido grunted.

The past pirates and Shanks look over in surprise at the voice. 

“Ah, you’re probably right Kaido,” Shanks smiled.

“Shut up Red Hair.”

Shanks sighed at the harsh voice, but complied and turned back to the screen while his former crew mates smiled in amusement at the interaction. 

Ace smiles in joy,

“Lu-”

The marine makes a noise of shock.

“Oi, Lu-” Ace starts before the marine slams Ace's head into the ground.

“Oi! What the hell!” Marco yelled angrily at the display. 

“Yeah! What the hell!” Roger furrowed his brows at his son’s treatment.

“What’d you expect Roger?” Rayleigh said, “He’s a marine and Ace is a pirate.”

“I know that!” Roger huffed, before he grumbled quietly, “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Rayleigh rolled his eyes at his captain while Shanks laughed at the two.

“STRAW HAT!!” The marine yells and runs past Ace towards Luffy.

Luffy looks up in confusion but still eats. The marine stops in front of Luffy and stares at him,

“I’ve been looking for you, Straw hat. I knew you’d come here, to Alabasta.”

Luffy stuffs his face not answering.

“STOP EATING!” the marine shouts.

Luffy does the opposite and stares at the marine.

“Luffy doesn’t look bothered that there is a marine in front of him.” Marco deadpanned.

“Yeah, he looks content to eat his fill,” Rayleigh says with a raised eyebrow.

“Isn’t he?” Luffy thinks.

Luffy starts to sweat as he remender the marine from Loguetown. 

“Ah, so they have met before.” Rayleigh comments.

He suddenly spits out his food straight into the man's face.

Small laughs erupted before they were quickly controlled. 

“You’re that smokey guy! What are you doing here!?”

“Punk…” Smokey grumbles.

“Wait a minute!” Luffy puts his hand up in a ‘stop’ gesture, then he grabs all the food into his arms and shoves it into his mouth.

“Thank you for the meal.” Luffy bows in gratitude.

“I can see where Luffy got his manners from.” Whitebeard raised his brow in amusement. 

The bartender and customers look on in confusion, and Luffy sprints out of the restaurant.

“WAIT!” Smokey yells as he chases after Luffy.

Ace looks up from his position, grabs his bag, and runs after them,

“Wait, Luffy! It’s me! Hey, wait! Oi! Luffy!”

The bartender looks after them in shock,

“Eat n’ run…”

“I kinda feel bad for that guy.” Marco voiced before he shrugged, the teen seemingly over his pity for the guy.

Vivi, Sanji, and Carue are seen waiting in their own outfits.

“I wonder where Luffy is…” Vivi trailed off.

“He’s impossible.” Sanji stated, “A captain we always have to be looking out for. Oh, Nami!” 

“Ok, Luffy’s crew is who I feel bad for.” Marco corrected.

Whitebeard chuckled at his son’s words. 

“Oi, oi, there’s bad news.” Usopp says, as he, Nami, Zoro, and Chopper walk towards them, “We have to leave right aways, this place has bad vibes.”

“Bad vibes?” Sanji questions.

“The marines are here.” Nami states.

“The marines!?” Vivi asks, shocked.

“And a strange man too,” Chopper says.

“Ah right,” Shanks starts, “They think Ace is after Luffy.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that,” Marco said.

“Let's find Luffy as fast as we can and get out of this town,” Nami says.

Zoro notices some noise to his left and pushes them behind the wall,

“Hey, get down!”

“What?” Vivi asks.

“What’s going on?” Chopper questions.

Yells are heard coming closer to them.

“Marines.” Zoro answers in a whisper.

“They’re making a lot of noise over something,” Usopp observes with a low voice.

The marines are shouting with their weapons out, 

“Don’t let him escape! After him!”

“I’m sure it’s nothing, they’re probably chasing some idiot pirate who's running crazy around town.” Sanji says offhandedly. 

There was a beat of silence before all of them simultaneously say,

“Some idiot pirate?”

“Pfftt!”

Suddenly we see Luffy running in the background, shouting, while Marines chase after him.

“IT’S LUFFY!” they all shout incredulously. 

Laughs erupted throughout the room again, and Law could only sigh. He hoped that Straw Hat had matured over the years. Although from what he has seen at Punk Hazard, he is being too optimistic. 

Luffy looks over and smiles,

“Yo, Zoro!”

Zoro makes a not-so-flattering face at being spotted.

“Whoa, everyone’s over there!” Luffy shouts and starts to run toward them.

“IDIOT!” Zoro yells, “Don’t come here until you’ve lost them!!”

Law wondered if this anonymous person had medicine he could take for his headache. 

“It’s the Straw Hat Pirates! We’ve sighted them!” a marine yells.

“Hey, what should we do?” Usopp frantically asks.

“Our only option is to run,” Nami says as she, Vivi, and Sanji collect their things.

“We have to get to the ship!” Vivi exclaims.

“What’s taking you so long?” Luffy asks as he runs by them, “Let’s get going!”

“YOU MORON!” they all yell.

Yes, a good adjective for Straw Hat.

“That Straw Hat is mine!” Smoker shouts as he uses his smoke to fly after them.

Luffy looks back, 

“Ah, he caught up with me!”

“WHITE BLOW!” Smoker yells as he uses his smoke to propel his fist toward Luffy.

Luffy hurriedly runs away.

“You won’t escape!” Smoker states.

Luffy scrunches up his face as he runs away.

“HEAT HAZE!” Ace shouts and fire collides with Smoker's fist ultimately stopping Smoker's pursuit.

“Good thing Ace is there to help Luffy.” Marco smiles. 

Law looks over and sees Shanks smile sadly at the screen. Law looks away not liking the feeling whenever he sees that expression on the man.

“Looks like my son,” Roger emphasized, “is strong!”

Whitebeard raises his brow at the proud-looking father but otherwise doesn’t comment on the little jab. Rayleigh sighs in exasperation and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Looks like he is a logia type,” Marco interjects with an intrigued look.

“Yes you’re correct Marco, Ace ate the Flame Flame fruit.” Shanks supplied. 

Marco's eyes light up at the information,

“His fruit is a little similar to mine!”

Shanks tilts his head to the side thinking before he nods in agreement, 

“Yeah I guess you’re right, although yours is a zoan type, they both have flames.”

Marco nods, clearly happy to have something in common with his brother. 

Everyone stops, shocked at the turn of events, and Ace is shown in the middle of the flames.

“You again…” Smoker grumbles.

Ace smirks,

“Give it up.” Luffy has a shocked look as he watches Ace, “You may be smoke, but I am fire. With our abilities, a fight would be pointless.”

“That guy has a Devil’s Fruit ability?” Zoro asks bewildered.

“Who the hell is he?” Usopp questions, “Why is he helping us?”

“Ace!” Luffy says shocked. 

Ace looks over his shoulder and smirks at Luffy, 

“You never change, Luffy.”

“Ace…” Luffy trails off, “It’s Ace! You ate a Devil’s Fruit!?”

“I wonder how long Luffy has seen Ace since he didn’t have a Devil Fruit when they last met.” Rayleigh pondered as he scratched his beard. 

“I did meet Ace about four and half years ago,” Shanks started closing his eyes, the man trying to think, “He already had his Devil Fruit by then, so probably more than two years since they have seen each other.” 

“You’ve met my son, Shanks!?” Roger exclaimed.

“Oh, yes I did, but only once, and came to meet me actually,” Shanks answered.

“Why did he come to see you?” Rayleigh asked curiously.

“He wanted to thank me for saving Luffy. We had a few drinks and he eventually left.” Shanks said, smiling at the fond memory. 

Roger smiled at Shanks's words,

“I am happy that you have met him, Shanks!”

Shanks smiles at his captain, but Law could see the pain and guilt behind his eyes. 

“Yeah, the Flame Flame Fruit.” Ace answers, before he turns back to the marines, 

“Anyway, we can’t talk like this! I’ll catch up later! You guys run for it! I’ll keep these guys busy! Go!”

“Let’s go!” Luffy orders immediately and runs away.

Usopp makes a noise of confusion before following orders.

“But, Luffy…” Nami calls as they run away.

“Who the hell is that?” Sanji finishes.

“Wait, Luffy. Just who was that?” Nami asks.

“Is he someone you know, Luffy?” Vivi questions.

“Yeah!” Luffy exclaims in happiness, “He’s my brother!”

The others have shocked looks on their faces at the new information.

“BROTHER!?” they all shout.

“Wait, they didn’t even know that Luffy had a brother?” Marco exclaims incredulously.

“Why am I not surprised?” Shanks huffed a laugh while shaking his head in exasperation. 

“It must be hard having a captain like that.” Roger laughs tilting his head back as he does so.

Rayleigh laughs along with his captain for a moment before he suddenly hits him over the head.

“Ow! What the hell was that for?!” the Pirate King shouted as he rubbed his head in agitation. 

“‘Cause I felt like it,” Rayleigh said with a strained smile.

Shanks sweatdropped at their actions as did most of the occupants in the room. Law sighed for the hundredth time and the scene faded to black and the lights turned back on. 

Chapter Text

Law was wondering if he could stay here without losing his mind.

His headache felt like someone stabbing his brain over and over again, and he wished he had Bepo here with him to at least lean against for some comfort or to converse with. He always felt like he was walking on eggshells when he spoke up to offer information or comment about something, especially with Doflamingo in the same room. He’s just glad the taller man hasn’t made an actual move to talk to him, or he’s sure he would lose his emotions very quickly. Law sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in discomfort, trying to lessen the ache in his head. 

A slight pop suddenly filled the primarily silent room, and Law looked up to see white smoke above where he was sitting. Others turned to see what the noise was about, curious more than anything, as a small glass bottle gently floated down towards Law. He tried to ignore the eyes as best he could, focused his attention on the bottle and held out his hand when it was close enough. Law inspected the clear bottle with an inky black liquid inside and found a piece of paper tapped on the bottom with handwritten words. Law still felt the curious gazes as he took the paper from the bottle to read what the paper said.

“For headaches”

Law stared blankly at the words, bewildered. He didn’t know whether to be suspicious or thankful but didn’t try to think about it too much, or his brain would probably implode from the number of questions he had. Law shrugged, uncorked the bottle, figuring he had nothing else to lose, and downed the liquid. He grimaced at the foul taste but swallowed, knowing medicine usually tasted like shit. Once he was done, he put the paper inside the bottle and placed the cork back on, and the bottle disappeared in another puff of smoke. Law noticed the silence and looked around, only to find eyes staring at him, and he tried not to squirm at the curious gazes.

“What was that?” Roger asked what they were all thinking. 

“Medicine,” Law answered simply.

Some glanced at him with suspicion, some nodding at his answer, clearly believing him, and Law sighed, but miraculously he didn’t feel a stabbing sensation in his head. Whatever he just consumed is indeed working fast, not that he was complaining. 

The lights slowly started to dim, and everyone focused their attention away from Law and towards the screen. 

The sun is setting, and a red hue oversees the sky of the desert. Ace puts on his hat, smirking.

“Alright then.” Ace says as he faces forward.

Luffy, his crew, Vivi, and a camel watch Ace, all of them in new desert attire. 

“At least Nami isn’t wearing that dancer's outfit.” Marco huffed.

“Are you really leaving, Ace?” Chopper asks.

“Wait,” Marco said, furrowing his eyebrows, his emotions switching in a split second, “Ace is leaving? Why?”

“Well, Ace is a part of your crew,” Shanks started gently, “He probably has a mission to complete. He can’t journey with Luffy forever.”

“Oh,” Marco said, frowning, “I guess you're right.”

“Cheer up, Marco!” Roger grinned, “I’m sure we will see Ace again!”

“Gurararara! Roger is right, Marco!” Whitebeard laughed, patting the phoenix on the shoulder,  “Ace is a part of our crew; we will see him again!”

Marco smiled and nodded in determination at the reassuring words. The past pirates grinned at each other, trusting their words, knowing they would see Ace again. Law frowned slightly at the scene, not knowing the feeling forming in the pit of his stomach. He glanced at Shanks, only to see the man with a blank look. Law wonders how long the man is willing to hurt himself by keeping the truth. He is glad he isn’t in Red Hair’s shoes, although he is a little anxious at the reveal if it’s by Red Hair or these viewings and the blow-up that will follow. Law sighed and turned forward. 

“Yeah. Blackbeard isn’t in Alabasta. There’s no reason for me to stay in this country.” Ace replies.

“So, Ace is searching for Teach.” Whitebeard raised his brow, “I assume I sent Ace to punish Teach for his crime.”

Shanks shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with his situation,

“From what Marco told me,”

“What? Me?” The phoenix interrupted, confused.

Shanks chuckled at the teen before answering,

“Future Marco.”

Marco’s mouth was agape, the teen trying to comprehend that Shanks knew an older version of himself. Shanks smiled at the boy before moving his focus back to Whitebeard.

“From what Marco told me, you told Ace not to go, but he went anyway because he felt responsible for Blackbeard since he was under his division,” Shanks informed the giant with a regretful expression. 

Whitebeard raised his brow at Red Hair’s words, staying silent, processing the information. 

“Why would pops not want Ace to go?” Marco furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. 

Shanks remained silent, either not knowing the answer or not wanting to say it. Marco looked at his captain with a questioning glance, trying to understand. Whitebeard hummed to himself before he smiled reassuringly at his son, patting his head. Marco opened his mouth, clearly unhappy with not being answered, but closed it after a moment. The teen huffed before facing forward. The others followed suit, and the scene resumed. 

“Oh,” Luffy says simply.

“Where are you planning to go next?” Sanji questions.

“Scorpion told me some guy in the West saw him.” Ace says as he pulls a piece of paper out of his pants pocket, “I’m gonna try looking there.”

Ace looks at the paper before he throws it in front of him, 

“Luffy.”

Luffy catches the paper and makes a noise of confusion as he inspects it. 

“Ah, a Vivre Card,” Raylighed said as he observed the paper in Luffy’s hands.

“Smart,” Roger smiled, “Now Luffy can find Ace whenever he wants.”

“Keep it with you, always.” Ace instructs, smiling.

“What?” Luffy inquires with a raised eyebrow, “It’s just a scrap of paper.”

“Of course, Anchor wouldn’t know about Vivre Cards.” Shanks smiled fondly while he shook his head in exasperation. 

“That scrap of paper will let us meet again.” Ace counters. 

Luffy opens the folded paper and makes a noise of acknowledgment of Ace's statement. 

“Don’t want it?” Ace asks.

“No, I do.” Luffy immediately responds. 

“Having a younger brother who’s a bit slow makes his older brother worry.” Ace smiles fondly, “He’s probably going to keep burning your hands, too.” Ace bows, “Take care of him for me.”

Law felt a little bittersweet watching the scene. Knowing what happened to Ace makes this scene look like a farewell. This feels like Ace’s final goodbye to Straw Hat, and he can leave knowing that Straw Hat is in good hands. Although, to others not knowing the outcome, it looks like a big brother looking out for the younger, wanting him to be safe, and knowing they will see each other again. Law sighs at his morbid thoughts and continues to focus on the screen. 

Luffy makes a noise of confusion at Ace's words and actions. Ace stands up straight and looks at Luffy with a severe expression, 

“Luffy, the next time we meet will be at the Pirate’s Summit.”

“Okay!” Luffy agrees, determinedly.

“Come to the top,” Ace says, smiling at his brother.

Law looks away from the screen, not liking the emotions that started to stir inside him. He looks to his left to see Shanks have a woeful expression on his face as he stares at Ace’s smiling one.

“I wonder how powerful both of them will become!” Roger laughed.

The past pirates nodded in agreement and wanted to see the brothers' potential. Law sighed and faced forward.

“OI!” voices from a distance yell.

Luffy and his crew looked over, and Luffy runs a few steps toward them and waves his arms,

“OI!”

A man with two kids is seen waving at Luffy before they turn around walking away. 

“Who are they?” Marco questions with a raised brow.

The others shrugged, not knowing the answer. 

Luffy stops waving and looks over his shoulder,

“Huh? Where’s Ace?”

The crew makes a confused noise, and they turn to see nothing but sand and the setting sun where Ace stands.

Well, that was dramatic, Law thought.

“Looks like Ace inherited his father's theatrical flare,” Rayleigh smirked.

“I know, right!” Roger exclaimed with a broad smile, “My son is awesome!”

Rayleigh sighed at his captain but softly smiled as he listened to the man ramble about how ‘awesome’ his son was. 

“He’s gone,” Zoro said.

“Fire Fist Ace…” Sanji trailed off.

“We’ll see him again,” Luffy says confidently, smiling.

“Yep, I’m sure of it,” Nami says softly.

The scene faded to black, but the lights stayed dim.

“I can’t wait to see Ace again!” Marco smiled.

The other past pirates nodded in agreement and wanted to see more of Fire Fist. Law sighed at the naivety of the past pirates. He seriously didn’t like this forbidding feeling he was getting and tried to push it down and face forward when the screen lit up again. 

The Straw Hats and Vivi are walking in the desert with Nami on a camel. Suddenly, Luffy sits down to criss-cross applesauce against a tree, and the rest walk by him. 

Law looks at Straw Hats' behavior, wondering what the boy is doing. He wonders if this is some whim from the teen or if he is trying to get something across to the others. Law knows that Straw Hat isn’t a simple captain- even though he acts simply and speculates his objective.

Ussop makes a noise of confusion before shouting and pointing at Luffy,

“Oi Luffy, what the hell are you doing?”

“That’s what we would like to know.” Eustass grumbles to Law's right. 

Law looks over at the man in amusement. The aggressive pirate is getting immersed in these viewings. Eustass is looking at the screen with his brows furrowed, and Law can tell that the man is trying to understand Straw Hats' behavior like the rest. He smirked at Eustass, finding it whimsical that the arrogant captain was interested in something besides himself. Eustass looked over at Law, feeling his stare, and glared at him,

“What’re you staring at, Trafalgar?”

“Nothing Eustass.” Law dismisses the man while smirking.

The redhead rolls his eyes and scoffs before facing forward, clearly not wanting to get into an altercation with him. Law does the same but stops as he feels an eerie pressure. Someone is watching him. He scans the room as discreetly as possible to find the individual who was eavesdropping on his conversation. 

As he scopes the room, his eyes meet youthful black ones, and Law blinks in surprise. Marco blatantly stares at him and is unashamed about it because he still stares after Law makes eye contact. The teen has a longing look as he looks at Law and Eustass, and Law raises a brow at Marco in a way that asks why the boy is staring at him. Marco smiles sheepishly, shakes his head dismissively, and looks toward the screen. 

Law blinks a few times at the absurd encounter and shakes his head. He can worry about it later, he thinks and faces the screen. 

Luffy frowns as he has his hands behind his head and closes his eyes. 

Nami gets off the camel,

“Luffy?”

Vivi walks towards Luffy, asking,

“What’s wrong, Luffy?”

Zoro has a raised brow as he watches Luffy. There is a beat of silence before Luffy looks up at them.

“I quit,” Luffy says bluntly.

“Quit?” Roger questions with his brows furrowed.

The man was as confused as the other room's occupants. 

They all make noises of confusion as they stare at Luffy.

“Quit?” Nami questions, bewildered. 

“Luffy, what do you mean?” Vivi asks.

“Come on, Luffy.” Usopp reprimands as he puts his hands on his hips, “We don’t have time to cater to your whims right now. Get up!”

“We’re going back, aren’t we?” Chopper asks, standing next to Usopp in his walk point.

“Going back?” Marco asks the phoenix raising his voice in aggravation. The teen was not fond of not knowing the context of what was happening, “To where?” 

Whitebeard pats the phoenix’s shoulder to try to calm him down and smiles down at his son,

“We don’t know, Marco, but if we keep watching, I’m sure we will understand.”

Marco relaxes his shoulders at his father's words, nods in agreement, and faces forward. 

“Damn straight we are!” Sanji affirms, his voice growing in agitation, “We’re going to retrace our path back to Katorea and stop the Rebel Army. If 1,000,000 people in this country clash, it’s all over y’know!? This is for Vivi.”

“This Warlord is crafty to have a Rebel Army form from his meddling.” Rayleigh whistles impressed. 

Roger frowns as he nods to his first mate’s words. 

Sanji walks towards Luffy and grabs his collar forcing him to get up,

“So come on, let’s go.”

Luffy grabs his arm and throughs Sanji aside,

“Don’t care.”

“What the hell, what is Luffy doing!?” Marco incredulously asks the teen, surprised by Straw Hats' behavior, “Why is he acting so different?”

Shanks hums at the screen with an inquiring look. Rayleigh notices Red Hair's conduct and nudges him with his shoulder, and Shanks looks at Rayleigh with a questioning glance.

“What are you thinking about, Shanks?” The Dark King asks curiously. 

Roger looks over at the question with a raised brow, also wanting to know what his cabin boy is thinking. Shanks looks between them for a second before he sighs,

“I thought Luffy wouldn’t be acting like this on a whim like Yasopp’s son said.”

“Wait, who is Yasopp and Yasopp's son?” Marco questions.

“Yasopp is on my crew, and his son is Usopp, the long-nosed boy,” Shanks answered.

Marco nods at the information while the rest of the past pirates look at Shanks curiously, trying to understand what Red Hair is trying to say about Straw Hat.

“Red- Shanks is right.” Law voiced. He had to correct himself, remembering Red Hair didn’t want to talk to him informally. 

The past pirates looked over at him in slight surprise, and Law could feel other eyes on him coming from the right side of the room. He tried not to focus on the pressure and focused back on the past pirates. Red Hair smiled at Law's comment about saying his name right or speaking up about Luffy; he didn’t know.

“What do you mean?” Roger asked curiously. 

Law took a moment to try to gather his thoughts before he spoke,

“I have met Straw Hat a couple of times, and he isn’t the type of guy to quit, especially if one of his friends needs help, which I’m sure the princess needs.”

The past pirates looked curiously at his input about Straw Hat while Law heard a scoff to his right.

“That’s for sure,” Eustass grumbled, loud enough for the whole room to hear, “Straw Hat won't quit; that’s what’s so annoying about him.”

Law nodded his head in agreement without even thinking about it, and he stopped himself when he remembered that other pirates were watching him. Law looked over at them and could see the amusement in their eyes, smirking at the two younger captains and their annoyance for Straw Hat. Law rolled his eyes at them and faced forward, wanting this interaction to be over already. He sighs as he hears chuckles from his left; he should have never spoken up in the first place. 

“Anyways,” Shanks said, nodding towards Law, “What Law said is correct; if I know anything about Luffy, he won’t abandon his friend for no reason. So, he must have his reasons for how he is behaving.”

Roger and Rayleigh hum as they think about Red Hair’s words. They eventually turned forward, but Law could still see the gleam of curiosity in their eyes.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?” Sanji yells as he gets up from being pushed.

“Vivi,” Luffy says with a frown.

“Yes?” Vivi answers with a worried look.

Luffy has a severe expression as he says. “I want to beat the crap out of Crocodile !” Luffy raises his voice, and Vivi takes a step back at the harshness of his words. 

“So he can be serious?” Eustass grunts lowly, sarcastically.

Law rolls his eyes at his words; Eustass hasn’t even seen anything close to Straw Hat being gravely serious. Law remembers when Straw Hat woke up after Marineford and was shocked to see his behavior. The teen seemed to have a joyful spirit back at Sabaody, not one of darkness. He shouldn’t have been as surprised as he was, thinking back on it, considering the amount of stress and emotional strain Straw Hat went through. Law sighs as he looks back at the screen.

“If we stop all those rebels, will Crocodile stop?” Luffy says, with his hat shadowing his eyes, “Even if we reach Katorea, there’s nothing that we can do. We’re pirates. You’re better off going there without us.”

“So, the princess wants to stop the Rebel Army from attacking the Royal Army.” Whitebeard summarizes. 

Almost everyone nods their heads at the excellent summary of Vivi’s plan. 

“I got to say, Luffy is right about going off without them.” Marco says with his head tilted, “Pirates are usually never welcomed by civilians, especially an angry Rebel Army.”

“Seems like Luffy is trying to state facts towards the princess,” Rayleigh comments before he chuckles, “Although quite bluntly.”

Everyone stares at him, worried, confused, or with severe expressions.

“Sometimes that senseless idiot hits it on the head,” Sanji says with crossed arms.

“Luffy can surprise us sometimes,” Usopp says offhandedly. 

There were some light chuckles at the backhanded insults. 

“That… That isn’t….” Vivi trails off.

“All you want is no one to die in this battle.” Luffy interrupts, “Not the people of your country. Not any of us. You’re taking on a Warlord Pirate in a battle over a million people are preparing to fight in. And all you want is for no one to get hurt.” Luffy opens his eyes and stares at Vivi, “Aren’t you just fooling yourself?”

“It’s admirable that the princess wants to protect her people, but as Luffy says, she is being unrealistic.” Shanks comments. 

The past pirate's nod in agreement.

Vivi has her hands in fists and shakes from anger. 

“Wait, Luffy, can’t you try to understand Vivi’s feelings?” Nami defends.

Sanji holds his arm out to Nami, stopping her,

“Nami-swan, wait.”

“But…” Nami trails off, hurt.

Vivi takes a few steps forward, and her hood falls off as she exclaims,

“What’s wrong with that!? What’s wrong with not wanting anyone to die?”

“People die,” Luffy says bluntly as he glares up at Vivi.

Vivi furrows her brows in anger and slaps Luffy across his face, and he flies to the side from the force.

There was a tense silence as everyone watched the screen, some raising their eyebrows in surprise at the princess's violent act. 

“Stop talking like that!” Vivi shakes her head in denial, “I’m not going to let you say that again!” Vivi breathes heavily as Luffy lays face first on the sand, “That’s exactly what we’re trying to prevent! Not the Rebel Army, not the Royal Army… No one in this country is at fault! So why does anyone have to die!? It’s all Crocodile’s fault!”

Luffy gets up on one knee as he glares at Vivi. He suddenly gets up, jumps up, reels back a fist, and punches Vivi in the face, and she cries out as she falls to the sand.

Law was a little stunned at Straw Hats' actions; it seems he doesn’t have a problem fighting whoever he wants, he thinks in slight amusement. He looks over to the left side of the room and notices Marco’s bug-eyed look and Whitebeard's raised brow of disapproval. Shanks and Roger both have shocked expressions, while Rayleigh raises a brow in amusement. 

Personally, Law wouldn’t take such actions against a woman unless it was necessary. He likes verbal communication, not physical, so he would try to talk to the princess without using physical violence. He guesses that is just another thing different between Straw Hat and himself. 

“Then why are YOU risking your life!?” Luffy yells to the sky.

“Oi Luffy, that’s going too far!” Ussop exclaimed with a shocked expression.

“Yeah, that might have been a bit too far,” Marco says with a bewildered face. 

Whitebeard hums next to Marco with furrowed eyebrows. The man has a conflicted look as he observes the scene playing out. Law assumes the captain disapproves of Straw Hat's methods but appreciates what the teen tries to convey to the princess. 

Chopper stands next to Usopp with his jaw agape as he watches the scene and Sanji with an outraged look as he rolls up his sleeve. 

“Dammit, Luffy!” Sanji shouts. 

Vivi wipes her mouth, gets up with a cry of rage, and rams Luffy onto the sand.

There is a tense silence as the occupants in the room watch the viewing unfold, curious about how this fight will be resolved. 

“From looking at this country, what needs to be done most….” Luffy starts while Vivi raises her fist.

Vivi starts to punch Luffy over and over as she yells,

“What of it!?”

“...is even clear… to me!” Luffy shouts as he gets beaten, “You risking your one life is going to be enough!?”

Law now understood what the princess must be feeling. She had to do everything independently to protect her country at a young age. She must have felt lonely for those couple of years and terrified, and Law could relate. He now appreciates Straw Hats' actions towards Vivi by letting her know she is not alone. 

“Then what am I supposed to risk!?” Vivi exclaims desperately as she hits Luffy, “What am I-!”

Luffy grabs her arms, and Vivi's face drops.

“I have nothing else to risk… Nothing…” Vivi says remorsefully. 

Law hears a huff from his right and looks over at Eustass rolling his eyes at the screen. 

“This girl is annoying me,” Eustass says in an aggravated tone.

Law raises his eyebrows in surprise at Eustass having the balls to state that out loud to the others, especially at an emotional moment like this. The past pirates and Shanks looked over at their shared couch with raised brows in judgment, more so from the youngest. 

“Hey man, you don’t have to be rude! Vivi has a lot going on right now!” Marco said defensively.  

Eustass raises his brow in return but doesn’t respond. 

“Why does she annoy you, Kid?” Shanks speaks up, looking at the other redhead curiously. 

The other past pirates look from Shanks to Eustass, wanting to know the answer. Law was also curious about the answer, wondering if the red-haired man was simply annoyed with the princess or if there was something more to it. 

Eustass grunted at Red Hair before replying,

“The princess clearly doesn’t understand why Straw Hat is there in the first place. I find it annoying that she thinks she is fighting alone when the Straw Hats have been fighting with her for a while now,” Eustass curls his lip in disgust and speaks with an affirmed tone, “She's acting like they’re her escorts, and not companions. It’s annoying that she needs to understand that after getting punched.”

Law has to admit that he is slightly impressed with Eustass speech, even if it was somewhat too blunt. He certainly understands the younger man is coming from, but it’s something he can look over, considering everything the princess has been through. 

“I see,” Shanks starts before he smiles. “I can see how that could be annoying, but I’m sure Miss Vivi will soon realize she is not alone, thanks to Luffy.”

The past pirates nod their heads in agreement at Red Hair's words while Eutass raises his brow but otherwise nods and looks forward. 

Luffy bucks her off of him, and Vivi falls into the sand.

“Try risking our lives along with yours!” Luffy shouts with a bloody nose, “WE’RE YOUR NAKAMA!”

Vivi looks shocked and covers her mouth with her hand as tears begin to fall.

“Finally,” Eustass whispered in exasperation. 

“We’re your Nakama, right?” Luffy says softly. 

Vivi lets out little sobs as Luffy grabs his hat.

“What? So it turns out… you do cry.” Luffy says.

Vivi starts to bawl as she thinks of the suffering of her people.

“You’re the one suffering the most, and you want to beat the hell out of him more than anyone.” Luffy says factually as he pats the sand off his hat.

Nami walks over to Vivi and hugs her as she cries. There is a beat of silence before Luffy puts on his hat and exclaims determinedly,

“Now tell me. Where is Crocodile?”

The scene faded to black.

“Do we finally get to see some real action?” Marco asks.

“Can’t say for sure, but it does seem like that will come soon.” Shanks observers.

Marco nods in approval,

“Good, I want to see Crocodile get his ass beat!”

Whitebeard chuckles at his son but nods in agreement at his words. 

“I'm interested to see how strong this warlord is compared to Luffy and how he will defeat him.” Rayleigh comments while he scratches his beard, contemplating. 

“Me as well.” Roger agrees, “I am also curious how Nico Robin will join the crew.”

“Oh right, I forgot about that,” Marco says dumbly.

The past pirates lightly chuckle at the teen, clearly finding amusement in his behavior. Before anyone could continue the conversation, the screen lit up, getting everyone's attention. There was some shuffling as everyone faced forward, clearly anticipating what would be shown. 

The sun is setting while Luffy and Crocodile face each other outside Rainbase. 

“Ooo! I sense a fight!” Marco says excitedly. 

Law heard shuffling around the room, and he could tell the other occupants where getting ready for the fight that have been waiting to witness. He himself, had become restless from all the monologe, and was anticpiting to see some action. Law seriously hoped this wasn’t some more talking, it was getting tiring and boring to listen people talk about conflicts that happned in the past, knowing he had no ability to change it. Seeing the fights will at least distract him from his morbid thoughts, and will be enjoyable to watch. Law shifted into a comfortable position and focused on the screen. 

“I’ll give you three minutes.” Crocodile says in a bored manner, “After that, I won’t have time to play with you anymore.”

“Cocky much?” Eustass grumbled rolling his eyes.

Luffy blankly stares at him while the wind blows.

“Any problem with that?” Crocodile asks.

“Nope, Fine by me,” Luffy says nonchalantly while he cracks his knuckles. 

Straw Hat also seems to be feeling cocky, Law thought warily. He knows Crocoidle is a logia type, and Straw Hat- as far as he knew- knows nothing about haki during this timeline. Either Straw Hat is a lot stronger and smarter than Law gives him credit for or the teen is about to get a rude awakening. 

“Yes! Let’s go! Show em’ whos boss, Luffy!” Marco cheers.

The past pirates chuckle at the phoenix’s encourgement but quickly focus forward, they themselsves interested to see how the fight will play out. 

Luffy suddenly gets into a fighting position and reals back his arm,

“Gomu Gomu no…”

Crocodile raises his brow in confusion before Luffy yells,

“Pistol!”

Luffy stretches his arm towards the warlord, but the taller man doges while he turns into sand. 

“Seems the Warlord is a logia type.” Rayleigh observes, “This will be a tough opponent for Luffy.”

Marco looks worrid at the Dark kings words before he looks at Rayleigh in assurance,

“But Luffy has haki so he’ll be fine.”

There was beat of silence.

“Luffy doesn’t have haki.” Shanks spoke carefully.

Marco’s eyes bulgded and his mouth dropped in shock. He closed and opened his mouth, the young teen trying to speak but utterly unable to. He fumbled over his words before finally getting a clear sentence out. 

“What do you mean he doesn’t have haki?!” Marco all but shouted. 

The past pirates winced at the volume, but otherwise looked sympthaly at Marco. Whitebeard sensing his son increasingly distress put a gentle hand on his back and rubbed circles, comforting him. Marco looked from his captain to Rayliegh to Roger accusignly. The three looked confused at Marco’s behavior.

“How do you guys know that? You guys haven’t met Luffy either!” Marco asks incredulously, “How do you know that Luffy doens’t have haki?!”

The three looked at each other in a silent conversation, before Whitebeard nodded at Roger.

“Well, since Luffy didn’t know a lot about the Grand Line,” Roger spoke up, speaking as if he was talking to a toddler, “Like how to enter it, or what an Enternal Pose was, and the fact that he and his crewmates where shocked to see other devil druit users.” The man paused gaging Marco, to see if the teen will blow a fuse, but seeing as Marco was quietly listening to him- probably from the shock, Law thinks- he sought it safe to continue, “We all assumed that Luffy had no knowledge of haki.” 

Marco stayed silent, enternalizing the information, while the past pirates and Shanks observed, worridly. Law could see the gears turning in the kids head, and he was worried that the teen brain might break from the knowledge. 

“Oh.” Marco said plainly. 

The past pirates exchanged looks, but their eyes were brought back to Marco when the phoenix brought his hands up to clutch his head.

“Ah crap!” Marco exclaimed, making Roger jump a little from the sudden noise, “How is Luffy gonna defeat him now! I was totally confident in him a second ago, but now knowing that he doesn’t have haki makes me less certain!”

Whitebeard continued to rub Marco’s back and slightly chuckled at his sons words,

“Don’t worry Marco, we just have to have faith in Luffy. Don’t give up yet, I’m sure Luffy has a plan.”

Marco looks up at his captain, trying to find the truth in his words, and when his eyes meet the gentle smile of his pops, Marcos shoulders relax from his earlier tension.

“We now Luffy doesn’t die here,” Roger comments with a grin of his own, gaining attention from others, “So there’s no need to worry!”

Marco nodded at his words,

“You’re right! Just because Luffy doesn’t have haki, doesn’t mean he’s gonna lose! I don’t know why I got so worked up!” Marco laughed at himself, while the past pirates and Shanks smiled at the youngest in reassurance. 

Well, the are surely an optimistic bunch, Law thought warily. He heard a huff from his right and looked over to see Eustass rolling his eyes at the past pirates display. Seems like the hottheaded captain felt the same way as Law. 

“If you’re done with your emotional breakdown,” Garp voices, shoving another cracker in his mouth- Law was seriously wondering how much this man could eat. “I want to continue watching my grandson beat this Warlords ass.”

Marco looked over at the marine confused,

“Aren’t Warlords affiliated with the Navy?”

Garp lookd over at the teen with a raised brow while continuing to snack on his crackers,

“Yeah… and?”

Marco looked like he wanted to explain further but Whitebeard stopped him talking and shook his head. Marco looked from the marine to his captain before shrugging facing forward, wanting to get back to the fight. 

Crocodile lunges towards Luffy with his hook and jabs it towards his head, but Luffy bends backward to avoid the blow. 

“Oh.” Crocodile comments as Luffy lands on his hands.

“Gomu Gomu no…” Luffy shouts upside down, “Stamp!”

Luffy stretches his leg towards Crocodile's back, but the older man turns into sand. Luffy makes a frustrated noise as he sees he isn’t doing any damage. His leg whips back to its normal length, and the recoil sends Luffy falling on his back, with his water and Straw Hat falling off him.

“If the brat wants to win, then he will have to do something more than throwing punches and kicks out randomly.” Kaido comments. 

The past pirates and Shanks looked over at the beast pirate warily, trying to detect any underlining insult in the mans words, sensing none, they nodded in agreement.

“Yes, unfortunately you’re correct Kaido.” Rayleigh says, while Kaido looks over, being addressed by name, “Luffy will have to make up a plan or find a weakness to have any chance of winning.” Kaido nodded in agreement, and faced forward, clearly done with the conversation. 

Law had to admit that might have been one of the most civilised conversations between the two sides of the room, one that he prefers even if it does creep him out. Law shook his head faced forward.

“I’ll tell one thing, Straw Hat Luffy.” Crocodile voices as he uses his devil fruit power to turn whole again, “It doesn’t matter how much you struggle. Someone like you will never…”

“Gomu Gomu no…” Luffy interrupts, “Gatling Gun!”

“Seems Anchor isn’t up for making conversation.” Shanks laughs as the Warlord gets intterupted.

Luffy sends both his arms flying towards Crocodile in a series of punches, but the Warlord stands completely still as he turns into sand. Luffy screams as he continues to punch and eventually stops, out of breath, breathing heavily as he stares down his opponent. 

“This is frustrating to watch.” Eustass grumbles, “Straw Hat is just doing the same thing over and over again. He doesn’t seem to get the idea that he can’t touch him.”

Law could say that he relates, it is getting a little aggravating watching Straw Hat attack, only to end up nowhere. But the teen is unpredictable, so he is waiting for him to come up with a plan that will either be brillant or entirely stupid. 

Crocodile laughs at Luffy's poor display,

“Listen, Straw Hat Luffy. Your worthless attacks are like mosquito bites. It doesn’t matter how long you continue.” Luffy breaks out into a sprint and reals back both his arms in another assault, “Somone like you will never-”

“Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!” Luffy interrupts again, blasting Crocodile's stomach with his attack.

Crocodile looks annoyed while Luffy stretches his leg up in the air ready to take his next course of action.

“Axe!”

Luffy sends his leg crashing down into Crocodile's head while the man turns into sand. There is a crash, and sand flies everywhere as the Warlord disappears. Luffy breathes heavily as he stomps at the ground,

“Damn you! Damn you! Damn you! You dead yet? Stupid Sandcroc!”

“‘Sandcroc’?” Roger huffs out a laugh at the nickname.

Crocodile forms whole again behind Luffy and smirks at Luffy's actions,

“Once again, worthless.”

“This guy really likes to hear himself talk.” Marco observers with a raised brow, clearly unamsued by the fact. 

Law also noticed that the Warlord was talking a lot, which is slightly annoying. He clearly doesn’t know that Straw Hat either is ignoring him or simply isn’t listening to what he has to say. 

Luffy makes a noise of anger and turns around to face the taller man,

“You son of a bitch!”

“It doesn’t matter how much you struggle, Rubberman.” Crocodile states plainly, “Someone like you will never…”

Luffy doesn’t listen to his words and runs at him for another attack.

“...def-”

Luffy interrupts him with a punch, effefianly stoping Crocodile from speaking.

“Ha!” Marco lets out a sharp laugh before quickly covering his mouth with his hand.

“Pfftt!” Roger lets out a laugh, before he does the same as Marco and smothers his laugh with his hand.

The occupants in the room give them a deadpan stare as the try to hold in their laughs. Law understands that the scene was funny, but not enough to emit a laugh. He sighs at their simple minded brains and faces forward as does everyone else. 

“‘DEF’!?” Luffy asks, confused, “What the hell have you been trying to say!?”

Crocodile's face becomes filled with rage. 

“I think I’ve played with you long enough.” Crocodile decides, with a dangerous edge to his voice.

The hourglass is shown to have almost completely finished. Crocodile brings his hook up threateningly, 

“Straw Hat Luffy.”

“I hope Luffy will be ok.” Marco says worridly, “I know that he will be fine, but it looks like the Warlord is about to fight seriously.”

“Don’t worry Marco,” Shanks smiles at the teen, “I’m sure Luffy will figure something out.”

Marco nods in agreement and looks reassured by his words. 

“I’ve been fighting seriously the whole time!” Luffy states angrily, “But… Dammit! I can’t even hit him! He keeps dissolving!”

“You and I…” Crocodile starts before he gets into a position, ready to attack, “...are not the same class of pirate!”

Crocodile hand forms into a spear of sand,

“Desert Spada!”

Suddenly the ground begins to tremble and Luffy falls. He lands in a hole of sand that falls towards the middle. 

“His devil fruit is already powerful,” Roger comments, brows furrowed, “But it’s also amplified since he’s in his element. Quite the predicament for Luffy. He’s clearly at a disadvantage.” 

Rayleigh and Shanks hum in agreement, their brows also furrowed in concern for Straw Hat.

Luffy looks around confused,

“What? What? What?”

Luffy starts to sink into the sand and he starts to hop around and yell before he starts to run up the side of the quicksand. 

“The sand! It’s sucking me in!” Luffy shouts as he continues to run. 

Luffy panics as he makes little to no progress, while Crocodile watches looking down at him. 

“Never heard of quicksand?” Crocodile asks offhandedly, “The desert is s convenient coffin. No grave necessary. The sand is being drawn into an underground river. Using my ability, I am able to determine its exact location.” Luffy continues to yell as he runs, gaining more ground, “Fighting on the desert, no one on this world can hope to match me.”

There were some huffs at the Warlords comment, clearly the man hasn’t been to the New World. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your element, there is still someone stronger than you, Law thinks bitterly. 

“This sand!” Luffy yells out of breath, “...won’t be enough to bury me alive! Bastard!”

Luffy stretches both his arm back,

“Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!”

Luffy slams both his hands down into the sand in front of him, propelling him into the air.

“If I can’t hit you, I’ll capture you instead!” Luffy states as he intertwines his fingers, “Gomu Gomu no Net!”

Luffy stretches out his fingers to a net. 

“Intresting use of his power.” Whitebeard says offhandedly.

Crocodile forms a wall of sand and sends Luffy flying back.

“Can’t you take a hint?” Crocodile says, agitated, “It’s worthless.”

“Gomu Gomu no Whip!” Luffy shouts as he sends his leg to the Warlord only for him to hit sand.

“Repeating the same things over and over?” Crocodile comments.

Yeah, and it’s getting annoying, Law thinks agitated. This fight is getting Straw Hat knowhere, and now he is wondering just how the teen will end up beating this Warlord. He knows he does, since it was in the news coo,- even the marines were said to be the one to bring him down- so why was he getting a foreboding feeling in the pit of his stomach. 

Suddenly, Luffy is sent flying toward the taller man. His arm is trapped in a sea of sand that is Crocodile's stomach. 

“Lemme go, you bastard!” Luffy yells.

Crocodile brings his hand down and swiftly swipes through Luffy’s arm,

“Barchan!”

There were some intakes of breath at the direct hit.

Luffy falls on his back and clenches his shoulder in pain,

“My arm!”

Luffy makes a noise of agony as he slowly looks at his right arm only to see half of it shriveled up. 

“Wh- What the hell?!” Marco exclaims, the teen points up the screen in disbelief, “What the hell happened to Luffy’s arm?!” 

There was a shocked silence as the occupants in the room focused their attention on Straw Hats disfigured arm. There is no way to come back from that medically. So, how the hell does Straw Hat still have two of his arms? 

“My arm! My arm!! It’s a mummy! My arm turned into a mummy!”

“Because of the sand.” Crocodile explains, “It sucked the water straight out of your arm. Maybe I should suck out all the water from your body and dry you to death. Give you a little taste of the desert, so to speak.”

Wait, water? Law thinks. If the sand took away the water, then maybe water plays an important role with Crocodile’s devil fruit. 

Luffy sits up, breathing heavily, as he clenches his arm,

“This ain’t no joke.”

“Yeah no shit Luffy!” Marco shouts, the phoenix high of the sudden adrenaline rush, “Half of your arm is shriviled up like a raisin!”

Law hears a slight huff of amusement from his right, and he looks over to see the beast pirate side eyeing Marco with mirth at his comment. Law quickly looks away and pretends like he didn’t just see the emperor slightly smile and focus on Straw Hats predicament. 

Luffy looks around before his eye catches something and he lights up,

“That’s it!” Luffy starts to run away from Crocodile, “WATER!”

Crocodile makes a noise of confusion as Luffy gulps down the water from his barrel, and suddenly his arm buffs up in an exaggerated size. 

“The fuck.” Marco deadpans.

Law isn’t even going to question the physics, but mentaly pats himself on the back for figuring out that water was indeed important for the Warlords power.

“Worthless.” Crocodile says, unamused by the display. 

“It’s not worthless!” Luffy rebukes, “This water was given to me by the old dried-up guy in Yuba after he spent all night digging it up! Do you know what that old guy said? Yuba will never be defeated by mere sand!”

Law could feel himself getting hyped for the fight. He feels like Straw Hat might actually might have a chance of winnig and is anticipating the outcome. 

Luffy starts running at Crocodile,

“Gomu Gomu no Chomping!”

Luffy stretches his mouth wide and bites down on Crocodiles upper body. Luffy glides over Crocodile's body and flaps his arms, looking like a bird. 

“The fuck.” Eustass deadpans.

Law was now doubting himself about Straw Hat having a winning chance. 

Crocodile burst out of his mouth shouting,

“ENOUGH OF YOUR WORTHLESS BULLSHIT!”

“This guy really likes to say ‘worthless’.” Marco points out.

Luffy falls on his back, coughing,  while Crocodile becomes whole again. 

“Die…” Crocodile states, “Along with the “hearty” soil of Yuba.”

That doesn’t sound good, Law thinks warily. 

Luffy looks up confused by his words.

“Your three minutes are up.” Crocodile says as the hourglass is shown to have finished dropping sand, “I told you from the outset. I don’t have more time than that to play with you. Sables!”

Crocodile holds out his hand and a small sand tornado forms. It suddenly grows bigger and bigger. Luffy makes a noise of horror at the display and put his hands to shield himself from the wind.

“The sand’s nice and dry today.” Crocodile comments with a pleased smile, “Now then, Straw Hat Luffy. The prevailing winds here always blow north to south. If this small sandstorm rides that wind south and matures, where do you think it will strike when it gets nice and big?”

“Wait, he isn’t planning on what I think he’s planning,” Marco says cautiously, “Right?”

“Unfortunately, I think we all do.” Shanks says regretfully. 

“To the south?” Luffy asks.

“To Yuba.” Crocodile smirks.

Luffy widens his eyes in horror,

“Why!?”

Luffy runs up to Crocodile and grabs his coat,

“You! What are you doing that for? Stop it!”

“That isn’t a good idea Luffy.” Roger says warily, “Don’t get so close to him.”

“Yeah, “ Rayleigh nods in agreement, “He’s leaving himself wide open for an attack.”

Marco looks worridly at the screen, and he shifts in his seat, the teen not happy with the way things are turning out. Whitebeard noticing his sons stress places his larger hand on his shoulder in a silent support. 

Crocodile is not phased by Luffy’s actions or words and smirks,

“Look, a southbound breeze is rising…”

“The old dried-out guy has nothing to do with this!” Luffy shouts up at Crocodile, “Damn you! STOP, DAMN YOU!”

Luffy runs towards the sandstorm trying to stop it but gets blown backward by the wind. Crocodile chuckles at Luffy’s uselessness,

“It’s worthless. Give it up. Once this storm picks up speed. Not even I will be able to stop it.”

“Quit screwing around!” Luffy yells angrily. 

“Yuba is finished.” Crocodile says factually. 

Luffy runs up to Crocodile and fists his coat and shouts up at Crocodile demandingly,

“Stop it! Right now!”

Suddenly there’s a crunching sound and Luffy's eyes go wide in shock. 

The silence is defeaning as most of the occupants in the room come to realize what has just occred. 

Everything goes silent as Luffy's eyes go dull and he falls forward. 

“Huh? B-But wait, what ju-just happned?” Marco says breathlessly as Whitebeard’s hand slightly clenched his shoulders. 

“What do you think brat?” Doflamingo scoffed.

Law was in to much in a state of shock to hear what Doflamingo said, as the other past pirates and Shanks because they to where looking up at the screen in stupor. 

“Who do you think I am?” Crocodile says in an almost whisper.

Crocodile hook is shown to be protruding out of something while a liquid is dripping from it. The silhouette of Crocodile hook running through Luffy’s chest is shown, while Luffy is hanging limply in the air.

“Oh my god…” Marco trails off, horrified at the image of Straw Hat.

Law eyes buldged at the gruesome display. This seemed worse than Straw Hats injury at marineford, he thought incredously. How the hell did the teen survive such a life threatening wound, especially with no doctor around. Speaking of which, where are Straw Hats crewmates. If they weren’t nearby then there is no way for the young captain to receive decently good treatment. Law inhaled slowly and exhaled, his heart was beating to fast. He needed to clam down, after all Straw Hat somehow survives this severely life threatening injury. 

“Damn.” Law hears a grunt from the beast pirate.

“There are plenty of rookies who are all talk.” Crocodile speaks, while blood is dripping down into the sand, “Just like you, Straw Hat Luffy. Here on the Grand Line…”

Crocodile lifts his hook higher and Luffy’s head falls back as he stares blankly at the sky, blood running out of his nose and mouth. 

Law cringes at the display, Straw Hat looks almost dead. Law looks over to his left and noticecs the same expression on most of the past pirates faces. 

“Had you ignored those worthless feelings in the first place, you would have lived longer.” Crocodile states. 

Crocodile notices water dripping down his arm and smirks in amusement, 

“Water… And I suppose you aren’t as grateful for this water anymore.”

Law huffs in anger at his remark. The warlords is certainly rubbing salt in the wound. Damn he knew he had a bad feeling about this, he just assumed that Straw Hat would take the win and move. It didn’t really accrue to him that he would lose. What a wake up call, Law thinks bitterly. 

Luffy grabs Crocodile’s arm and the taller man makes a noise of confusion. Luffy clenches the arm and Crocodile yells in pain.

Law stares shocked at the screen. He knew that Straw Hat was stubborn but this is just rediculous. Every movement should send waves of pain through out his body, but Straw Hat moves his arm and clenched it hard enough to inflict some damage on Cro- wait. Inflict +*damage? How was Straw Hat able to touch Crocodile, when all this time he has been turing into sand? Law furrowred his brows in confusion and he closed his eyes, trying ot think of a solution.

The water.

Of course it was the water. When Crocodile pierced Straw Hats chest, he broke the water canten that Luffy was wearing around his neck, allowing Luffy to touch him. He knew water was important for this devil fruit. Unfortunate events to figure that out, but useful nonetheless. 

Blood continues to drip and Luffy makes a noise of agony and coughs up some blood, his eyes still dull.

“How the hell is he moving right now?” Marco asks incredulously. 

“Impossible.” Crocodile exclaims, “You’re still alive?”

The Warlord lifts his hook in anger and throws Luffy into the quicksand, and Luffy cries out in pain. Luffy tumbles down into the center and clutches his chest flailing around in pain. 

Law could feel an eerie pressure coming from his left and turns only to see very angery pirates and one marine. He could feel their auras and could tell they were not happy with Straw Hats condition. Law was glad he wasn’t in the Warlords shoes or he’s sure he wouldn’t be alive right now. 

Crocodile looks down at him, pleased,

“You seem to be in quite some pain. But you’ll soon find peace.”

Crocodile laughs while the sand starts to shift and Luffy starts to sink. Luffy can barely move as he gets buried alive.

“Goodbye.” Crocodile smirks. 

The scene fades to black.

“What?! That’s it?!” Marco shouts angrily, “You can’t leave it on a cliffhanger!”

Chapter Text

“What the hell?” Marco shouted as the screen faded to black, “You can’t leave off there! What happened to Luffy?! Is he alright?!”

That’s what Law wanted to know as well, he was on the edge of his seat waiting for Straw Hat to get back up only to be utterly disappointed. He didn’t know why he expected the teen to beat the Warlord so easily. These viewings were altering his perspective of Straw Hat, he has to remember that this isn’t a comic like “Sora, Warrior of the Sea” and the ‘main character’ can’t always win. He was getting wrapped up in this being a tale of a hero when it’s only a true story of a rookie pirate. He has to remember that this is reality. 

“Marco, calm down,” Rayleigh addressed the teen, his voice controlled into a soothing manner. Marco looked at The Dark King, opening his mouth to retort but only for Rayleigh to continue, “I am sure Luffy is ok. We know he will survive in the future, so we don’t need to worry. He is a strong boy, he will push through.” Rayleigh smiled reassuringly, and the teen mulled over the older man's words, and eventually, he nodded relaxing into his seat. Though he still looked pretty miffed in Law's eyes. Whitebeard nodded in thanks to Rayliegh, and The Dark King nodded in acknowledgment at the Emperor. 

“Now that I think about it,” Shanks started as he shook his head at himself. Roger and Rayleigh turned their attention towards him, curious. “I think I overestimated Luffy.”

Roger nodded along with Shanks, “Yeah, I understand. I thought that Luffy would have been able to crush this Warlord, with no problem. I think I got so caught up on Luffy and his adventure that I forgot that he is only a rookie pirate.” Shanks nodded in agreement.

“I’m pretty sure we all did that,” Marco huffed, before warily glancing at the other side of the room. “Well, some of us.”

“Gurararara! We just have to see the brat turn the tide then! Don’t we!” Whitebeard laughed in good spirits. Marco lightly chuckled at his captain's words and settled in his seat, ready for the subsequent viewing. 

“All of you have entirely too much faith for a reckless fool.” Doflamingo scoffed.

The past pirates and Shanks all simultaneously raised their brows at the Warlord in disdain. Although a little comical, Law could tell that they did not want to engage in an argument, so they ignored the blonde and focused back on the screen, and he found great amusement when Doflamingo frowned at being ignored. Law followed suit with The past pirate's example, facing forward when the screen slowly began to start. 

Nighttime is shown throughout the desert, and there is movement in the sand. Luffy’s head pops up from the sand, and he grunts in pain. 

Law grimaced at the amount of blood, although he shouldn’t be surprised since Straw Hat was impaled .

“MEAT!” Luffy screams.

Law felt all his pity fly out the window when he heard Straw Hat yell for food instead of help. He doesn’t understand how the younger man's mind works and doesn’t know if he ever wants to. Hopefully, by the time he is done watching these viewings– however long that may be –he will have a better understanding of Straw Hat for his plan to succeed. Although, so far that will look like a difficult feat. 

“I’m not sure whether I should be grateful that Anchor is ok or concerned that all on his mind is meat.” Shanks sighed as he shook his head in disbelief. Roger laughed at his cabin boy's worry and patted him on the shoulder.

“At least the boy knows what he wants.”

Shanks looked at his captain incredulously as the older man laughed. Rayleigh sighed before shrugging to himself, the man clearly used to Roger’s antics. 

He shifts his head around to get out of the quicksand but causes the sand to swallow him up. 

“Well, that wasn’t smart.” Marco huffed. 

White boots walk toward the scene, and the person raises their hand. 

Law warily observed, wondering if this newcomer was a friend or foe. Straw Hat certainly can’t defend himself in his current condition, so if this person is no friend then the teen will be in a tight pinch.

A bunch of arms manifests and push Luffy out of the sand. 

That looked familiar. He has seen that devil fruit power before. From these viewings or in the past he isn’t sure, either way, he wasn’t getting a good feeling from it. 

“Are they saving Luffy?” Marco asked warily. 

“It looks that way, but we shouldn't trust them just yet,” Rayleigh advised. Marco nodded and focused forward. 

Luffy is lying on the sand, bloody and breathing heavily.

“Th-ank-k- you..” Luffy looks over at his savior. 

Miss All Sunday stares down at Luffy.

“Nico Robin?!” Several voices exclaim. 

Now he knows why that devil fruit power seemed familiar. 

“Why is she here?” Marco shouts as he points accusingly at the frozen image of Nico Robin. 

“That’s what we all would like to know,” Eustass grumbled. 

“Well, she is a future Straw Hat,” Shanks started slowly, gaining the attention of the other occupants in the room, “So, she might not hurt Luffy, but she also killed that other guy on the boat. I’m not sure where she stands in this fight, but we know that Luffy survives. I don’t think she will hurt him.”

Red Hair’s couch partners nod in agreement at his assessment of the situation. Law also agreed with Red Hair’s words, but he was more curious about Nico’s actions towards Straw Hat. 

“I still don’t trust her,” Marco said defiantly,  “She is clearly an enemy who also blew up that nice guy from before.” Marco glared at the image of Nico Robin and Law huffed in amusement at his childish views. Although Nico is an enemy, she becomes an ally in the future– erh the past?-- and he is very interested to see how that will play out. 

“It’s good not to trust someone Marco, but at least get to know her more before you judge her too harshly for her actions,” Whitebeard advised wisely to his son. Marco looked thoughtful as the giant man continued, “You don’t know what the young lady has gone through, so we shouldn’t assume things or divulged ideas about her before we understand her.”

Marco seemed to consider his words and slowly nodded. “Yeah, you're probably right. I don’t know what she has gone through.” Marco looked up at his father and smiled brightly at him, “She joins Luffy eventually, so she can’t be totally bad.” Whitebeard grinned lightly before gently patting Marco. 

“Now I’m curious why she is helping Luffy.” Roger scratched his chin, looking up at the screen interestingly, “Miss Robin looks like an ambitious young woman, I wonder what her plans are.” Raleigh nodded in agreement while Shanks had a pondering look as he observed the image of Nico Robin.

“Why do you fight?” She asks.

Law raised his brow at the out-of-the-blue question, what was she trying to get at?

Luffy continues to stare at her, breathing shakily, while Miss All Sunday says,

“You people who carry the name D.”

“D?” Luffy questions before he goes into a coughing fit. 

“D?” Several people question. 

“Why does she mean, ‘D’?” Eustass asked with a raised brow. 

Law was also curious. He has heard many things concerning the will of D, the ones that will take storm in the new era, enemies of the Celestial Dragons. He forgets that Straw Hat is a D, but now that he thinks about it, all that the teen has been doing on his adventure is going against the world government and nobles. 

“Roger, do you know what she is talking about?” Whitebeard inquired. 

Roger? Why would he know- oh right. He’s also a ‘D’. He forgot that Roger’s name isn’t Gold Roger but Gol D. Roger. Just another thing to blame the world government for, he guesses.

“No,” Roger starts as he stares interestingly at Nico Robin, “Even though I am a ‘D’, I personally don’t know what it means or why certain people have it.” The man tilts his head slightly and smiles, “Although now that Miss Robin points it out, I am curious about the meaning.”

“Hmhmhmhm.” A low laugh emits from the right side of the room. Law slightly glares at the tall blonde, knowing the man has an idea about what the will of ‘D’ is since Cora knew it as well. He slightly smirks when he remembers that Doflamingo has no idea that he is a ‘D’ himself or anybody for that matter. Although, if they continue to watch these viewings he wonders if his full name will be revealed and wonders how that will play out, probably nothing good…Oh well, that’s a problem for future Law. 

“Just what are you people?” Miss All Sunday thinks.

Law is slightly offended by the accusatory tone in Nico’s voice but brushes it off and focuses more on Straw Hat’s condition. The teen still has not had any medical help, and he isn’t getting any better by lying on the rough sand. 

“It seems I shouldn’t have asked.” The woman says as she uses her devil fruit to throw Luffy’s straw hat and catches it. She then throws it on Luffy as he lies there, and the scene fades to black.

“Huh, that’s it?” Marco blinks in surprise at the short viewing. 

“I guess,” Shanks shrugs.

Law sighs and decides to forgo the thought that Straw Hat will get professional medical help and move on. The teen seemed fine whenever he meet him at Sabaody, so he shouldn’t worry about his health. He doesn't care anyway; he just wants his plans to go smoothly. 

Before a conversation could form between the occupants in the room, the screen lit up and words started to appear.

Before y’all start the next viewing, I will give context. The Straw Hats made it to Alubarna and each one of them is fighting a high-rank member of Baroque Works, while princess Vivi is trying to find a way for the rebellion and royal army from fighting. Unfortunately, Vivi is unsuccessful and the fight starts. I will now tell you the outcome of each battle of each Straw Hat member.

Law raises his brow in interest at the information.

“Why aren’t we going to watch them?” Marco asked curiously. The Roger Trio also looked curious as new words began to appear on the screen.

It will take too much time, and you guys will mostly be watching Luffy not so much his crew. There are a lot of viewings to get through and I don’t think some of you want to stay here longer than you want to.

“Hmph! That’s for sure! I could care less about this brat!” Big Mom huffed.

“That’s something I can agree on Linlin,” Kaido grunted.

Law stared warily at the two emperors, not knowing they were on a first-name basis. He heard shuffling next to him and made eye contact with Eustass. Law could tell the younger man was uncomfortable sitting so close to the larger woman when he grumbled in disdain and shifted away from her. 

“I guess that makes sense,” Roger said before he slightly frowned, “Although it would’ve been nice to see Luffy’s crewmate’s strength.” Rayleigh patted his back comfortingly.

Battles of Alubarna, each Straw Hat member battle, and outcome…

Battle 1

Usopp and Chopper Vs Miss Merry Christmas and Mr. 4…

Law heard shifting throughout the room, everyone antsy about the outcome.

Victor: Usopp and Chopper

A breath of relief was heard from the left side of the room. Law may or not be one of them. 

“Nice! The first round was a win!” Marco exclaimed.

“Yeah and Mr. 4 is pretty high up on the list, so it was probably a challenge for the two.” Rayleigh pointed out. Roger and Shanks nodded in agreement.

Battle 2

Sanji Vs Mr. 2…

Victor: Sanji

“Yes! Another win!” Marco smiled at the outcome.

“Wasn’t Mr. 2 the guy Luffy made friends with?” Shanks inquired with his head titled. 

“Oh yeah, I think you’re right, I guess their plan for him not using his devil fruit against them worked.” Roger shrugged. 

“Sanji must be strong to fight that high rank of a person,” Rayleigh observed.

He was just thinking the same thing, although Mr. 2 did look a bit ditzy, but looks could be deceiving.

Battle 3

Nami Vs Miss Double Finger…

“Weird choice of name, but ok,” Marco said, before a raised a brow, “What is her rank compared to the others?”

She is Mr. 1’s partner.

Law felt a sense of forbidding at the high rank. Nami isn’t known to fight, he is a bit cornered about the outcome of this fight. 

“Oh,” Marco blinked owlishly at the information, “I hate to say it but this might be the first loss for the Straw Hats.”

“Don’t write her off just yet Marco,” Shanks grinned, “Luffy wouldn’t have just anyone on his crew.” Roger smiled at his cabin boy's words.

Victor: Nami

“Yes! I never doubted her for a second!” Marco exclaimed. Everyone deadpanned at the teenager.

“Seems Young Nami is stronger than she looks,” Whitebeard smirked good-naturedly. 

“At this rate, everyone is going to win their fight.” Roger laughed.

Battle 4

Zoro Vs Mr. 1…

Victor: Zoro

“Looks like everyone on Luffy’s crew has potential,” Rayleigh commented.

Battle 5

Round 2

Luffy Vs Crocodile…

Wait, why aren’t they showing us Straw Hat’s battle? The anonymous person just said that they would show us his fight. Something doesn’t feel right.

Victor: Crocodile

“WHAT?!” 

Law hates when he’s right sometimes.

“You jinxed is it!” Marco shouted at Roger. Rayleigh smacked the back of The Pirate King’s head, “Way to go Roger.”

The captain only pouted before his brows furrowed in confusion, “How did Luffy lose?”

There was a beat of silence, no one knowing the answer. 

“The boy was in over his head when he stepped foot onto the island,” Kaido said nonchalantly, “It’s no surprise that a rookie was defeated by a Warlord, even if Sandman is weak.” There was a pause as everyone listened to the Beast Pirate. “Although since the brat is alive in the present he somehow defeats this Warlord. You guys should think of the facts and common sense to know that Straw Hat isn’t defeated yet.” 

Surprisingly a reasonable take on the situation. Law didn’t know whether Kaido wanted to reassure them or to get them to shut up, probably the latter.

“I guess you’re right…” Marco agreed reluctantly. Kaido grunted at the teen’s words and a bottle of booze appeared in front of him. The giant man grabbed it and gulped down the whole bottle in a few seconds. Kaido seemed satisfied with his fill and Law pretend he wasn’t gaping at the man and turned away. Before anyone could start a conversation, words started to appear on the screen

The next viewing you will see is Crocodile Vs Luffy round 3.

“Straw Hat better win this time,” Eustass grumbled. 

“Of course, he will!” Garp exclaimed, “He’s my grandson!”

Everyone collectively ignored the marine as the screen lit up.

An architectural structure is falling apart. 

“Whoa! What the heck is going on?” Marco shouted, his eyes wide at the extreme start of the viewing. 

He was also startled by the chaos but soon calmed down in favor of figuring out what was happening. 

The unstable ground shakes while the sound of running feet is heard from a distance. Luffy is running through the halls, barefoot, bloody, and with no straw hat. 

“Why does it seem like Luffy is always bloody.” Red Hair said in defeat, before he furrowed his brows, studying the frozen screen. “Where is Luffy’s Straw Hat?”

Now that Red Hair points it out, Straw Hat is just missing that, his straw hat. A strange look, since that hat is what makes Straw Hat so identifiable.

“Maybe he lost it?” Marco suggested uncertainly.

“Well he still has it today, so it’s not damaged,” Law commented, and Red Hair acknowledged his words.

A giant pillar falls just where Luffy was a few seconds before, but a doesn’t spare a look as he sprints toward his destination. 

“Man, Luffy isn’t even fazed about what is going on around him,” Marco said, concerned.

“Looks like Luffy is in a rush.” Roger looked thoughtfully at the screen, “Probably on his way to fight the Warlord.” Shanks and Rayleigh nodded in agreement. 

“Although, I am curious why the place is collapsing.” Whitebeard voiced. 

Miss All Sunday’s white cowboy hat looks worse for were as it lays on the ground, abandoned. 

Well, that is an ominous image. 

The owner, Nico Robin is laying on the ground not looking much better than her hat. 

“What happened to Robin!?” Marco exclaimed, “She was just fine in the last viewing!”

Law was also a little disturbed by how quickly the mood changed just from these viewings. Nico looked to be in rough shape, but he knows things will turn out fine, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. 

Crocodile stands in front of her, facing the King of Alabasta, who is on the ground leaning against a wall.

“It took me so long to get here.” Crocodile smirks, “But, it’s finally time! Time to end it all! This land is MINE!”

Shanks, Rayliegh, and Whitebeard all collectively raised their brows in skepticism at the egotistical man's words. 

Crocodile laughs as the surrounding building falls apart. Luffy suddenly brakes through a wall and Crocodile looks over confused. After the smoke clears, the Warlord's eyes widen in recognition. Luffy breathes heavily as the two stare at each other. 

“Yes! Come on Luffy! Defeat this Warlord!” Marco shouted bouncing in his seat.

Law smirked at his enthusiasm. He could feel the adrenaline rush starting to surface, especially when Straw Hat made that grand entrance. The others seem to feel the same way by the way they shifted in their seat, and focused on the screen. Even the right side of the room seems to pay close attention to the viewing. 

“You!” Crocodile snarls.

“You’re trapped, Croc!” Luffy exclaims.

“Why are you alive? Why do you stand up to me every time I kill you!?” Crocodile asks before he shouts in frustration, “WELL, STRAW HAT!?”

“Why did he come here?” The king of Alabasta curiously looks at Luffy. “He would have survived… Who… is he?”

Robin's hand twitches and she lifts her head. “Straw hat…” 

“At least Miss Robin looks alright,” Roger smiled before he looked closer at the screen, “Well, for the most part.”

“How many times do I have to kill you until you’re satisfied!?” Crocodile shouts.

“Too many times, that’s for sure,” Eustass huffed, smirking at the screen, “Knowing how stubborn Straw Hat is.” Law also smirked, remembering Sabaody. 

“You haven’t returned it… What you stole.” Luffy states. 

Law raised his brow. ‘ Stole’ ? What did he steal?

“What I stole?” The Warlord questions, “Money? Fame? Trust? Life? RAIN!?” Crocodile laughs. “What do you want me to return? I’ve stolen more than I can count!”

“The country,” Luffy says firmly.

Ah, that’s what Straw Hat meant. 

“The country?” The older man mocks, “That’s a funny thing to say. I am just about to take this country! I will become King of this land and rule it!”

“When we came to this land… it was already gone.” Luffy says, “This country wasn’t hers!” Crocodile raised a brow and Luffy’s words. “If this was really her country… she'd be able to smile more!” Luffy screams and charges toward Crocodile.

“That’s right Luffy!” Marco shouted, “Do it for Vivi!”

“After that impressive speech, what do you expect to do without any water?” Crocodile smirks.

“Water?” Roger questions.

Rayleigh sighs at his captain, “Water is Crocodile's weakness. When Luffy first fought him and got impaled the water from the canteen spilled onto his arm and Luffy was able to grab him.” 

Roger blinked at his words, “Oh, I guess I was too distracted that Luffy was impaled to see that.” 

“But just like Crocodile said,” Marco voiced, gaining the attention of the other occupants in the room, “Luffy doesn’t have any water.”

That’s true. Straw Hat doesn’t look prepared to fight the Warlord. He wonders how he will defeat him. 

Luffy sticks his foot out and kicks Crocodile in the face and the man is sent flying and crashes into a wall. 

“What?!” Marco exclaims.

Law's brows furrowed at the screen, trying to understand how Straw Hat was able to hit Crocodile. Unless the teen unintentionally used haki- which was highly unlikely- he somehow used water. 

“Ah, I see.” Whitebeard voiced, nodding in understanding, which frustrated Law. Seemed the Emperor figured out how Straw Hat was able to hit the logia user. 

“Did you know how Luffy did it Pops?” Marco asked Whitebeard eagerly. 

“Yes, it sure is a clever idea.” Whitebeard smiled at the screen. Marco frowned at not getting an answer. 

“I have to agree,” Rayleigh smirked. Roger looked over at his first mate, a betrayed look on the Pirate King's face. “Although a little extreme, it gets the job done.”

“I concur.” Shanks smiled raising his hand in agreement. Roger looked at his cabin boy with the same expression as he did Rayleigh. Ok, now Law was getting a little pissed off that he didn’t know how Straw Hat hit Crocodile. 

“I would have to say Straw Hat’s idea is pretty sick if you ask me,” Eustass commented. The redhead glanced at him and smirked, obviously catching on that he didn’t know how Straw Hat hit Crocodile. Law gritted his teeth and glared at the younger man and faced forward, trying to ignore the way Eustass snickered at him. 

Impossible , Crocodile thinks, How did he kick me without using water!?

Luffy cracks his knuckles as he stares down at Crocodile. “Crocodile!” Luffy screams as he stretches his arm back. 

“Wa-!” Crocodile starts before Luffy’s fist connected with his face and sends him flying into the same wall.

“Bastard…” Crocodile says weakly as he stands up, “Was that… your blood?”

Blood…

“Blood hardens sand too, right?” Luffy rhetorically asks. 

Blood was the answer. Law felt so stupid that he wanted to hit himself.

“Oh! It was his blood!” Marco said, “That is smart!”

Whitebeard chuckled at his son, while Law wanted to die in a hole. 

Crocodile breathes heavily, then starts laughing, “Rainbase… The Royal Palace… And now in this underground chamber.” Luffy raises a brow. “You’ve seen Hell twice and still come back to challenge me. I will repay your tenacity…”

“Damn you…!” Luffy stretches his leg to attack Crocodile, but the man dodges, and Luffy crashes into the wall. Crocodile takes the cover of his hook off and purple gas comes from the holes in the hook.

“That looks concerning,” Shanks commented. 

“... as a pirate!”

Luffy’s eyes widen at the new development.

“It seems no matter what I do, you’ll keep trying to defeat me. I think it’s time I treated you properly as the nuisance you are.”

“He took it off…” Luffy looks uncertainly at the Warlord's hook, “What is that?”

“A poison hook.”

“Great, just what Luffy needs,” Marco says sarcastically, “poison.”

“Oh.”

Law blinked. He knows Straw Hat is simple-minded, but he at least thought that the teen would be a little worried about the poison. 

“As you are a pirate like any other… I expect you to know this well. A duel between pirates is a battle to the death. There is no such word as ‘unfair’!”

Hmph, that’s for sure. Law glanced at the other Warlord in to room a glared at the indifferent expression. He huffed and turned away, not wanting to waste any more time on the insufferable man. 

Luffy gets into a fighting position and the two men face each other off as the building collapses around them.

Shifting was heard throughout the room, as the danger of the fight became more serious.

“When the explosion happens in the Square above us,” Crocodile says, “this place will be destroyed with it! This is the end. We’ll decide the victor once and for all!”

“Woah! Wait what?” Marco shouted, eyes going wide in shock at the news, “Explosion!?” The Past Pirates had grim looks on their faces at the new threat. 

“How will Luffy stop the explosion if he is fighting Crocodile?” Roger wondered aloud. No one knew the answer, and there was an awkward silence when nobody answered.

“Maybe if you watch you will find out,” Kaido grunted. Roger and Marco gleaned at the emperor before shrugging, facing forward, ready for the fight. 

Luffy stretches a fist, Crocodile dodges, and Crocodile aims his hook for Luffy’s arm and nicks him when Luffy tries to move his arm out of the way. Luffy jumps back and the two breathe heavily staring each other down.

“Gomu Gomu no Pist-!”

Luffy aims his fist at Crocodile, but the Warlrod raises a hand to block him. Luffy stops his fist from meeting Crocodile’s hand, jumps sideways, and kicks a stretched leg toward him. 

He has to admit that Straw Hat has a high battle IQ, he was impressed with his quick thinking in a fight. Although the same couldn’t be said for his intelligence. 

Crocodile dodges and nicks Luffy’s leg with his hook.

“Ah! Shit! He scraped Luffy’s leg!” Marco gritted his teeth. 

Law narrowed his eyes. Straw Hat better get real medical attention this time, and not just eat some meat as ‘medicine’.

Luffy stretches his arm to grab onto a wall and rests there looking at what Crocodile’s hook damage did to a rock. The rock partially melted from the poison. 

“Luffy got lucky that Crocodile didn’t do that to his leg.” Shanks sweated at the sight of the rock, his brows furrowed in worry. Rayleigh and Roger nodded in agreement, also worried for the rookie. 

Luffy jumps down, while Crocodile smirks. A pillar breaks and falls between the two, but they only stare each other down. The two start running toward each other and Luffy stretches his leg out to break the pillar blocking their path and hits Crocodile in the face. Luffy quickly regains the normal length of his leg and grabs Crocodile's hook arm, spins around on his arm, and kicks Crocodile in the head. The Warlord falls to the ground and crashes into a wall. 

Law grinned at the damage Crocodile is enduring. It was satisfying to watch Straw Hat beat down an egotistical Warlord. 

“Just who is this man?” King Cobra asks watching the fight, “The Kingdom’s greatest warriors were like ants before Crocodile, and yet…”

“Luffy’s no ordinary warrior,” Marco smiled, proud of his brother, “He is a pirate!”

“Ha! That’s for sure!” Roger laughed. 

Crocodile laughs, “Impaled… Buried alive… Dried out…” The man slowly looks up at Luffy, “You may have been able to come back from all that…” Crocodile raises his poisoned hook, “But you won’t stand again after this one. The fight is over. The poison is already spreading through your body.”

The grin slowly faded from his face at the grim reminder. He realizes in hindsight that he shouldn’t be worried about Straw Hat since the teen is fine in his present, but it’s hard not to control his instinct when he sees someone in need of medical attention.  

“You don’t understand anything!” Luffy raises his fists.

The architecture in the chamber starts to deteriorate and Crocodile laughs, “At long last… The new era has begun.”

Luffy is laying on the ground unconscious from the poison.

Law’s eyes widen in shock at the scene that was portrayed before him. This doesn’t seem right. Straw Hat is supposed to win, not lose. Law narrowed his brows in anger at the development. Did this anonymous person trick them into thinking that there will be only three fights between Straw Hat and Crocodile? If so, what a waste of time, and emotions. Law scoffed at the unconscious body of Straw Hat, disappointed in his abilities. 

“WHAT?! What happened to Luffy!?” Marco shouted, “This wasn’t supposed to happen! Luffy is supposed to win!”

That’s what Law’s saying.

“Not everything goes your way, Marco.” Whitebeard started, Marco looked over furious that he was about to be lectured, only to see the seriousness in his father's eyes. Marco calmed down and listened to what his captain had to say. “In a fight, you always have to expect the unexpected and be ready for any variable that may help or hinder you. Don’t let these viewings change your view of reality. The fact that Straw Hat is a rookie and Crocodile is a Warlord shouldn’t be a surprise if the rookie loses. What you have watched so far has shown Straw Hat have consecutive wins, so it may seem like he is indestructible, but you have to remember that he is still just a rookie, with little experience.” Marco looked down and pouted at the man's words. “Not everything goes your way, but Marco” the teen looked up and Whitebeard smiled down at his son. “That doesn’t mean you can’t use the power you have to change that.” Marco smiled and nodded at his father's words.

Law was left a little speechless by the wise words of the Emperor. He looked away, feeling like he was intruding on something personal. Cora would’ve liked him. 

“Couldn’t have put it better myself!” Garp exclaimed. 

Whitebeard huffed in amusement at the Marine but otherwise didn’t comment on the matter. 

“I’m still wondering how Luffy will beat Crocodile if he is poisoned.” Shanks voices aloud. 

Roger nodded in agreement. “The boy has spirit. He will get up and finish what needs to be done.” Roger said firmly. Law wonders how the man was so sure Straw Hat could get back up again when the teen is unconscious on the screen. Shanks smiled at his captain, “I’m sure he will.” Rayleigh watched the exchange with a content look, not minding that he wasn’t involved in the conversation.

“Can all of you shut up so we can continue this fight!” Eustass exclaimed, “Have your sentimental moments when we have a break!” Law slowly turned his head toward the redhead, gritting his teeth. Eustass is getting too comfortable and doesn’t like it. Everyone in this room thinks that he is affiliated with this idiot and whatever he says reflects on himself. He sighs, trying to let go of his anger, and focuses more on the Past Pirates' reactions to the rude behavior of his couch mate. 

They seemed more shocked than anything if their owlish blinking went anything to go by. He was pleased when they complied with Eustass's words and turn towards the screen, waiting for the viewing to restart. Law glanced at Eustass only to see the younger man smirking at him. 

“Don’t get so cocky Eustass,” Law mumbled quietly to the redhead. Eustass only smirked and faced forward. 

He lets out a long exhale and looked at the screen. He wondered how long he could do this. 

“The day my ambition becomes a reality!” Crocodile smiles wickedly, “This country is MINE!”

Luffy’s finger twitches.

“Seems the brat isn’t out for the count.” Doflamingo sneered. 

“Yes! Let’s go Luffy!” Marco shouted in encouragement. 

Crocodile remembers what Luffy shouted earlier, “I DON’T WANT HER TO DIE! WE’RE NAKAMA! That’s why as long as she doesn’t give up on her country… We won’t stop fighting!”

He had to admire Straw Hats' morals, fighting for someone else, especially someone you meet recently. 

Crocodile slowly turns his head, only to see Luffy standing, breathing heavily. Crocodile has a shocked look on his face which soon morphs into anger. King Cobra stares at Luffy with awe and fear.

“You… can’t…” Luffy starts, and Crocodile grits his teeth, “... defeat me!”

Law could practically see the sparkles in Marco’s eyes as he watched Straw Hat challenge Crocodile again. He huffed in amusement at the teen's excitement, he too was starting to get antsy from all the build-up. 

Crocodile smirks, “Are those the only words you can squeeze out?” The Warlord starts walking toward Luffy, “A bluff from a dog about to meet his death… How fitting. Groundless!”

Luffy glares at the man, and exclaims, “I am…the man who will become the Pirate King!”

He heard a scoff from the right side of the room, but the sound of Marco cheering covered most of it up. 

Crocodile laughs, “Listen, boy. The more you get to know the sea, the more you learn not to make impudent statements like that.” Crocodile raises his hook. “I already told you… There are so many rookies just like you on this sea! The more you learn about the level of this sea… ” Crocodile makes a dead sprint for Luffy. “THE MORE YOU LOSE SIGHT OF THOSE DREAMS!”

Crocodile aims his hook at Luffy, but the rookie twists his body and uses Crocodile's momentum against him by putting his foot on the base of his hook and slamming it on the ground. The hook breaks off and flies away from them. Crocodile's eyes widen in shock.

“OH HELL YEAH!” Marco shouted in glee. 

“Good job Luffy.” Shanks praised. Roger looked up at the screen with a gleam in his eyes, his finger twitching, a tick Law recognized. Seems The Pirate King is a little battle hungry. 

“Smart,” Rayleigh commented as he casually leaned over Shanks and tapped Rogers twitching fingers. Roger looked down and noticed what he was doing and sightly frowned before he tapped Rayleigh’s hand in thanks. Shanks watches the scene nonplussed, seemingly used to seeing the interaction many times before. 

“I am… the man who will surpass you!” Luffy declares.

Luffy yells as he stretches his arm back and flings it forward to punch Crocodile in the stomach. Crocodile coughs up blood while Luffy kicks him in the head. Crocodile goes flying and Luffy quickly follows and slams his fist onto the side of the Warlord's head, breaking the ground from the impact. Luffy grabs the front of Crocodile's shirt and brings him forward while the older man grunts in pain, Luffy flings him into rumble as the chamber around them continues to crumble. 

He winces from blow after blow but feels no sympathy for the Warlord. He brought this upon himself. 

“Man Luffy is being brutal!” Marco said with a smile, “Not that I’m complaining!”

Crocodile struggles to get up as he thinks, “The scorpion poison… should have taken effect. Where’s this kid… drawing all this power from?”

Any normal person would have been out for the count, but Law’s come to terms with that Straw Hat isn’t a normal person. 

Crocodile looks over at his shoulder as Luffy glares at him. Crocodile grits his teeth in anger and a knife pops out where the broken hook was.

“Oh come on!? Seriously?!” Marco complained.

“You’re just some kid who showed up out of nowhere!” Luffy stares at the man as he shouts, “JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM!?”

Crocodile jumps up and aims for Luffy’s head, but the teen ducks.

“I don’t give a shit who you are!” Luffy exclaims, “I WILL SURPASS YOU!”

Luffy kicks Crocodile's stomach and the Warlord goes flying into the air. King Cobra looks up with shocked eyes. Crocodile slowly starts to descend as he declares, “I’ll destroy you along with this temple! SABLES!”

A sand tornado forms from Crocodile's hand and he shoots it down toward Luffy

“PESADO!”

Luffy barely dodges but the attack destroys more of the chamber. 

“Shit!” Marco exclaimed.

Damn, that would have been fatal if that attack hit Straw Hat. 

“Come on Anchor, you can do it,” Shanks quietly encouraged Straw Hat. 

Luffy inhales, making his stomach stretch like a beach ball, and starts twisting. Luffy exhales down, which lifts him into the air, toward Crocodile. 

Law raised his brow at the absurdness of Straw Hat’s fighting style, at least it’s effective. 

“GOMU GOMU NO…!” Luffy stretches his arm back.

“DESERT…!”

“STORM!”

“LA SPADA!” Crocodile makes four sand blades rain down on Luffy.

There was silence as everyone paid close attention to the screen, wanting to know the outcome of the fight. He also heard Big Mom stop eating her snacks to observe the events that were about to unfold. 

Luffy yells and punches the blades, destroying them. His punch reaches Crocodile and the Warlord grunts in pain. Luffy sends a series of punches at Crocodile, pushing the man to the ceiling. Luffy yells as he continues his attack. The ceiling cracks and Crocodile slowly get pushed further in.

“Don’t tell me he is…” Marco trailed off, in awe of the spectacle. 

The buildings outside start to shake, and the ground forms large cracks. Buildings start to fall over. The ground rises as Crocodile is punched through the ground. Crocodile is sent flying through the air as Luffy’s arm stretches back to its original length.

“HOLLY SHIT! He actually punched him through the ground!” Marco shouted in shock. 

He was also a little disturbed by the power of Straw Hat this early in his career. To think that the teen becomes even stronger is a scary thought. 

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Eustass grinned. 

“That brat is pretty strong for a rookie,” Whitebeard smirked. 

The Roger Trio smiled in pride at the display of strength of Straw Hat.

“I knew he could do it!” Roger exclaimed. The happy atmosphere was contagious, and Law found himself smiling at the scene. 

“Hmph!” Big Mom huffed, “It’s nothing special to beat a Warlord.”

The happy atmosphere suddenly dissipated at the Emperor's words.

“Want to run me by that again, Old Hag?” Doflamingo gritted his teeth in an almost uncontrolled manner. Big Mom sneered down at Doflamingo in distaste, while the Warlord had a strained smile on his face glaring up at her. Law was honestly considering giving Big Mom a standing ovation, but decided against it, knowing the rumors about her eating habits. As the two seemed to size each other up, the left side of the room seemed comfortable watching the scene play out- is that popcorn? He had to do a double take to see if what he saw was correct, Marco excitedly watching an Emperor and Warlord possibly fight, eating popcorn. Law sighed and ignored the teen in favor of watching the tense scene unfold.

“Joker,” Kaido said dismissively. 

Doflamingo sneered at The Beast Pirate before standing down, Big Mom smirked.

“Linlin, don’t antagonize my subordinate,” Kaido commented half-heartedly. Big Mom frowned at his words but otherwise didn’t comment, and continued to eat her sweets. 

Law felt his shoulders relax from the tense atmosphere and looked over to see Marco frowning at his empty bucket of popcorn. 

King Cobra looks up at the scene, “Incredible! There is only pure bedrock between this room and the surface!”

That’s for sure. He wonders how strong Straw Hat is now.

Crocodile is unconscious as he flies through the air. The Straw Hats are seen trying to stop the Royal Army and the Rebels from fighting.

“Wow! There is a whole war going on out here!” Marco said with wide eyes. 

Sanji notices something in the sky and points, 

“Oi, look! Up there!”

The rest of the Straw Hats look up in shock.

“CROCODILE!”

Vivi looks up at Crocodile from the clocktower in shock, “Luffy…”

“Hopefully Young Vivi can find peace for herself and her kingdom.” Rayleigh smiled. Roger and Shanks nodded in agreement. 

“Not sure how he got blasted up over there…” Sanji commented.

“HOW ELSE!?” Usopp shouted, the rest of the Straw Hats smile, “I never doubted in my mind… but now…”

“HE WON!!” They all shouted in victory.

The scene fades to black.

Almost everyone had smiles on their faces at the victory. 

“Wait,” Marco said suddenly with a confused look, “Whatever happened to the explosion that was supposed to happen?”

There was a beat of silence, then words started to appear on the screen.

The Straw Hats helped Vivi stop the bomb from going off, but the bomb had a set timer anyways. Pell, and close friend and Royal guard for princess Vivi used his Zoan Devil Fruit, Model: Falcon, to fly the bomb to the sky and sacrificed himself.

That brought down the mood a few notches.

Fortunately, Pell survived the explosion.

Nevermind then.

“Well, I’m glad everything worked out ok!” Roger smiled. The Past Pirates and Shanks nodded in agreement. Before a conversation could start amongst the occupants in the room, more words started to appear.

To give context, the Straw Hats are now leaving Alabasta. They gave a choice for Vivi to either join them on their adventures or stay with her kingdom. This next viewing will show her decision. 

“Oh really!” Marco said excitedly, “I hope she joins!”

Law didn’t want to burst his bubble and decided not to deliver the sad news, they would watch her decision anyways. 

“She doesn’t join dumbass,” Eustass said nonchalantly. Law saw the grin slowly fade away from Marco’s face.

“What…” Marco's voice cracked, and Law winced at the sad look on his face.

“We would have said if she was a part of the Straw Hat crew like Nico Robin if we recognized her,” Eustass informed.

Marco looked down, “Oh.”

Whitebeard patted his son's head, comforting him, while he lightly glared at the redhead. The Roger Trio warily looked at the father-son duo but decided to face forward and let them be by themselves. 

Marco seemed to recover after a minute or two, and the screen lit up.

Luffy turns around and notices Vivi and Carue on the shore.

“VIVI!” Luffy shouts as he jumps on the railing of The Going Merry in excitement.

“CARUE!” Usopp yells in glee.

The princess and duck wave at them. 

“Vivi!” Nami smiles.

“See, she’s here!” Luffy said.

“Vivi-Chan!” Sanji exclaims with heart eyes.

“Turn the ship around! Hurry!” Usopp shouts.

“The Marines are almost here!” Chopper yells waving at them in joy, while Luffy jumps down from the railing.

“Marines?” Roger inquired.

“Probably thought the Straw Hats were involved in the civil,” Shanks suggested, before he furrowed his brows, “Well, I guess they kinda were, but not in the way they’re thinking.”

Vivi smiles at them and shouts, “I’m here to say goodbye!”

Luffy laughs before he understood what her words meant, “What’d she just…?”

“Carue, give me the receiver,” Vivi says. Vivi grapes the transponder snail and speaks into it, her voice broadcasting throughout the kingdom.

“I… cannot go with you! Thank you for everything!”

“It’s kinda sad that we won’t see Vivi anymore.” Marco frowned. 

“Who knows, we might in the future,” Rayleigh smirks mischievously. 

Marco laughs at the Dark King's playfulness and smiles facing forward.

The citizens and Marines are confused about what the princess is talking about as Vivi continues. 

“I want to have more adventures, but…” Vivi smiles, “I can’t because I love my country! That’s why I cannot come with you!”

“I see!” Luffy smiles

“It’s good that Luffy understands.” Shanks smiled.

“I…” Vivi starts, flashbacks of their adventure going through her mind, and tears start to form.

“I-” Vivi's voice breaks as she starts to cry, “I WILL STAY HERE…”

The flashback of wrapping their arms with white cloth, to identify each from Mr. 2 devil power is shown. “This is proof that we’re nakama!”

“Even if it was a boring idea to identify each other from Mr. 2 it was effective.” Marco shrugged. 

“But if we ever meet again, will you still call me your nakama?” Vivi cries. 

“Anytime-!” Luffy starts only to be slammed to the ground by Nami.

Law almost flinched from the violent act but was able to contain his instincts.

“What the hell Nami!” Marco shouted.

“I’m sure the navigator has her reason.” Whitebeard comments. 

“DON’T ANSWER!” The navigator shouts, “The Marines have seen Vivi already. If they get any proof of Vivi’s affiliation with us… She’ll become a criminal.” The Straw Hats lower their heads. “Let’s just make this a silent farewell.”

“Oh,” Marco said sadly.

They turn around and Vivi cries with a silent response.  

Even if this isn’t the desired farewell, it’s the most practical. It would be a dumb idea to say goodbye and possibly put the princess in danger. 

Luffy grabs his arm and looks at it with thought. Vivi looks up and notices something, and smiles. 

Law raises his brow at the princess's turn of behavior. 

All the Straw Hats hold up their arms marked with an ‘X’. Vivi starts to cry with happy tears, understanding their actions. Vivi and Carue lift their marked arms as the Straw Hats sail out to sea. 

Well, he guesses that is another way. Law smiled at the bittersweet farewell.

“From now on, whatever happens, this left arm is proof that we’re nakama!”

The scene fades to black.

“I take back everything I said about that being a dumb idea,” Marco exclaimed, sniffling, “That was awesome!”

Whitebeard and the Roger Trio laughed at the teen's actions. The screen lit up catching the attention of everyone in the room.

“The Marines aren’t chasing us anymore!” Zoro commented while whining is heard from the rest of the Straw Hats, “We shook them off, didn’t we?”

“That’s good…” Shanks starts, “But why does it sound like the rest of them aren’t happy?”

“Hey now…” Usopp, Luffy, Sanji, Nami, and Chopper, have sorrowful looks on their faces as they hang between the railing bars of the second level of the ship. “What’s with the lifeless responses?”0

“WE MISS HER!” They all cry out to Zoro.

“Oh,” Shanks said surprised, “Well, that answered that question.”

“I miss her too.” Law heard Marco say quietly. 

“Quit whining about it!” Zoro shouts, “If you didn’t want to leave her behind… you should’ve just taken her by force!”

“AH!” Chopper shouts, “You neanderthal!”

“You suck!” Nami exclaims.

“Moss-head.” Sanji deadpans.

“Three swords,” Luffy adds.

“Wait, Luffy Three swords isn’t an insult.” Usopp reprimands.

“Four swords.” Luffy changes.

There were some laughs at the comical scene.

Zoro walks away from them, and a door opens and a feminine voice speaks, “So we finally got away from the island.” 

There was a beat of silence at the new voice.

“Uhh…”

“Yeah,” Zoro says offhandedly.

Nico Robin walks out of the door, “Well done.”

“Of course it’s her.” Eustass grumbled, “Why does she have to be so mysterious?”

“I knew she wasn’t bad!” Marco grinned, his spirits lifted from earlier. 

“Looks like we get to see how she joins the crew.” Roger smiled. Kinda anti-climatic, but at least his curiosity was satisfied for now. 

Zoro looks shocked as the others freak out and bang their heads on the railing. 

“Here for revenge!?” Zoro shouts, grabbing the hilt of his sword, “bring it on!”

“Why are YOU here!?” Nami yells.

“Take cover!” Usopp cries, speaking through a megaphone, while Chopper runs in a panic.

“Oh yeah, they think she is an enemy,” Marco said.

“Well from their point of view, she is.” Rayleigh pointed out. 

The Straw Hats surround her ready for a fight. 

“Who is she?” Chopper asks.

“It doesn’t matter who she is!” Sanji says with heart eyes, “She’s a beautiful lady!”

Law narrowed his eyes at the cook's comment. 

Robin calmly walks and uses her devil fruit power to knock Zoro’s sword and Nami’s staff out of their hands, “Don’t point those dangerous things at me. I told you that before, didn’t I?”

“How long have you been on this ship?” Nami demands.

“The entire time. These clothes are yours, aren’t they? I’m borrowing them.” Robin says as she grabs a chair.

“What do you think you’re doing, Baroque Works!?” Nami shouted.

“Monkey D. Luffy.” Robin addressed Luffy, “You aren’t forgetting what you did to me, are you?”

“Huh!?”

Sanji looks incredulously at Luffy, while Luffy himself looks confused.

“LUFFY!” Sanji grabs Luffy by the collar and shakes him, “What the hell did you do to this beautiful lady!?”

Robin walks and sets down her chair and sits down.

“WHAT- DID- YOU- DO!?”

“Everyone please disembark the ship at once!” Usopp speaks into the megaphone in the background. 

Law sighed at the chaos. If he didn’t know Nico was a Straw Hat member he would be tenser, but thankfully he knows the outcome of this viewing. 

“Oi, you!” Luffy exclaims at Robin, “Don’t lie! I didn’t do anything!”

“Yes, you did.” Robin calmly states as she lounges in the chair, “You put me through some very excruciating treatment. Take responsibility.”

“Who is that?” Chopper asks hiding behind the mast, “What’s going on?”

“‘Excruciating treatment’!? What the hell did you do to her!?” Sanji screams at Luffy.

“Get out of here! I’ll call the Marines!” Usopp says quietly, “Serious! Usopp is serious!”

“Did long nose forget he’s a pirate?” Eustass grunted in annoyance, “Calling a Marine would be counterproductive.”

“You’d better take responsibility!” Sanji shouts, continuing to shake Luffy.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Luffy says frustratedly. 

Robin rest her head on her hand,

“Allow me to join your nakama.”

“HUH!?”

“SURE!~”

There were a few laughs at the reactions to the Straw Hats. 

Flashback

Robin rolls the antidote for Crocodile's poison hook to King Cobra. King Cobra gives the antidote to Luffy while the two discuss why Robin lied to Crocodile about the Poneglyphs. She responds by saying that she never intended to give Crocodile the weapon inscribed on the poneglyph, what she wanted was the Rio Poneglyph, the True History. 

“The True History is her ambition?” Roger inquired curiously, the man having a thoughtful look on his face.

Robin says that she has been searching for 20 years and this was the only lead she found. This place was her last hope, and it was a failure. She says if she dies here, that is fine by her. All she wanted was to learn True history. Luffy suddenly picks up Robin and the King. Robin protests and says she doesn’t have a reason to live. Luffy rebukes her statement by saying that he doesn’t have to listen to her.

End of Flashback

“Back then, you forced me to live when I wished to die. That is your crime.” Robin states, while Luffy blankly stares at her. “I have no place to go or return to. So, are you going to let me stay on your ship?”

“I get it,” Luffy says simply, “Guess that’s that. Okay.”

“Well, that was probably the easiest recruitment so far.” Shanks laughed. 

“LUFFY!”

‘LUFFY~!”

“Don’t worry! She’s not a bad person!” Luffy smiles at his crew.

The scene fades to black.

Law sighed in relief when the lights turned up, they can finally have a break. His eyes were getting tired, and now that he thinks about it his whole body felt exhausted. He wonders if the day is almost over. 

“That was awesome!” Marco exclaimed, “Metting Ace was cool, and Luffy’s fight was amazing!” Whitebeard laughed good naturally. “I am proud to have them as my brothers!”

“Yes, it was,” Roger grinned, “I am curious about what the next adventure is.”

Chapter Text

Before a conversation could start among the occupants in the room, words started to appear on the screen. Everyone turned and read to themselves.

That was the end of the Alabasta Arc.

There was a beat of silence.

“Uhh… ok?” Marco raised a brow, “What does that mean?”

Y’all will now watch a viewing similar to the first one, with song and music. It will be short, but this will lead you to the next arc.

Interesting. 

“I see,” Rayleigh started, scratching his chin in thought, “So, the viewings that have song and music will start a new ‘arc’, am I correct?”

Everyone looked toward the screen.

Yes.

The ‘arcs’ better not be as long as the last one. 

“Question.” Eustass said out loud, the Supernova raising a brow at the screen, “How many of the viewings are watching? The ones with music?”

Around 24.

Law's eyes barely bulged out of his sockets. 

“They weren’t kidding when they said we would stay here for two weeks.” Shanks commented with raised brows, “Especially if every ‘arc’ will be as long as the last one.”

Law sighs in defeat. He starting to accept the fact that he is stuck in this room, with no way out. Might as well get comfortable. Onigiri.

There was a small ‘pop’ sound as three rice balls appeared in front of him. Some took notice of the noise but otherwise didn’t comment on it, which he was thankful for. He quickly snatched them in the air and started to snack on one of them. 

“What a waste of time,” Big Mom grumbled.

“S’not like you were doing anything anyways,” Garp said offhandedly. The female Emperor narrowed her eyes at the marine.

“You certainly weren’t, Garp .”

“That’s for sure!” The marine laughed, “This is a lot more fun than paperwork!”

Big Mom snarled at the man before returning to her sweets. Law sank lower into his seat, nibbling on his snack. He wishes he didn’t sit so close to the Emperor. 

“I’m interested to see what type of song will be next!” Roger smiled, “They’re certainly unique sounds that I’ve never heard before!” Rayleigh and Shanks nodded in agreement. 

The lights dimmed, and everyone focused their attention forward. 

“Aaaahhh”

The Straw Hats’ Pirate Symbol acrosses the screen multiple times before turning into the sail for the Going Merry.

Law startled a little at the intense music. He forgot how aggressive these viewings were compared to the normal ones.

“A world… Yes!” Gol D. Roger speaks.

“Oh,” Roger blinked, “I guess I talk in this one too.”

The Straw Hats run across the screen while the Going Merry sails. The Pirate King continues, “A world for you who seek freedom, stretches out right before your eyes. If your endless dreams are your guide, surpass them, under the flag of your beliefs!”

“I don’t think I’ve ever said that before, but I’ll gladly take credit!”

“Shut up Roger.”

“Shutting up!”

“Yeah!”

Sanji smiles.

“Yeah!”

Nami smiles.

“Yeah!”

Zoro smirks.

“Yeah!”

Usopp smiles.

“Yeeeaah!”

Chopper smiles, and Robin smirks. 

“Robin and Chopper are in this one!” Marco exclaimed, smiling.

“It seems Miss Robin is officially part of the crew then,” Rayleigh says. 

Luffy smiles and throws a punch.

“Making a splash, I’ve just started on my search.”

Zoro uses three sword style, and Nami uses her blue staff to create lightning.

“What was that?” Roger raised a brow, “It looked like Miss Nami used some sort of staff that created lightning.”

“I’m not sure…” Shanks trailed off squinting at the screen. 

Right, he forgot Nami uses a staff to fight, one that creates lighting. He wonders how she acquired such a weapon. 

“Whatever it is, it looks awesome!” Marco shouts, “That’s probably how she won against that agent in Alabasta!” The Past Pirates and Shanks nodded in agreement.

“Heading towards a world without end.”

Usopp lights a cannon that destroys a rock. Chopper uses all his transformations.

“I didn’t realize Young Chopper had so many transformations,” Whitebeard voiced, “It must come in handy or fighting and being a doctor.”

“My heart bursting with enthusiasm, I'll go to the ends of the earth.”

Sanji cooks and stumbles before catching the plates on his arms and head, Robin smiles at the scene.

It seems Nico is fitting in with the Straw Hats. She and Nami might be the most normal ones there. The Archaeologist looks to have high intelligence, she also could be a candidate to help ally with the Straw Hats. 

“In search of light yet unseen.”

The Straw Hats circle Luffy on the Going Merry. He smiles at the screen and zooms out to see the ocean, then a map with the ‘ONE PIECE’ logo in the middle.

“The words ‘One Piece’ have shown up every time the music viewings are shown…” Rayleigh started, gaining the attention of the others. The man tilted his head in thought, smiling. “I wonder if there’s any connection, maybe foreshadowing?”

Law felt his muscles become stiff as the others processed what the Dark King was saying. A tense silence formed in the room.

“If you’re implying that Straw Hat will obtain the One Piece, then you’re dreaming Dark King.” Kaido said, raising his voice slightly, “That rookie doesn’t stand a chance in the New World.”

Rayleigh eyed the Emporer, smirking,

“I don’t know Kaido… Luffy seems full of surprises, I wouldn’t write him off just yet.” Roger and Marco smirked at the blonde's words. Kaido narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

“Mamamama!” Big Mom laughed, interrupting the staring contest between the two men, “The one who will obtain the One Piece is me! To think that anyone else has a chance is absurd!” Out of the corner of his eye, Law saw Eustass raise an eyebrow in disbelief. He would do the same if he wasn’t so close to the Emporer, he doesn’t know how Eustass is comfortable making a face like that sitting next to her. 

He doesn’t understand how One Piece isn’t already claimed. It’s been over two decades since The Pirates Kings’ execution, and he knows the Emporers are the closest ones to obtaining the treasure. Unless there’s some unknown obstacle that he doesn’t know about, he would’ve thought it would’ve been discovered by now. For Big Mom to say that she would obtain the treasure was a surprise, he thought that the only reason it wasn’t obtained was that she didn’t want it, not that she hasn’t found it. Seems Straw Hat has some work cut out for him. 

“If you want the One Piece,” Shanks paused, smirking, “You’ll have to go through me first.” Roger and Rayleigh raised their eyebrows in surprise at their former cabin boy’s words. 

Law isn’t sure if he should feel surprised by that declaration or not, it seemed like a surprise to his former crew, which is interesting. He grabbed his last rice ball and took a small bite as the aura in the room seemed to swirl in competitiveness. He was glad that he didn’t desire the treasure. 

“I didn’t know you were so ambitious Shanks,” Rayleigh said uncertainty. Roger nodded at his first mate's words, also having an unsure expression. Shanks smiled at them but didn’t offer a reply. 

“We’ll see Red Hair,” Kaido grunted. Shanks smirked at the other Emporer with a glint in his eyes. Roger and Rayleigh made eye contact, behind Shanks’ back, a conversion happening with their eyes, one that Law couldn’t decipher. 

After the Beast Pirate comment, the auras slowly faded away, and everyone faced the screen.

“When the summer sun sways the sails of my heart.”

Seagulls fly over the ocean. The Going Merry is sailing toward an unknown destination. Sanji and Usopp are up in the nest, looking out to the ocean. 

“It’s the cue to open the door to a new world.”

“I like this song,” Marco commented, “It has a chill vibe.”

Law was noticing the same thing, this viewing music wasn’t as… excitable as the last two. 

Robin is standing by the bow smiling. Luffy, Nami, and Chopper stand on the quarter deck. Nami looking at a map, and Luffy widens his eyes in shock.

“Sailing through the rocky waves of despair.”

During a storm, Usopp caries a barrel before slipping on water, Robin runs, Sanji holds a rope, Nami protects her tangerines, Luffy runs, Chopper clings to Zoro’s head freaking out, and Zoro tries desperately to get him off.

“Straw Hat’s are a dysfunctional crew,” Doflamingo smirked in amusement, “It’s a wonder how they have made it this far.” Law gritted his teeth. The grating voice is to aggravate him. 

“Well at least they seem to be having fun,” Marco shrugged.

The warlord didn’t reply, but Law could tell he was pissed off at the less-than-satisfying reaction. He made a mental note to give Marco- in the past or future- a pat on the back. 

“We head beyond the horizon.”

Luffy gets Nami’s attention, pointing toward something. The Straw Hats smile at their new destination. 

“Making a splash, I’ve just started on my search.”

A dolphin swims in the ocean, and the Straw Hats watch in wonder, Usopp casts out a fishing rod. 

“Heading towards a world without end.”

The dolphin jumps in the air, larger than The Going Merry, and splashes next to the ship, making the ship almost capsize. Luffy laughs at the dangerous situation. 

There were some chuckles at the absurd situation.

“They always seem to attract danger,” Whitebeard laughed. 

“My heart bursting with enthusiasm, I’ll go to the ends of the earth.”

The Straw Hat’s flag waves in the wind, while the Straw Hats like forward to their next adventure.

“In search of light yet unseen.”

The Going Merry sail into the sunset. The Straw Hat in different outfits posing. 

“Ooh! Those outfits look cool!” Marco exclaimed.

The scene fades to black. 

“That was a pleasant one to watch.” Rayleigh grinned as the lights brightened. 

Roger nodded in agreement, beaming, “I wonder what the next ‘arc’ will show us,” The Pirate King tilted his head, contemplating. Rayleigh shrugged but smiled at his captain's enthusiasm. 

Words started to appear on the screen.

This next arc will be shorter, and mostly more information than action, but it is important. 

“Aww, really?” Marco deflated at the words. Whitebeard patted his son's shoulder, comfortingly.

“I’m curious about the information that will be fundamental for us to view,” Rayleigh said. 

“Sometimes information can be just as exciting as fighting Marco!” Roger laughed. Marco stuck his tongue out at the man, before laughing at the offended look he got from the Pirate King. 

“Hey wait,” Marco huffed, trying to control his laughter, “What should we call this arc?”

There was a beat of silence. 

“What do you mean Marco?” Whitebeard asked.

“Well,” the teen stated, “The last arc was called Alabasta, so we should name this one… although we don’t really know anything about it yet, so we probably can’t name it yet…” Marco trailed off before he perked up again, “But! Once we see a viewing or two we could name it!”

The Past Pirates and Shanks looked at each other in amusement. Law heard a scoff from the female Emporer but otherwise didn’t hear any comments from the right side of the room. 

“That’s a great idea, Marco!” Roger smiled, supporting the teen’s idea, “Maybe we could name it the ‘Info Dump Arc’.” 

Marco had a look of disgust on his face, “That’s a dumb name.” 

Rayleigh let out a laugh at Roger's hurtful expression. Whitebeard and Shanks chuckled at the exchange, while Roger tried to hit Rayliegh, only for the Dark King to use Red Hair as a shield.

Law slightly smiled at the interaction. At least they could stay positive in this predicament that they all were dragged into. Before the situation could escalate, words started to appear on the screen.

Each arc already has a name.

Law eyed the Phoenix's sad expression and winced. They didn’t have to state it so bluntly.

“Oh.” Marco said, before he looked up, curious, “So what’s this next arc called then?”

Skypia

Law raised his brow at the title, having an idea of what the next destination for the Straw Hats is.