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Chapter Text

The first thing Luffy was aware of was the awful taste in his mouth, almost making him spitting it out. But Sanji's words echoed into his mind, they weren't to waste food for no reason, so he swallowed and tried to remember what it tasted like. Suddenly he realized that it tasted like a devil fruit. Which is when he started to freak out, he had already eaten one. Had a devil fruit for the majority of his life even. Why would he eat another one, when eating two would kill him. He had gotten so far, there was no reason why he would do this. In fact, none of his crew would let him so this. Trying to look around, to feel around with his haki he couldn't sense any of his crew close.

Just behind him was a familiar haki signature, but there was no way that he was here. Last he heard Shanks had been on the whole other side of the New World when he went to Laugh Tale. The redhead, his father-figure, wouldn't have made in time to help them deal with the marines, he had known that but his crew had insisted on making haste towards Laugh Tale.

They had called, he had told Shanks what he had been planning and how he would get to Laugh Tale even if it meant his dead. Had that happened, had the both of them died? Or was this someone else trying to mess with his head?

Shaking his head, Luffy felt hands on his shoulders and reacted. He let a out a blast of conqueror's haki, his strongest one which didn't kill those standing too close. He didn't want to kill, but he did want to protect himself.

There was something going on and he didn't know what it was, he was worried and as such needed to keep himself safe until he was certain that whatever was happening didn't take him under. They had seem so many things in the New World. If knocking someone out would protect him, he would do it in a heartbeat.

Wrapping his arms around himself, he started naming his crew members so he could calm down. It wasn't the best thing to do, but it helped him to calm down while he was having a panic attack. He needed to calm down, to be able to think and see what it was that was going on.

“Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Nami, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, Jimbei”, hesitating a moment, he added, “Merry and Sunny.”

Tears ran over his cheeks, this didn't make sense. His crew should have been here, where are they. Why aren't they here to help him. That was the one thing he could count on, on his crew to always be by his side.

He could still feel Shanks there, which wasn't possible. But the haki he could heel brushing against his own didn't lie. A signature wasn't able to be faked. So this had to be Shanks, it had that same warmth he had known the man to have each and every time they encountered the other.

The other man had thrown up a counter blast of conqueror's haki, no doubt to protect his crew. But that didn't make it make sense.

“I... What's going on...”, the tears in his eyes stopped him from seeing what was happening around him. He didn't know, couldn't make sense of all of this.

Reaching on his head, he stopped again when he didn't feel hat. He had worn the strawhat for years now, and while he had been planning on giving it back to Shanks, he had a feeling that the man would give it right back. He was too recognizable with the hat after all, and like Roger before him, Shanks could make a name without the hat.

“Hat... Where is hat?”

As if that was all it took, suddenly he felt the comfortable feel of straw on his hair, but Hat felt so big. He didn't remember it being so big, last time it had been like this was when he was a child. But that couldn't be. He was twenty-five last time he checked, so why would the hat be too big for him now.

“Anchor...”

That voice, he knew that to be Shanks, so rubbing his eyes Luffy looked at Shanks standing in front of him. A soft smile on the man's face as he looked at him. Hatless and with two arms, his attire the same one he had worn when he ended up on Dawn that first time.

“Shanks.. What?”

The other Yonko laughed, “I was hoping you could tell me, last I remember I was close to Elbaf when the news broke that you reached Laugh Tale. All of the sudden I'm here again, seeing you eat the fruit and knowing this is needed if it's freaking weird. Then... Seas, Anchor, you were freaking out so much. Throwing around conqueror's haki like it's child's play. Enough that I had to counter and make sure Makino-chan was safe and sound.”

At the mention of Makino, Luffy looked at the young woman who had raised him. She smiled, somewhat unsettled, before opening her arms and letting him burrow into her embrace. As if it was a habit already, his arms wrapped around her tightly. Something he did need as right now he couldn't fully wrap his arms around her.

“Sorry, Makino-nee.”

A hand came up to knock the hat off of his head, before a hand ran through his hair, “It's fine, Luffy-kun, I can imagine that all of this is terrifying. I don't... I don't really know what happened. I was in the bar when all of the sudden the world seemed to wrap around me and I was in the bar again, only this time you and Shanks were there.”

Frowning, Luffy pulled back as he tried to make sense of it all, something wasn't adding up. What had happened on Laugh Tale? He knew that Akainu and his ilk had caught up to them. Now that the Elders were dead there was no one to stop him in enacting his ultimate justice, on top of that, seeing as there were others in power the man had been booted from the Marines and tried to take that out on Luffy and every other pirate, really.

Shanks cleared his throat, “I take it you found it, the One Piece? What did you use it for, Luffy.”

Looking into red eyes, Luffy blinked before he was taking back to that cave the One Piece had been in. He remembered seeing Roger and the man explaining, he had seen what would come and had made a wish on that.

“To... To have a second chance with my Nakama, to be able to do it all again without having to fear losing someone.”

Snorting, Shanks shook his head. A motion which was mirrored by Beck and Yasopp, all three men looking at Luffy with such soft eyes.

“That's so like you!”

Blushing at the praise, Luffy looked away. Finally seeing his hands when one snapped back from where it had been wrapped around Makino. Looking at it, he could see how small it was. If this was indeed when he had eaten his devil fruit he should be about six, no wonder his hat felt so small on his head. Hat had been too small for him up until he set out at seventeen.

Reigning in his haki, which was still pulsing around him, Luffy gave a shaky sigh before climbing on a bar stool and accepting the juice Makino put in front of him. Before he would be annoyed by it, but now he just drank his fill.

They all knew what was going to happen now and just like last time Hamura stepped inside of the bar with a sleazy smile on his face. Boasting about his bounty, which was so small compared to the bounties Luffy and his crew had before they came back. Hell, most of those Luffy knew at the end of his life had bounties that were so many times bigger. Even Arlong, Kuro and Krieg had bigger bounties and here the bandit was boasting about the four million he had. Asking Makino for booze as they were paying customers, and throwing a tantrum when he was told they were out. Getting in Shanks' face and slamming the bottle out of Shanks' hand when the Yonko tried to offer it to him.

As a child Luffy hadn't known why Shanks had done this, but now, knowing the bounty Shanks already had it wouldn't be fair to the bandit to have to deal with a Yonko crew. Not only that, but his altercation with Bellamy showed him that not everything had to be a fight. Some people just weren't worth fighting, like this bandit or Bellamy.

Even if he wasn't a Yonko yet, it wouldn't take long now before Shanks was crowned one. Thinking about it, chances were that Shanks would be a Yonko as soon as he made his way back to the New World.

Looking after the band of bandits as they made their way out of the bar, Luffy turned to Shanks, “I didn't know why you did it last time. It's why I picked a fight with them, previously, not knowing that if I didn't say anything nothing would have happened.”

His eyes met Shanks' red ones, “You were right in telling me a pirate ship is no place for a child, I didn't know shit about life at sea and despite Uta being there she didn't have a choice at that point. I do hope that you're not letting that end like before.”

He got his answer when the door to the bar was slammed open, Uta standing there breathing heavily as she looked from Shanks to Luffy and back. Sobbing once, before throwing herself into their arms wailing that she was sorry for what she had done. Sorry for New Genesis, and that she truly believed that to be the way to go about it.

“I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...”

Luffy was shocked to see Uta there, he had believed her to be fine after seeing her at her concert. But would later find out that she didn't make it, the ussage of the mushrooms too toxic to the point that she chose to give up her own life to wake them all from the dream world.

“Uta!”

Seeing the girl he had seen like a sister did think to Luffy, but most of all if she was here even if she had died before that might also mean that someone else was here too.

Shanks shrugged before pulling Uta into his lap, “Uta, what do you remember?”

She sobbed once before telling of the concert, Shanks and Luffy defeating Tot Musica and her refusal for the antidote Hongo made to counter the mushrooms.

“I... I remember dying, but it was peaceful. I don't... I really didn't think that this would be the way to go, but I am glad I was able to get to see them again.”

Reaching for her, Luffy pulled her close, trying to breath through the memories of losing her. Of finding out that Uta died too, it was followed by the memories of losing Ace. Of being alone, as he had believed himself to be at that point.

Looking over her shoulder at Shanks, his bottom lip trembling, he locked eyes with Shanks, “Do you think?”

Instead of Shanks answering, there was a crash outside of the bar before the doors were once again pushed open. Two boys were standing there, looking around and cataloging what they were seeing. The one at the front noticed Luffy first, dropping the metal pipe he had been holding.

“Lulu...”

Jumping down from the stool, Luffy was speeding towards him, towards his brother. Tears running down his cheeks as he called out, “Ace, Sabo!”

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Luffy knows he's crying even before he's hugging Ace and Sabo close. He didn't care right now, after everything that had happened and the eight years he had been without Ace, the thing he had wanted most was to see his oldest brother again. Sabo hadn't been able to be there when he reached Laugh Tale, too busy making sure that not the whole of Akainu's fleet made it to his doorstep. Knowing now that he had died, or that he had ceased to exist in the original time line was hard enough.

Roger had told him what the One Piece did, how it was a way to make a wish come through. To make sure that regardless of everything that did happen he would get a second chance at sailing the world with his Nakama. That had been his usage of the One Piece, to be able to go back and make sure that his loved ones would live. That Sabo didn't leave and loose his memories before losing ten years when he could have been with them. Uta had been a surprise, one he hadn't accounted for, but was happy none the less. She had been dealt a bad hand, but without them going to Elegia chances were that Tot Musica never got to her and she didn't need to go into hiding.

Clutching the person in front of him closer, Luffy sighs at the smell of smoked meat, the sea and something just so Ace that he could feel the tears going even harder. He had missed him so much, he had hoped when Uta appeared that Ace would too so to have him here with him, it was just the best possible scenario.

"Lulu", that soft voice, one Ace only started using after Sabo died that first time. This wasn't the angry child he had been the first time they had met. Instead he was talking to his older brother, a captain in his right and the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates (or he would be once he set out again).

Sniffling, Luffy pulled back a bit to wipe at the tears still streaming down his face, Ace and Sabo were really there. Both of them with that soft smile on their faces, making him smile back, "You're both here."

Ace nodded, "Yeah, felt your haki and it all just clicked into place. Weirdest experience of my life, though."

Sabo, who had been standing next to him, nodded too, "Same, last time I checked I was near the Calm Belt and Iva called to tell us you make it to Laugh Tale but no one knew what happened after that. The world seemed to wrap around me and all of the sudden I'm here with our Dearest Older Brother."

Giggling, Luffy shook his head before sharing that he had found Laugh Tale and the One Piece, "Your dad was there, Ace, told me he wished he could have used the One Piece in a different way. He used it to go back and warn Jiji about what was coming, the first time he lost your mom and you when Baterilla was put through a Buster Call. He didn't want to let that happen, which is why he turned himself in as far as we know, asking Jiji to take care of you and your mom, never expecting her to do the same thing and extend her pregnancy."

There is a dumbfounded look on Ace's face before he's sighing, "I learned long ago that he was very different from what I had been told as a child. It helped, I guess, when I died and met him myself."

Glancing around to see Shanks there, he added, "Talking to people who actually knew him also helped in the long run, who could tell me who he really was instead of the propaganda the World Government scattered around. It's nice to know that he wanted to do everything possible to protect us, even if it didn't save mom in the end."

Shanks stepped forward, Uta still attached to his side, "I hate that I never made the connection until it was too late, but they loved you, Ace. He loved you, and all of us, enough to go towards his dead because at least then he had a say about how and when. He was sick too, some lung disease he picked up in the New World that was too progressed to actually do something against. Ray told me after that he never would have made it to the birth either way."

Luffy had known Ace and Shanks met, both before and during him being a Whitebeard Pirate. Marco and Deuce talked about it at times, just like Shanks had told him a thing or two as well. But it was nice hearing it from Ace too, to know that after everything he did see the merit of his life and that he looked forward to living it. Of course, then the Marines got involved and the mere notion of everything they had taken away from all of them was bad enough.

Sighing, Luffy leaned against Ace, "I'm glad you found your people in the end, Ace, you deserve all of the bounds you made. Several of them got transferred to me in the end." As Ace made a noise as if to ask who, Luffy gladly shared that Marco and Deuce were often seen on the Sunny. Especially in moments where both Law and Chopper were busy, having two other doctors at hand was a gift. Giggling as he explained that they both never truly joined, Marco was retired (or as retired as he could be while still sailing often either with Luffy or with Shanks) while Deuce was out and about on his own, helping those with ties to Ace as if it was second nature (something both Luffy and Sabo benefited from).

As if suddenly addressing the elephant in the room, Sabo started to speak. Explaining that he hadn't died at ten years old, he had been blown up and was carrying the consequences of that in the form of amnesia for ten years. There is a heartbreaking look in his blue eyes as he shared that the reason he remembered was because he saw the article in the Newscoo that Ace had been killed in Marineford. Sabo's sobbing, asking for forgiveness as he shares that he hadn't known then, that he only remembered once the news hit that Ace was dead and no one knew where Luffy was. He shared how horrible it made him feel and how relieved he was once news came that Luffy survived and set out again.

"Both Marco and Deuce decked me once they met me, Marco at Spinx Island were you and Whitebeard were buried. The man hits like a fright train, let me tell you that. Deuce was later on, when Luffy had been an Emperor and we crossed paths on the Sunny, also not fun, but I get why they did it and I'm not mad about it", Sabo shared, obviously uneasy in case Ace decided he needed to hit him too.

Which he didn't, Ace shook his head, "I think I knew, or that part of me knew something, but I never found out while I was alive. I don't have vivid memories of the afterlife either, just some feelings and general thoughts, but I know I watched over the both of you. I was proper mad when I found out, until I heard you explain and then I couldn't be mad anymore. You lost ten years where you could have been with us, there was nothing you do about it and while Dragon is still a deadbeat for abandoning Luffy at least he took care of you."

There is a soft smile on Ace's face as he said that, very obviously not on edge or mad about what happened, a grin appearing as he states, "And we get a do-over now, or that's what I assume as we remembered once Lu's haki reached out, very weird experience though, bro."

Grinning widely, Luffy doesn't say anything, just snuggles closer and chuckles as Sabo steps closer to also join the hug. He had wanted to have that before, to have the moment with both his brothers once they're all adults but that never happened and he kind of hated that. Knowing he had that now, that this was indeed a chance to do it all over helped in getting over that grief. Part of him knew that things wouldn't turn out the same this time around and that alone had him breathing a little bit easier.

Uta, comfortable with being quiet before, pops up, "You know that once the World Government finds out they aren't going to let you rest, right?"

Luffy blinks, "Same with you, even if you aren't biologically Shanks', there is enough the same that they wouldn't think twice. It's what all three of us realized once we got older, alone there is no logical link, but put the three of us together and it's clear to see we're brothers despite not sharing blood."

Sabo tilts his had, "Now that you say it like that, I never realized that Ace and I did look alike as adults just different hair and eye colors."

"Which is easily explained seeing as Rouge was blond, even if it was strawberry blond with gray eyes, Roger's eyes were brown but he was dark haired, people who don't know that still would think that you were twins, just fraternal ones instead of identical", Shanks offered. Looking at Uta, he gave a wry grin, "I went to look who your parents might have been and found that there is a blood tie between us, just not as father and daughter."

Tilting his head, Luffy gasped, "You mean your evil twin!"

Sighing, Shanks nodded, "My evil twin, apparently he takes after my sperm donor and did sleep with those who caught his eye. Uta's mother realized what was happening and ran before he could find her. I'm glad she did, given what happened at God's Valley."

With some trouble Shanks and Luffy explained what they uncovered after some digging. What really happened in God's Valley and how it ended with Shanks being found by Roger and Rayleigh. Mentioning, somewhat bewildered that Dragon had been the one to save him after his mother had been killed. He doesn't remember her, but he does hate Garling (especially after meeting the man) for taking her away when all she did was be at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Uta's mother probably had been in the same situation to the point that she had seen no other way out then to flee. If Shanks tried to think of where he had found Uta back then, chances were high either the Holy Knights or a Pirate Crew had gotten to them which is why she had been in the chest to begin with.

Sabo had known part of this already, not the whole story but he had seen Shamrock in Marigeose so he made that connection before. He also had parts of the story from Bonney back when they managed to bring Kuma back from whatever it was that had been done to him. Since the defeat of the Five Elders and Imu by Luffy a lot came to light and most of it had the world collectively fearing what would have happened to all of them if they had been allowed to keep on going as they had before.

Ace whistled, "That's... Something, I guess. Lots of things happened that I wasn't a part of then."

He looked at Uta with a smile, "But you, Luffy never shut up about you, Uta. It's nice to meet the little sister I've been hearing so much about!"

Uta on her turn looked shocked at the easy acceptance, especially once she realized that Sabo had lived through Tot Musica and everything connected to it. He was also a Revolutionary so he lived for giving people freedom, but he didn't hate her for what she had done (or tried to do).

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Uta had no idea Luffy talked about her this much, the last time (future time) they met that hadn't really come up in conversation. But it was nice to know regardless that he never quite forgot about her. Especially with how much his older brothers meant to him (she hadn't known it then, but she had learned from just seeing them interact that they meant so much to him.

"You told them about me", she whispers, to which Luffy looks at her and nods, a soft smile on his face as he shares that he never did stop thinking about her. She was his first friend, after all, "I didn't have a lot of those even then and after Jiji took me up the mountain it didn't exactly improve."

Mentioning to Ace and Sabo, Luffy added, "But then I met Ace and later Sabo and it seemed only fair that they would get to know you as well. I assumed that we'd be running into you one way or another, at least at that time, and I wanted to make sure they knew who you were."

Both of the older boys (or were they still men despite looking like nine year olds) snorted, "That's an understatement, Lu, you wouldn't shut up about her. Kind of odd though, as you never did talk about us to your crew."

A flush creeps up Luffy's cheeks at that, "I was too caught up in the adventure and it didn't seem to matter." A sad look enters his eyes, "When I set out I didn't know where Uta was and Sabo had been presumed dead at that point, it hurt to be talking about them when I knew the only one I would be seeing again was Ace so I just... didn't..."

Sabo pulls him close in that moment, knowing that there had been a lot of things that hurt Luffy the first time around. In fact, it wasn't even a surprise to any of them to know that Luffy would wish to be able to do it all again. To make sure that he did have his Nakama there to see him reach Laugh Tale.

Humming, Ace tilts his head, "How did this come to be, by the way. I remembered once your haki hit, and from what they said Shanks and Uta were the same. How would this translate to others as I know there were more people you counted among your Nakama."

Blinking once, before doing it a second time, Luffy tilts his head to the side, "I don't know, I just know what I used the One Piece for. But it would make sense that others would remember after getting in contact with my haki", he's smiling sheepishly at Shanks before speaking again, "I didn't want to believe you were really here as the last time we spoke you were on Elbaf on the whole other side so excuse me for protecting myself."

Shanks snorted, which was echoed by all of the senior members of his crew, "Once you explained it made sense why you would do that, Anchor, none of us are mad about that either. I just threw out haki to counter because of Makino also being here and I didn't want her to get hurt. But it would make sense that your haki is the common factor that gets us to remember, it's very vivid and not at all like other haki I encountered."

Grinning widely, Luffy hums, "It's because it's tied to the fruit, that's the moment I came back, when I bit into my devil fruit. Makes sense too as it does amplify my haki because of Nika."

This time it's Ace who looks confused, which is when Luffy, Sabo and Shanks explain that it was never the Gumo Gumo no Mi, in fact that fruit doesn't exist. Instead it's a mythical zoan of the sun god Nika, someone who had been known as the warrior of liberation and Joy Boy. Someone who made people smile and who fought for freedom without even flinching at the implications of it all. Sabo adds that once Luffy's fruit is known to the world a lot more people join the Revolution when his ties to Sabo and Dragon are revealed, "We always did fight for freedom, but knowing that Luffy fights but doesn't want to be a hero, we were the next best thing to join. Not that it helped as he had more than enough people who did join his fleet in the end, it was a lot bigger than Whitebeard's by the end of it all, kind of absurd if I'm being honest."

Ace gapes at that, he knew the amount of people on Pops' fleet, to know that Luffy's was even bigger without him even trying to make that happen was insane. As was the fact he didn't have rubber powers, or he did, but it was part of a much larger whole. It also made sense that a literal God could do things no one expected in the end, to turn back time in a way and do it all again. He remembers that his father had done something similar, but Roger's rewind didn't bear the same fruits as Luffy's no doubt would get to.

"That's insane to think about, I know how big Pops' fleet was, as a commander. But to know Lu's was even bigger is quite hard to wrap my head around", Ace utters. Sabo just pats him on the back, "Be happy you weren't there when Barto made his grand entrance."

Uta giggled at that, she remembered the green haired man, he was quite the figure. To know that he was Luffy's biggest fan was a but concerning, but he seemed harmless in the grand scheme of things. His devil fruit was handy though, in a way that made it quite difficult to navigate around.

Frowning, Shanks asks if this is the same idiot who burned his flag on his protected islands to claim them as Luffy's. Luffy nods, grimacing at the mere thought, "He didn't know my, our, connection to you. Seeing as I had just defeated Kaido and Big Mom in his mind it seemed like the best thing to do. I know you took his ship out not long after that happened though and he had a very stern talking to after I caught up with him. Law, Sanji and Zoro were laughing their asses off when that happened, making it very clear that they did know about my connection to you and how Barto, as my number one fan, couldn't have known was such a tragedy."

Snorting at that, Shanks nodded, he hadn't believed the man when he had done it in name of Luffy. Least of all as Shanks had known that Luffy would never send someone else to do his work him. On top of that, he was aware that he had been last on Luffy's list to fight against as it would never be brutal or to the dead. The other Emperor's had gotten his wrath over them for what they had done, Blackbeard especially given his hand in Shanks' scars and Ace's dead. Grinning widely as he shared with Ace how Luffy had handled that particular fight and how those of the Whitebeard Pirates still around had come out of hiding to help. Mentioning, rather quietly, that Marco confided in him that they had expected Ace to take over once their Pops was no more, "But that didn't happen, so Marco took to captaincy which ended at the Payback War. If... Once he remembers, expect him to be stuck to you like glue Ace, Marco really didn't deal well with losing so much of his Nakama."

Sabo and Luffy agreed, mentioning that the main reason Marco was around them so much was because of the Chaos that reminded him of home.

Uta huffed, "Do you think Luffy's haki reached far enough that they would remember too?"

At once almost everyone stopped and stared at her, thinking about what that could mean for them all. The knowledge that even now Emperors crews would remember what would happen years from now was frightening, especially as several other powerhouses on the Grand Line would remember regardless of which crew they were on right now.

"Ah Fuck, if that's the case then my crew will also remember, especially those already or still in the East Blue. I don't know how that will change things", Luffy winced. He knew what happened to them, how Zoro started his journey, how Nami's mom was killed, even how Sanji ended up with Old Man Zeff. If he remembered right, Usopp's mom would start becoming ill right about now.

Zeroing in on Yasopp, he looked the man in the eyes before saying, "You need to visit your wife, I don't remember the whole time line but she gets ill right about now. I also... If she remembers, Nami's mom is killed about this time, as is Tarao's dad and I can't be in the North Blue right now."

Glancing at Shanks, he tilts his head, "Jiji is also expected to be here in a week for two, he was last time and I don't think you want to be here when he arrives."

The way Shanks' pales is answer enough, last time he would be going to Elegia but there is no way he's making that mistake once more. Looking at Uta, he asks her if she'd mind staying here, before turning to Makino to make sure she doesn't mind. Makino just shakes her head, "I'm quite sure the boys will be taking up Luffy's room as it is, I still have another spare that Uta can use."

So occupied with the rest, Ace and Sabo realize Makino is there too, looking at her with large eyes before they're falling over each other to hug her tightly. Asking if it would really be okay if they stay there. Which is when another issue comes up, Dadan needs to be informed and none of them want to deal with her crying. Even less so when she had been certain she lost all three of them at one point.

Makino hums as she repeats that there is no issue there, she knows they will behave and with everything happening they could use some support. Her smile is light as she mentions that she expects Dadan here any moment now if Luffy's haki reached her, it didn't take that long to make your way off of the mountain. On top of that, she knew what it had done to them all losing at least one part of their family, so she wouldn't ever willingly breaks them apart, "So yes, Ace, Sabo, and Uta if she wants, you're more than welcome to stay here if you so want. Things are going to chance, I'm quite sure of it, so it would be better for all of us to stick together as much as possible. Although once the rest of Luffy's crew or yours start to show up we'll have to look for a different arrangement."

As if she had heard them, the door to the bar swung open to show Dadan standing there. She was panting, as if she had ran down from the mountain (which might just be what she had done come to think of it) looking from Makino to the boys and back. Counting them before stepping inside, "All three of the brats are here..."

They all step forward, "Hi Dadan..."

Nothing more is said as she sweeps them up in her arms, "You brats! What the hell even happened, all three of you died at one point or another."

All three of them huffed, "We got better."

More than once person laughs at that, which is when the bandit sees the others in the room and quickly realizes this is an impromptu planning session, "What is going on?"

Shanks grinned, "We're planning on making sure all of Luffy's Nakama is hale and whole with him as soon as possible. Dawn is going to be crowded but it would be for the best in my opinion."

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They start planning as soon as Dadan is seated, Luffy going over all of his crew and where they would be at that point in time. He also mentions Law, as right now he would be dealing with Doflamingo on Minion Island and losing his father-figure. Flevence is a thing of the past, there is nothing he can do about that right now, but he can make sure that Donquixote Rosinante lives.

“If he’s here we also have an extra defense against the marines”, Luffy muttered, “Rosinante was a Marine but he dropped everything to save Law and paid for that with his life. He’s also Sengoku’s adopted son, and as much as I hate what he did at Marineford he’s the lesser of two evils here.”

Glancing at Shanks, he asks the man to go and get Law. For one reason or the other he suspects that his crew and Ace’s (as most of the Spades had been from the East as well) would turn up on their own. His eyes were glowing an eary red color that those who knew assisiated with Nika. No one would suspect an island in the East Blue holding that many heavy hitters. At this time there are no heavy hitters to speak of either as they’re all children right now. While he doesn’t say it, Luffy knows that his haki reached far and wide, no doubt into the New World and making people there remember too. If Jimbei can make it to Cocoyashi nothing would happen with Arlong. The man is an asshole, but Jimbei and Nami would be able to take him on without trouble.

Humming, he settles back and gives those not there a run down of what happened at Marineford and after. Grinning widely as he talks about his crew, and later on the fleet. Going on about what might happen and what will be going on if they team up before. Adding that they’ll have people all over willing to help, there had been a lot of people on their side of things in the end after all.

Ace and Uta seem to be the ones who have the hardest time wrapping their heads around it. But then again, Ace had been dead by then and while he could remember pieces from when he was in the afterlife, it was never enough to build on. Hearing from Luffy, Sabo and Shanks, what happened was an eye opener and one he still didn’t know how to feel about. Uta hadn’t been a pirate at all, she had been a preformer and had been willing to give up her own life to protect civilians (in a somewhat twisted way but Tot Musica wasn’t here now so that helped a lot). She had died in the end as well, hadn’t been fast enough to take the antidote and paid the price for that.

She hugged Luffy close after saying that, telling him she was so sorry for what she had almost done and how she would do it all differently. Her eyes catch Shanks’ eyes, her father (even if he was biological her uncle), before she admits to wanting to be a pirate this time around. Hearing they have a lot more fun and they know what to avoid this time around.

Luffy smiles, but before he could say anything a den den mushi started to ring. Looking around in confusion, Shanks pulled out his own personal one, something that had him on edge as not a lot of people had that number. Somewhat confused, he answered and grinned when the snail showed his brother’s features, “Buggy!”

Buggy the clown sounded from the other side, “Shanks, what the flashy fuck did that rubber brain do this time?!”

Giggling, Luffy moved closer, “Found the One Piece, decided I didn’t want it all to end and took us all back. Well, I took myself back but from what we could deduce my haki is what has others remembering.”

Humming in answer, Buggy sighed, “That explains it then, I will have you know I might have freaked out my crew when I suddenly remembered. Who is there with you?”

Instead of answering Luffy mentioned that they had no idea if the line was secure and he didn’t want to give away too much. Buggy agreed, mentioning he could be at Dawn in three days, asking all of them to stay out of trouble until then. Ending the call without much else being said.

“I’m guessing that given Buggy did call, your haki is still making an impact right now and we should assume that it won’t stop until it had reached everyone”, Beck said where he came to stand next to Shanks. Always the voice of reason, he did mention it so they could prepare. Right now it would be the East Blue, but in a couple of weeks it was very plausible that the whole of the world would have encountered Luffy’s haki and put things in motion.

Pouting a little, Luffy sighed, part of him wanted everyone to be there with him right now. But that would be dangerous with so many of them still so young. All of them were well aware that the World Government didn’t care about age. They would kill all of them just because they were endangering the dogma they had build. Right now it would be best to act in secrecy, to keep things under wraps as much as possible and only let those who came to look for them know about what was going on.

It wasn’t, in any way, the action packed pace Luffy was used to. Once he set out, and especially once he set foot in the New World, he was bringing out revolutions, liberation and general adventures wherever he went. Before he reached Laugh Tale, it was bad enough that he was the unintentionel foreboding of the Revolutionary Army as his dad and Sabo realized they just had to follow along with Luffy and their goal would be accomplished without too much trouble.

Blinking, Luffy sighed, “Dad… If he remembers I don’t know what he’ll do.”

Sabo snorted, “Be here in two seconds flat and hug you so tightly that you’ll start making those squeeky sounds again. That is if your mom isn’t there too, dunno where they are right now.”

Ace froze at that, “What?”

Luffy grinned, “He always kept an eye out, it’s why Sabo survived that shot from the Celestial Dragon. My dad fished him out but as Sabo mentioned wanting to get away from Dawn, he didn’t think to check in on us. It isn’t his fault either, he had seen what happened to parents who had to choose between their children, he was there in God Valley after all. When I was born and my mom left because of what happened, he knew he couldn’t keep taking care of me. Not with the way the Government and the God’s Knights kept hunting after him.”

Gaping at that, they made sure to tell Ace everything regarding Luffy’s parentage. Who they were and why that was so important. Sabo even grinned and told them that Shanks and Luffy had a connection long before they met. A huge grin on his face as he stated, “Shanks was born in God Valley, and Dragon was the one who got him and his brother out of there. Or tried to at least, until he was almost killed by a God’s Knight and lost the older twin. Shanks was kept safe and eventually given to the Roger Pirates through Treasure Chest.”

Shanks, Uta, Luffy and Sabo laughed about that. The three men (boys) especially as there had been instances that they were together and it was always fun to see how that dynamic played out. Dragon, once he talked to his son, also apologized for the way he grew up. In typical Luffy fashion, he didn’t mind as it brought him so much more Nakama.

“What about your mother”, Ace asks, still not totally following but it clear it’s obvious.

Tilting his head, Luffy sighed, “They’re Crocodile, but they used to be Wani. They also didn’t know who I was when we met in Alabasta and things only cleared up after Cross Guild was a thing with Buggy shared what he knew. My mom always wanted to be a boy, but they loved my dad and wanted to see what came out of that and got pregnant after a couple of years together.”

Sabo picks up, “There was a mole in the Revolutionary Army at the time and they did everything to break them apart, including letting Wani know the child died. As someone who was already dealing with heavy body dysmorphia things didn’t go well and they left. Now with a child to take care of Dragon became an even easier target which is why he reached out to Gramps to keep Luffy safe.”

Luffy smiles softly, “I talked to them both at different times and I know when I went to Laugh Tale they were fixing things between them as much as possible. If they both remember at the same time…”, He pales all of the sudden, “They’ll be coming here together and I don’t know how to feel about that. They weren’t here before, because of things partly out of their hands so tha't’ll be odd.”

While he had done what he did to make sure his Nakama were safe, that had to be one of the things Luffy hadn’t taken into account. He’d actually have parents now, as well as a whole slew of uncles, aunts and cousins. Which would make the family dynamic even more complicated, but he was there for it regardless. You choose your own family after all, it was never just about the people you share blood with. Sabo and Sanji were prime examples about that.

Glancing at Ace, Luffy smiled, “I know that you had issues with your blood and things did get better. But if you don’t want to be assiciated to Roger because of that, think about wanting to be assiciated to me and the Old Man and Shanks. There is more than enough that ties you into this family, Nii-chan.”

It is a very Luffy thing to say, but it’s clear that it does help. Ace smiles softly, admitting that he doesn’t feel so badly about his blood anymore, still, he would like to hear about his parents about the people who knew them and not the stories people told about them. Shanks especially beamed at that, sharing what he remembered about their first meeting and how utterly gone on Rouge, Roger had been. How much of a fool he made of himself, “He’s good at that, he did the same thing with Shakky before she choose Ray as her partner, it’s something very funny if I’m being honest. He did the same with Rouge, she was a terror on these seas but all he saw was a pretty girl and he was gone on it all. It’s odd that he managed to woo her still, he wasn’t very good at that to begin with.”

Laughing at the knowledge that the former Pirate King wasn’t that good at love, it helped in setting the tone on what would be happening after that. They had the bare bones of a plan in the works, Shanks would leave as soon as Buggy was here to go and get Law and Rosinante, as well as the other Hearts who had been with Law at the start. They’d deal with everything else as it came their way.

Going back about what had been said before, Luffy mentioned that Wani was Whitebeard’s biological child. His only biological child, mentioning that thier family tree would be quite the thing, as he knew that in time Marco and Ace had been a thing. Not right now, but soon enough those ties would come and go all over.

Uta gave up on following along, happy to just sit back and listen to what would happen or what ties she would have to people other then Shanks and Luffy. Especially knowing what would come, it was nice to know that she didn’t have only Shanks to rely on from now on.

Chapter Text

The next couple of days are spend getting to know those in their inner circle that hadn’t known each other before. Uta taking the time to get to know Ace and Sabo, as well as making sure to talk to Shanks and Luffy about everything that happened before. It’s clear that she wrestled with a lot of guilt about what happened with Tot Musica in their previous lifetime. Given her rol in this now, it was obvious that she wanted to clear the air before anything else happened.

Luffy, when he wasn’t spending time with his siblings or Shanks, was trying to make a list of where everyone of his Nakama was. Some came easier than others, when he knew what they had been doing at this point in time. Others had been guessing work, especially as they couldn’t just call and see what was going on. There was no certainty that his haki had reached all over the world just yet, so they had to be patient a little longer.

“If I could I’d just go and gather them all and be done with it”, Luffy pouted as he ran over another list as he wrote it down. He was done with this and meant what he said, even if he did know that right now they couldn’t be pulling too much attention towards themselves.

Shanks and Beck sighed, “We know, Anchor, but we have the element of surprise on our side. No one except for Nakama knows about this so being able to keep that under wraps will help in the long run. We don’t need an Admiral or one of the Elder Stars to come wrecking havoc on Dawn.”

Pouting a little more, Luffy sighed as he nodded, “I know, but I miss everyone.”

He didn’t quite know how to mention it to Shanks and Beck, he had been all over the New World, staging revolutions, taking down Emperors and Warlords when he didn’t like them. Through it all his crew had been with him, now for the first time in years none of them were with him and he missed them all so much. Not that it took away from the fact that he loved having Ace, Sabo and Uta close, but it wasn’t the same.

Looking at the door, he half expected Zoro to come barging in, his first mate often did that. Find him just as he needed him and Luffy had gotten used to that. To have Zoro at his side whenever he needed the comfort of someone who just knew him so well. The fact that he could hear Nika giggling in the back of his mind didn’t help either. That often meant something was bound to happen, something no doubt leading to Chaos the God was known for. Luffy looked forward to what it could be, even if another part wanted to know who to expect and who was remembering as they waited.

His mood was lightened when Ace came to hug him close. His oldest brother did that a lot since he remembered. Most often to make sure that this was all real, which was more than fair as one of the most vivid memories Ace had was the goodbye he gave Luffy at Marineford. He didn’t say it out loud, but Luffy could hear him muttering about it at night. The advantage of sharing a room, and a bed, was that he could keep an eye out and help his brothers if either of them had a nightmare.

“Come on, Lu, try not to think about it too much. We’ll see who will turn up and when, on top of that more than a fair share of people have a den den mushi and will use it if needed, we just have to wait for a bit”, the older boy stated as he pulled Luffy with him towards Sabo and Uta.

Soon, thanks to his siblings, Luffy was somewhat distracted to allow things to go as they should. A part of him aware, or expecting, his haki to have reached quite far by now.

—

Their next clue came a day later when Shanks’ den den mushi rang again. Instead of Buggy, it was Marco who called, out of breath and slightly frantic, “What the fuck did Luffy do -yoi. I didn’t even know this could happen and all of the sudden I’m on the Moby Dick again, with Thatch on it, with Teach on it. More than a little off center, fending off questions from everyone and Pops only to have to stop as Haruta came to tell me both Katakuri and King were on the line.”

They can hear Marco’s breathing pick up, “I don’t know what to tell either side, I don’t know how to act or what to say…”

Shanks huffed, “Where are you now?”

“In my office, I locked the door as soon as I took those calls -yoi. I have to call both of them back and I don’t know what to tell Pops about it. Which is why I’m calling you, hoping you can make some sense from all of this”, Marco whined. He sounded very tired, and on edge, not surprising as he was somewhere he hadn’t been for over 10 years at that point.

Luffy moved forward, “I found the One Piece, and I used it to get a redo as I wanted all of my nakama there with me. I remembered after eating my fruit and let out a burst of haki when Shanks approached as the last time I cheched he had still been on Elbaf. It’s my haki that’s the trigger, nice to know it reached the New World now.”

Grumbling, Marco sighed, “That gives me one answer, but I still don’t know what to tell Pops or the others. Or how to go about dealing with Teach -yoi. I can’t just kill him, even less so when people are already suspicious when two other First Mates call the Moby and ask for me when they never did that before.”

“Have you thought about telling them the truth, Marco”, Ace asked.

The other line stayed quiet, before a small voice sounded through, “Ace?”

Ace grinned, “Hi Birdie, my baby brother is changing the world, just like I told you he would.”

Luffy coos at that, while Ace grins brightly as he talks to Marco. Making sure he’s calm again and mentioning that Pops had known a thing or two about the One Piece. If they can make him realize what is going on, and subesquently, listen to Marco as he explains what had happened or what would happen they are one step further then before. On top of that, if they play their cards right, Teach will reveal his true colors sooner rather than later.

“You can’t just kill Teach”, Shanks sighed, “And even me warning the Old Man about what he had done or that he wasn’t what he seemed didn’t land last time. If things happen again, I don’t know if things will turn out the same way.”

Grumbling, Marco nodded, “I’ll see about getting Pops aside and explaining it to him as much as I can -yoi. Going to be a shitshow and a half as I know I can’t just go East now.” Sighing softly, he adds that he’ll call King and Katakuri so they know what happened and to be prepared. Asking if he can give them Shanks’ number for now which he agrees to. They do need all the help they can get, with the knowledge that Katakuri and King also remember that gives them a foot in with every Emperor crew sailing right now.

They make a promise to call Marco again in a day or two, when Buggy arrives as well, so they can start planning some more. Luffy, Sabo and Shanks hoping that Dragon might just turn up too as the man would have a white den den mushi, which would make calling around a lot easier. But that has to be seen, right now they can just work with the people they do know that remember.

—

As mentioned, Buggy did arrive about three days after their call. The Big Top was noticable from far away, but that wasn’t what had Luffy on edge as soon as he concentrated on the ship. No, what did was the familiar haki signature he could feel on that ship.

“That can’t be”, he uttered.

Only for Buggy to anchor down in front of Dawn and for Zoro of all people to join him as they made land. It wasn’t the Zoro had had gotten used to, in that this one had two eyes and was just taller than Luffy was.

As soon as Zoro stood on the docks, Luffy was in his arms. Hugging his tightly and hiding his head in the other boy’s neck. So happy to have his first mate back with him, it hadn’t been the same without him in a way that he didn’t know how to deal with and wanted to stop as soon as possible. Things were already changing and things were leaving their scars after everything that had been going on. Instead of saying anything, Zoro just hugged him close, smiling at Ace and Sabo when they approached and greeted him.

Laughing as they asked what happened, “Got lost, again, but ran across Buggy and he offered to take me here. Would be easier than finding it myself.”

Luffy giggled, “Zoro could get lost on a staight line.”

Grumbling, Zoro sighed but didn’t say anything. For all that he hated it, his captain had a point and everyone who knew him knew that he could get lost everywhere. The only way he didn’t was if Luffy was there to guide him. It would be later on that he unconciously kept his observation haki trained on his captain and found the man like that with little to no trouble.

Before anything else could be said, another person disembarked, which had Ace gaping, “Deuce!”

The former Spade pirate grinned, before approaching and hugging his Captain close, “You weren’t kidding when you said your baby brother would turn the world upside down.”

Laughing, Ace nodded, hugging his formed (current) first mate close. Listening as Deuce shared that he kept up to date on what Luffy was doing, not as a Pirate but as a reporter. He had been the one to use the Striker after they found it, doing freelance work for Morgans as the man paid well and it allowed him to keep up to date on what happened.

He greeted Sabo just as warmly, mentioning that he had a run in with the blond a couple of times once he came out of the woodwork. They often talked about Ace, after finding out that they were rather alike.

Ace flushed, before admitting that this was why he had invited Deuce to come with him, as he too wanted to write a book about his advantures just as Sabo had wanted to do (before everything else happened). While it wasn’t as a pirate, Sabo did admit to keeping journals about his missions and travels, so he had done what he wanted to do.

“You are all going to be the dead of me”, Buggy exclaimed as he also came to shore, nodding at the kids waiting there before going to look for Shanks. The slightly raised voices made it clear he was chewing out his brother for everything. Something that should have happened a long time ago as their dissagreement had been about something so minor.

Luffy blinked once, before he could sense something further out on the ocean, gaping at what he could sense and grinning widely at the notion that there were more people on their way to Dawn. He didn’t think things would be moving so fast, but it seemed that some of them, especially his crew took their cues from him and weren’t willing to wait now.

Giggling, he snuggled back into Zoro’s chest, “There are more people on route, can you sense them.”

Chapter Text

Marco freezes as he wakes up, recognizing the ceiling above him and almost expecting it to be a dream. Looking next to him, he knows it isn’t a dream as Ace isn’t there right now. It feel stupid but he would dream about their days on the Moby on a few occasions, especially after losing him and later on whenever he ran into Sabo or Luffy (the brothers just too alike not to bring him back to simpler times).

Sighing, he runs a hand through his hair, “What is even going on?”

He doesn’t know and that sets him on edge. He had been the First Mate and First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates for so long that it became such a large part of his life. But he hadn’t been that in that possition for a decade by now, so why was he back on the Moby Dick? Did he die and was this his afterlife, unlikely, but it could happen. His other idea was that he had suffered a mental break and was hallucinating, which seemed like the more likely option. Frowning, he throws out his observation haki and just about chokes. Pops is here, feeling rather healthy all things considered, Thatch is also hear and tears gather in his eyes at the thought of one of his best friends also at his side once more. However, Teach is also here, and that is something he knows he would never come up with. The man took everything from him, so to know he was back on the Moby wasn’t helping in trying to make sense of all of this.

“What. The. Fuck”, he mutters, getting out of bed and dressing. The best course of action now is to go out there and try to see what it is that is going on. A part of him has every belief that Luffy is somehow the cause of this. Ace’s little brother was Chaos personified, if there was someone out there who could make them timetravel without their knowledge it would be that little shit.

He isn’t even far before Haruta comes running for him, his face pale as he looks on, “Marco, we have a situation.”

Tilting up his eyebrow he allows the other commander to lead him back to the communication’s room, looking on as there are two calls ongoing. But it’s the faces on the snails that has him biting his lip to keep laughter at bay. Haruta notices, and shriekes, “Don’t you dare laugh, Marco! I don’t even know what is going on for both Katakuri and King to call us asking for you!”

Grinning widely, he takes a hold of the snails and walks towards his office at a fast pace, making sure Haruta doesn’t know what is going on before he’s locking the door. He can’t deal with this right now, but he does know that the lines are secure at least for whatever it is that they need to discuss. He’ll deal with everything else as soon as he talks to the two other first mates.

“Phoenix, you there”, Katakuri’s voice comes out of the right snail, making him hum and sigh as he tries to think about what to say, “I am -yoi. Woke up thinking I was high though…”

Both of the other (former) first mates laugh at that, agreeing that they felt almost the same. Mentioning that they believed themselves to be halucinating or even dreaming, only to have people long death to be standing in front of them. Additionally, they both were more than familiar with Luffy as well and made the connection to him in this all too.

Sighing, he rubs his temples, “I can give Shanks a call -yoi. He’s the only one I know of that knows where Luffy is at this point in his life and who should be in the East Blue as it is. I don’t think any of us can go there, that would gather too much attention -yoi. Once I know for sure what is going on, I’ll call you back.”

Getting the confiration from both of them, as well as their personal numbers, he ends the call and calls Shanks. The redhaired man’s number had been something he only got after Sphinx, but he had been told it was still the same number. Once it connects and it proves to be true, he’s happy to note that it had been something of Luffy’s doing.

—

Knowing what is going on doesn’t make it any easier to talk to his Pops. He missed the man something fierce, but he had been dead for ten years already. Marco had adjusted, and while never being able to allow himself to have a new Captain, he was close enough to several that would allow him to temporarily board his ship.

Knocking, he enters and knows he has to explain himself from the look that is directed at him. Holding up his hands, he settles on the edge of the bed, crossing his legs like he often did as a child. Taking a moment to make sure they were alone before whispering, “You want answers, but the ones I can give you might not make you believe me -yoi.”

Pops doesn’t say anything, so Marco takes a deep breath and starts talking. He talks about Ace, Thatch and Teach. About Luffy and the way he started changing the world as soon as he set out. He mentions Marineford and the losses they suffered, the losses he suffered. Giving an overview on what had happened before mentioning, “He becomes the next Pirate King, and instead of using it for something of his own gain he used it to go back and do it all again.”

Monkey D. Luffy is the one man Marco will never understand, he’s selfish at his core, but he’s also selfless when it partains those he sees as Nakama. Marco has seen him liberate whole countries, face down Marines, Admirals, Elder Stars, and win! He’s aware that the man is something else, outside of his devil fruit turning him into the Sun God. But most of all, Luffy cares about his Nakama in such a way that he wants them all together again.

“He sounds like an impressive figure”, Pops says, which has Marco laughing and sharing that at the point he becomes Pirate King, Luffy is 27 years old. He had been 17 at Marineford and impressive to say the least. Pops hums at that, “He sounds like the man Roger often spoke about.”

Nodding, Marco agreed, “That’s because he is. For all that… For all that I know he isn’t Roger’s biological son, he takes after him so much it’s almost scary -yoi. He’d burn down the world for his loved ones, again and again, so they can be free.”

They both stay quiet after that, with Marco looking on as Pops goes over everything, waving him off as he does so. Telling Marco to do his own thing and see what needs to be done after. They’ll inform the commanders, in time, but for now he’s up to date and that’s all that needs to happen right now. “Go call those other two First Mates, and try not to freak out your siblings too much when they hear you say that. Haruta was freaking out not too long ago thinking you were doing something without me knowing, but I’m aware now and I’ll keep them off your back.”

He does as instructed, hearing the relief in both Katakuri and King’s voices at the confirmation that it had been Luffy’s doing. They laugh about it, and Marco wonders why none of them could have had this before. Things would be easier then, but he knows that with alliances and the way they were raised they had needed Luffy to bring them all together. He isn’t quite sure what to expect from now on, but a part of him is looking forward to that adventure. After giving them both Shanks’ number and promising to keep them up to date to any changes he ends the call and sits in his office in silence. Not quite sure what to do.

—

Pops calls him for a meeting once more, after getting the time to process it all. Mentioning that he thinks they should tell the Commanders as well. Things are going to change soon and if what he said about Teach was true they needed more people with eyes on him to make sure nothing happened.

“You also told me none of the Commanders are aware of anything at this moment, that they are all behind us, so why not tell them”, the argument is compelling. But Marco is more concerned with their reactions to certain things (Ace, Luffy and Wano’s freedom for one). But he can’t deny that it would help if people were aware of what was happening and to keep eyes and ears to the ground for what was to come.

Which is why he’s in the Commander Meeting room, looking somewhat less put together than they are used to. The stares are noticable, especially Haruta, as he’s still on edge for receiving a call from Katakuri and King.

Running a hand through his hair, he sighs, “I’m sure you all have questions…”

Haruta, to the surprise of no one, wips out a list, “You bet your ass we do!”

Waving his hand, he sits down and lets him ask. Explains as well as he can, with the information he has at this point and tells the story of what he knows is going on as best as possible. It’s hard, and he knows he isn’t looking at some of them as he shares what happens. Flinching even, as he shared what happened to Thatch and eventualy Izou (although the gasp he heard from his best friend at hearing that Wano will be Free is something else).

He’s hoarse, exhausted, but happy that this is a burden off of his shoulders when his snail starts ringing. Shanks’ features look back at him and he picks up, "I’m in a meeting -yoi.”

Shanks just laughs, “Yeah, well, we’re all here now and wanted to start planning. Might be better to do so with the Commanders present, Ace told us you’d probably tell them all.”

Pops blinks, and suddenly Marco realizes he had left out One Major Detail about his relationship with Ace. Not that he wanted to, but right now Ace is 10 years old and he doesn’t want to think about that right now.

“You know, son, you told me that he was just our Secon Division Commander. Which is a lot as I don’t see myself agreeing to another one in that position after Oden”, Pops said. There is something in his voice that has Marco looking down.

Of course, he doesn’t get to say anything about that, as another voice speaks through the snail, “You wanted me on board since my bounty poster came out, actually, which is how this all started. But I guess Marco never did explain right, I’m a navigator but part of the main reason you wanted me as a Commander was to protect me if my name ever became known.”

Freezing, as before it had been tabo to talk about. But this Ace is different, that much is different. Pops frowns, “Why would a name be such a problem?”

Marco can see the slight smirk on Ace’s face as he answers, “Because I was born Gol D. Ace, although I’m going by Portgas for the moment.”

You can hear a pin drop, before everyone’s talking over each other. Marco sits there with a headache forming and the intention to take a very long nap once this is all over. Pops seems stunned, but then again they had heard about Roger having a child but no one was found (or it was suspected the kid was killed in South Blue). The other Commanders are trying to get more information as it’s still not confirmed that Marco has a lover at one point (he has no intention of sharing that right now either) until Thatch screams, “You’re not even here to cause Chaos, how even are you like this?”

He can’t help it, Marco laughs, before he and just about anyone else who knows Monkey D. Luffy states, “You don’t know half of it, Ace is the calm one compaired to his brothers.”

Neither Sabo nor Luffy say anything, but Marco is quite sure both of them are preening. These brothers are going to be the death of him, but he can’t help but think they’re worth it every single time.

Chapter Text

Once the Commanders calm down, they can start planning. Shanks already shared that he is making his way to the North Blue to pick up Law and whoever else is with him. Chances are the man (even if he is only a teen right now) will be trying to find a way to get to the East Blue as soon as possible.

Marco mentions getting Pops to see Law, and Chopper, early if possible. He’s a good doctor, but he isn’t the calibre that both of them are. They might be able to cure Pops, or at least give him more years than he had previously. Rubbing at his temples as that gets more questions, as in their mind Marco is the best doctor out there. Right now he might be, but he’s well aware that between Chopper and Law he lags far behind.

“They’ll have to see and believe, Commander”, a voice sounds through the snail and he blinks a few times before he recognizes it. It’s odd to hear Deuce so young, his second in command had been a year older than Ace all this time, and while that’s no doubt still the case that does only make him 11 right now.

It’s all coming together already and no one knows what is happening right now. Going over what is going on, Marco frowns, “How are we making sure no one is tuning in right now?”

A deep chuckle sounds from the other side of the line, “My White Snail is connected to this one, so no one will be tapping into this interaction. Might be best too, as we don’t know what the World Government would do with this information and I for one am not just handing it to them for shits and giggles.”

Pops looks shocked, “Monkey D. Dragon, I didn’t know you fit into all of this.”

More than one person starts laughing at that, before Ace shares that Luffy’s surname is Monkey D. On top of that, almost all of them are connected in one way or another. Marco understands that very moment, his mouth falling open, “Wani?”

The way several of the older Commanders, and Pops, look at him in shock is something. But it isn’t even close to how they look at the Snail once that voice comes through, “Hello Marco. I should have known you figured it out.”

Huffing, he shared he had known for a while now. But that it didn’t seem to matter when Luffy had managed to turn back time. Then, just to be a little shit, he added, “Your son is even more impossible then you were and that’s saying something -yoi! I didn’t even make the connection until he was a little bit older and instead of a Mini Garp as everyone seemed to expect he started looking more and more like you.”

Luffy giggles at that, mentioning he found out somewhere later too. It had been weird to have his parents back with him, as before they hadn’t been close. In fact, their closeness only started when it became clear they needed to prepare for the World Government and Imu to play their aces. Working together and having a chance to talk about it helped in the long run. It was still something odd to have this time around, but Luffy shared that he liked this better. Plus, between his Baba, Buggy and Shanks, Ace actually had people who knew his parents to tell them stories about them. The easy way he said it, the way it was obviously what he believed had Marco smiling. Luffy really was something different and it would seem his Pops and Siblings would be made aware of that before Ace ever set foot onto the Moby this time around.

“Child”, Pops seemed to have found his voice, “You’re alive.”

Wani huffed, “I just left, Old Man, and in a way I’ll always regret that but I wasn’t made to be on that ship the way you wanted me to. I’m not a Nurse, you know, and with everything going on I just couldn’t stay. Things didn’t fully turn out the way I wanted it to the first time around, but I do plan on taking this second chance with both hands and seeing what happens.”

Sabo and Ace’s resort that he only had one hand, was quickly turned on its head when Luffy shared that Law would be more than happy to get a second hand and re-attach it. It shouldn’t be too hard either, seeing as Law had managed to piece him together after Marineford.

That had all of them quiet down quickly, before Shanks continued on what they planned on doing and which changes were made already. A grin in his voice as he shared that Jinbei was in the East Blue right now too, he was making his way back after dealing with Arlong and bringing Nami with her family, and Usopp and his mom to Dawn. Dropping the bomb on the Whitebeard Pirates that one of their closest allies, and a Captain in his own right, would be joining Luffy’s crew at one point.

Just to add to that, Marco added, “Why do you think Katakuri and King called me? It wasn’t just to exchange pleasantries with me, you know. They both set out on their own and eventually join the Strawhat Grand Fleet -yoi. It’s even bigger than yours ever was, Pops.”

His captain laughed, before proclaiming that it isn’t that far-fetched to know that his grandson is doing even better than he is at being a Captain.

It settles something that most of them didn’t even know needed settling. As much as he hates that he has to wait, Marco knows that Ace will be making his way to them at one point or another. On top of that, they can use this time to prepare as they need to do that and fast. Things went to shit last time, and given everything they can manage just fine in preventing that this time around.

“Is there anything you need from our side”, he asks, just to be sure. Getting the answer that they need to keep an eye out and to do what they think is best. He can do that, and looking at the other Commanders, it’s clear they can do so as well. This is only a taste after all, one instance of meeting Luffy, but they’ll find out that things are very much different after this.

Once the call ended, there were a lot more questions to be answered which he did gladly. Making sure the Commanders and Pops know what needs to happen now and how this will be changing the course of history in a way none of them even knew could be possible.

—

As the call with Marco ended, Shanks prepared to make his way to the North Blue. He would be getting Law and whoever was with him out of there as soon as possible. Luffy made sure to share what he could share at that moment.

Giggling the entire time when he mentioned Law being Sengoku’s adopted grandson and the headache the man would be getting from the knowledge he was now ‘officially’ related to Garp. And through him to Newgate, in a way, so there were so many ties there it wasn’t even funny.

The Strawhats currently on Dawn, those being Zoro, Usopp, Robin, and Nami, just laughed at it. It was nice to see Luffy’s mind working in a way not a lot of people saw it. For all that he appeared a little slow at times, he was there when it mattered. On top of it all, people didn’t expect these things from him, they were told he was slow and a goofball, which made their victory all the more sweeter.

Ace and Sabo were still adjusting to this side of Luffy, he was and always would be their little brother. But he was also a Captain in his own right and a damn good one at that. It was clear in the way they behaved, and while Luffy was more than happy to take a step back there they were being confronted with how much Luffy grew in their time apart. This wasn’t the cry-baby they had come to know the first time around. This was the Emperor Strawhat Luffy, who had gotten the World Government on their knees and would have won had they not played dirty.

Crocodile and Dragon had much the same reaction. Especially once they both remembered and Dragon made his way to Alabasta to pick up his ex-partner (and seeing as she remembered and would be making her way there anyway, Robin) to talk about the son neither of them raised that still saw them as Nakama in a way they didn’t expect.

Robin offered her perspective there, “He does everything like he wants to, and in his mind the things you did were to make him the man he is today. There is nothing to forgive, but you gave him life, and when he needed you, the both of you were there to help him.”

Luffy had verified that when they asked, mentioning that he didn’t know how to act around them as he never did have parents growing up. He didn’t need them anymore, but he did want them around for no other reason then to have the possibility. Additionally, or so he added, he liked them both a lot and knew what they had wanted to do in the end, making him respect them in a way to make this work even if it was awkward for both of them.

That isn’t to say that this was the most awkward meeting for all of them, that one was reserved for Bell-Mere, when Jinbei brought her to Dawn with Nami and Nojiko. She had gotten some background from Nami, but her marine training did kick in at the sight of so many Pirates or Outlaws in one place.

None of them held it against her, although Nami did slip out of her hold to throw herself at Luffy and Zoro. Giggling the whole time as they hugged her one after the other. People didn’t often know this, but for the longest time it had been the three of them. Before Usopp and Sanji joined they both showed her not all pirates were bad and that she should be able to have her own life and her own choices. Them setting her free not long after also helped, despite taking on fishman, with Luffy at a disadvantage because of water and Zoro still hurt from his fight with Mihawk, they still won.

“I have no idea what to even say or do now”, The former Marine had stated.

Several of the other adults had laughed at that, with her own daughter mentioning that one didn’t say or do anything, but moved along with the whirlwind that was Monkey D. Luffy.

That statement got a lot more cheering, as even Uta couldn’t hide the fact that despite wanting something Luffy would put a stop to it if he didn’t want you to do so. She didn’t share the whole story, but did mention she had done something stupid and Luffy had made sure she too got a second chance despite everything.

The boy in question just grinned brightly before tugging her into his side, hugging her close and showing those that did not know Monkey D. Luffy just how much he valued his Nakama and his Family. Ace and Robin added that the little shit would (and could) go up against the World Government if needed and win each and every time.

Dragon, obviously, was very proud of that. Grinning ear to ear, before gushing to Wani that he was proud of the fact that Luffy seemed to breathe revolution and all they would need to do in the future was follow along in his path and see it all sort themselves out. Wani just rolled his eyes, but agreed nonetheless. It had taken time, but one perspective had given him a lot in the end, much more than he would ever be able to get if he had stuck to his own plans. The family he had thought lost returning also helped in that regard, as he hated to be alone (something Luffy also had) and knew, without a doubt, that those days were over from now on.

Chapter Text

Law didn’t need the reminder of why he hated the cold so much.

He was back in North Blue, even though he could swear he was in the New World not too long ago. He was tiny too, a child instead of the man who had passed thirty. The only thing that did go for him was the fact that Cora-san was here with him. He could hear him explaining what they needed to do to get him out of there.

Looking at his hands, he grimaces at the scars that are obviously on there. Not even thinking before he’s calling on a small room and getting the Amber Lead Disease out of himself. Glancing at Cora-son and taking out the bullets in there too. He can’t do more, but he can make sure that they have a fighting chance this time around. There is also no chance in Hell he is going to go to the Marines when no one would listen and the one that did had been a mole the entire time.

“Law”, he could hear the awe in Cora-san’s voice but he wouldn’t let up. Shaking his head, before sighing as he could feel the strain. Just because he knew how he could use his powers didn’t mean that he could keep them up.

Sighing, he sinks back in the snow, letting the cold seeping into his bones remind him of where they are. A slight smile on his lips at the smile on Cora-san’s face.

Looking around, he knows they need to go, “We need to get off of Minion Island. One of the Marines who arrived here just now is a Mole for Doffy. If he finds out…”

Luckily, he doesn’t need to expand on that. Standing and helping the man protecting him stand as well. Looking towards the East, knowing that it is where he needs to be. But right now, seeing as they are still in the North Blue, he needs to get the first members of his crew. Sachi, Pinguin and Bepo would be on the next island. All three of them were kidnapped by slavers for the fact that they were at least half-mink. He had no idea what happened, but he did know that it had something to do with Luffy. Knowing the man, he also knew that Luffy saw his crew as Nakama as well. Given that the Pirate King loved it so much, Law had the idea that Nakama was what made them be able to remember.

“We need to get to the next island”, Law muttered as he made his way to the docks. He didn’t know if there would be another ship leaving. But last time there had been a merchant here that went from island to island. If something similar was going on, they had their way off of the island.

For the time being, Cora-san seemed to be going with whatever Law was saying. Might be a good thing as Law has no idea how to start explaining all of this.

It is about to get even harder to explain, as there is no merchant there, but there is another ship waiting for them. For just a moment, he wonders what is going on for Germa 66 to be here. He does not have the patience to deal with Judge, and even less grace, he had gotten close to the Strawhats before and to hear what the man had done to Sanji and his siblings never did sit well with him. Knowing the bastard had taken away their free will, used them as if they were toy soldiers instead of his children. Luffy had been merciless the next time they ran into them all and obliterated the former King together with Zoro.

He’s just about to use his devil fruit to get them away when a head of pink hair peaks out, “Law! I had hoped it was you!”

Gaping as Vinsmoke Reiju steps onto the docks, a smile on her face as if she hadn’t just stepped off of a Germa 66 ship. She looks a lot younger than he remembers her being, but after Judge died she and the other parts of the quadruplets were free and joined the fleet. They would, without a doubt, be Nakama and given that they’re in the same Sea that means they’re unexpected allies he didn’t think he’d want or need.

“Reiju… How…”

She shrugs, “Luffy, no doubt…”, making him nod in agreement. Even after ten years of knowing the man and dating him for close to 8, he’ll never get used to the fact that Monkey D. Luffy can bend the rules of physics as if they are nothing. There is no doubt that he’s behind this all, and in part it helps that he isn’t alone in this.

Smiling, she steps forward, “I have a surprise for you”, she utters. Before his eyes widen and his crew comes out of the ship. Pinguin and Sachi in awe (they love the Sora comics as much as he does) no doubt having a lot of fun seeing it all around them. Bepo sees his first, smiling widely before he’s running towards Law with a yelled, “Captain!”

He welcomes the hug, relishes in it even. He had missed his best friend, had missed all of his friends and crew. They had been with him, but none of them ever strayed far from the Strawhats after Luffy leveled Blackbeak’s base to get them all back. To be this far away is daunting, but at least he isn’t all alone.

Glancing at the Germa ship, Law sees how damaged it looks, turning back to Reiju with a tilted eyebrow. She shrugs, “It’s just the boys and me, Judge is left at the same place we found Bepo and the other two, so probably not alive anymore. This isn’t the kind of ship that can be steered with the four of us.”

Grumbling, as that had been his escape plan. He sighed, before looking his crew over. They had been hurt last time, but seemed to be relatively healthy all things considered. Remembering the way those slavers had been willing to protect their assets, it’s a given that Judge is dead. Maybe a good thing too, as he might not have made it long once the Alliance gets to him.

As he’s looking over his crew, the duadruplets appear, without one particular person. Turning to Reiju again, “Sanji?”

She shakes her head, “He left some time ago, but I’m certain we’ll find him as soon as we make it to East Blue. I don’t know exactly when he finds Zeff, but that should be around now, shouldn’t it?”

Law ponders on that, he has no idea if that’s the case or not. He knows that Sanji leaves Germa as to not die locked in a dungeon, boards an ocean liner and finds Zeff when the former pirate robs the place. Luffy knows the full story but all Law knows was that it was traumatizing to say the least and had the blond unwilling to leave Zeff’s side at the start.

They’re all standing on the docks again, which is when Cora-san speaks once more, “Law, what in the everloving fuck is going on?”

Turning back to his guardian, Law grins rather sheepishly, “Well… That’s kind of a long story…”

Cora looks unimpressed, his eyebrow tilted up. Holding a hand to his chest as he still had bullet holes in there. Law cursed, but before he could say anything, he turned to Reiju, “Is there any way your ship can take us away from here? We can’t be here when Doflamingo comes.”

She shakes her head, sighing at the fact that they’re all stranded here now.

At the choking sound coming from Cora, Law turns back to look at the blond, “I promise I’ll explain, but I also want to make sure that you’re taken care of and none of those wounds get infected.”

To his surprise, Cora shakes his head and points at something, palling as he does so. For a second Law believes them to be too late, that Doffy had arrived. So when he looks up and sees red sails, he grins widely, “Shanks!”

“Why does that make you happy”, Cora yelled, “He’s close to being an Emperor and as much as I believe we might have a chance against some adults he isn’t someone we can take on right now!”

The Hearts (future Hearts) and the Vinsmokes all snort at that, before Law is shaking his head, “Because Shanks is an ally. I have no doubt that Luffy sent him here as he can’t get out of the East. On top of that, other adults in the know are either in the New World or shouldn’t be seen here.”

It’s clear that Cora doesn’t believe him, not even as the Red Force docks and Shanks steps off (still sporting both hands) with a wide grin as he takes them all in standing there. His eyes roaming over them as he snorts, “What a family reunion this is…”

Eyes widening, Law doesn’t even have to look up to see the blond kid scampering off of the ship and towards his sister and brothers. For as much as Sanji didn’t know what to do about his brothers for a long time, they did grow close after Judge stopped being a problem. He also sees the way Sanji looks haunted and knows that this might be why Zeff has a peg leg. He glances up at Shanks once the man comes closer, looking away from the Vinsmoke reunion.

“I take it Luffy asked you to come”, he asks. Shanks nodded, “Yeah, you and blondie there were the main objectives. With your crew a close second. But I picked up Anchor’s cook and Red-Leg on the way here so seeing the other parts of the Curlies are here might be a good thing. That gives the whole of his East blue Crew being on Dawn.”

Sanji pulls back, “They’re all already there?”

Nodding, Shanks grins, “Zoro said something of all in order too? No idea what that means.”

It’s clear Sanji does, as he snorts and shakes his head. Greeting Law finally, before doing the same to the Hearts and hugging his siblings close again soon after. With a nod from Shanks, he leads them all onto the Red Force. That leaves Cora, Law and Shanks standing there, with the redhead looking at Cora with a slight smile.

“You want to know what is going on, Donquixote Rosinante, is that a New Pirate King was crowned at one point and he didn’t like that he had lost most of his Nakama so he came back. Luffy remembered when he ate his fruit and as he expected to be elsewhere freaked out when I approached, letting out a wave of haki that is making his Nakama remember. We’re changing the playing field as we go and you’re a part of that given who you are in Law’s eyes”, the soon-to-be Emperor stated. That easy smile never leaves his face. He grins at Law as he adds, “Of course, given who Luffy is to Law, it’s no surprise he sent me here to come and get you.”

Flushing, Law looks away, “As if he isn’t your nephew. I think the only one who can ask more of you would be Ace, given the would-be relationship. But you weren’t afraid to throw in everything to protect him, so why wouldn’t you protect me in turn.”

Shanks grinned as he touched the shoulder of his left arm, “Didn’t need to do that this time around as Anchor had two very overprotective brothers and a sister to beat the crap out of the mountain bandit. We’ve also started planning as Marco, Kat and King also know and are acting accordingly.”

Whistling low at hearing that, Law nods, before looking back at Cora, “I’ll tell you the full story once we’re on the Red Force, if Captain Shanks allows it.”

Cora doesn’t seem to believe him, but he does allow Law to take his hand and lead him onto the Red Force once Shanks gives the ok. He might not be a Captain on his own right now, but he will one day and he doesn’t think disrespecting his in-laws will be a good start. Plus he just wants to get onto the ship and to the infirmary. Looking on as they enter and get lead there, happy to note that this is where Hongo takes over to lead them to a spare cot, next to where Zeff is lying hooked up to an IV and a heart monitor. He looks up from where Sanji is introducing his siblings, looking surprised but nodding once at the people entering the room.

Staying close, Law finally realizes that they’re safe and just passes out. The usage of his devil fruit in this capacity didn’t do him a lot of good and he knows that regardless of what happens now, Shanks would be keeping them all safe with his crew. Once they’re in the East things will get easier, but for now he knows that he can sleep.

Chapter Text

Law woke with a gasp, needing a moment to realize that he wasn’t still on Minion Island. On top of that, he was warm, laying on a cot in an infirmary he didn’t recognize. Looking at his hands, seeing them without his signature tattoos and without the scars he got out at sea, he knows that this hasn’t been a dream.

“Law”, Sanji is at his side in an instant, obviously having looked out for Zeff where the older blond is sleeping. Coming to stand next to Law and placing his hand on his shoulder, “You’re safe, we’re on the Red Force and Beck came to tell me we should be back in the East Blue in a matter of days.”

A sigh of relief leaves his lips, before he’s rubbing a hand over his eyes and looking around, “Cora?”

Sanji points at the cot next to Law, “Hongo took the bullets out after you lost conciousness and they needed to sedate you. He was freaking out, but you were fine compared to him. I think you still have some of your disease left, but it’s by no means as much as it was.”

Nodding at that, Law slowly gets up and looks at Zeff, “What happened to him?”

There is a frown on Sanji’s face before he shares what happened to the both of them and what Zeff had done to survive. How he had eaten his own leg in an effort to give Sanji all the food that was left from their tumble in the sea. It’s clear as day that Sanji carries this with him wherever he goes, no doubt even in the original timeline as he knew that the cook had been very reluctant to leave the Baratie. Knowing what he knew now, Law was surprised to know that so many of the Strawhats carried so much baggage with them.

Glancing at the blond, Law grinned, “You know that was his choice, you know? He’s the adult here, Sanji-ya.”

The blond just looked away, sadness obviously in his eyes. He must have been carrying this with him for a long time and since Luffy nor Zoro were here, it would be up to Law to get him out of his funk. He was certain Zeff had known what he was doing when he took off his own leg to eat, not very sanitary but Law had hidden in between corpses to get out of Flevence so he wasn’t going to point that out. But the matter stood, Sanji had been a child, both times, he hadn’t remembered at first either or this wouldn’t have happened most likely. But they were on the Red Force and Hongo was one of the best doctors they knew.

Pursing his lips, Law opens his arms, “I know I’m not Luffy, but I’m more than willing to give you a h-”, he hadn’t even finished speaking before he had Sanji in his arms. Pressing his face into Law’s shoulder. While he wasn’t that big a fan of hugs and physical touch, one had to get used to some of it if you dated Monkey D. Luffy.

Waiting until he could feel Sanji calming down, Law asked where his siblings and the Hearts were. Finding out that Shanks had led them to one of the unused rooms upstairs for some sleep. Sanji had wanted to stay here to keep an eye on Zeff. The now-retired pirate had been aware of who sailed the seas and had been a bit on edge once Shanks picked them up.

Snorting as he looked at Cora, Law nodded, “Cora-san was on edge too. But then again, he had been prepared to take on Doffy, not to deal with an Emperor.”

Sanji laughed at that too, “I still need to tell Zeff the whole story, he knows parts of it but I don’t really know how to go about telling him about it all. About Luffy and Zoro, and the crew. About all of our adventures and the All Blue, the dishes I learned to make especially with a Captain who is a D and a devil fruit user.”

They talk until they’re almost falling asleep, with Sanji taking a cot in between Zeff and Law, falling asleep almost instantly while Law needs a little more time. But he’s safe and that’s something that he needs right now. Given everything there aren’t a lot of people who could handle Shanks right now, and those that do are on their side of this conflict anyway so that helps in not having to look over his shoulder all the damn time. Knowing that he’ll be making his way to Luffy also helps, he hadn’t wanted to admit it at first, but he had truly found his soulmate in the Pirate King and wouldn’t give that up for all the Gold in the world.

—

The following morning, Shanks and Beck bring food on trays down to the infirmary with Sanji’s siblings and Law’s Hearts following behind the redhead.

As soon as breakfast is spread out and both Zeff and Cora are awake as well and seated at the makeshift table, Shanks takes out a den den mushi and dials. Waiting patiently until a deep voice answers, “Shanks.”

The redhead grins, “Dragon, any chance your son is there too.”

Luffy, no doubt sensing he was needed, took the Snail from his father, “Shanks! Did you find Torao, is he ok? What about Mingo’s brother, did you find him? Is everyone ok, when are you expected back?”

He went on like that for a while, until someone finally interrupted him when he needed to breathe. Law laughed at that, which had Luffy beaming as shown on the snail, “Law! Shanks found you!”

Nodding, he leaned in, “He did, together with Cora, so we’re all safe and sound on the Red Force. I don’t know if he told you but he also picked up a stray.” His eyes directed at Sanji, who snorted before greeting his captain, who went ballistic at that.

“Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Robin! Shanks found Sanji too, does that mean that the Old Man is there too? Did he still lose his leg? Are you ok, Sanji”, he asked in such a Luffy tone that the Hearts and the Vinsmokes, as well as Shanks and Beck looked at the snail with a soft look in their eyes. This was the man who would become Pirate King but to all of them he was their Savior in one way or another.

A giggle came from Luffy’s side before a voice he had heard before spoke, “Luffy, you need to let them answer and you need to breathe.”

Sanji’s eyes grew wide, before he looked at Shanks in wonder, “Uta-chan?”

The singer giggled again, “Hello again, Sanji-san, Law-san, I’m here on Dawn with Luffy, Ace and Sabo. Ooh, and Deuce, he’s here too together with Zoro, Usopp, Robin and Nami.”

Everyone chimed in as their name was called, before Luffy took over mentioning that his parents were here too. Resulting in Crocodile and Dragon chiming in as well, followed by Robin who had joined Crocodile and Dragon when she remembered and the couple mentioned making their way to Dawn.

It appeared that the Strawhats were slowly coming together. A good thing too, as the world wouldn’t quite be ready for them. Especially with the people that had their backs. Dragon and Crocodile notwithstanding, there were the Whitebeard Pirates and Law remembered mentions of Katakuri and King.

Law tilted his head, “By the way, Katakuri and King?”

Shanks snorted, while Luffy just giggled before the redhead shared that Marco called very on edge as King and Katakuri called the Moby Dick to talk to him without him being able to explain it to the other Commanders. They were brought up to date by now, as they couldn’t be seen in the East Blue. But it was funny.

A voice pipped up from Luffy’s side, “Of course you would find it funny, Red, Marco just about tore his hair out trying to find a way to explain it without sounding insane.”

Laughing, Law shook his head, “Isn’t that part of the whole marrying into a D line thing? I know I carry the initial, but Luffy and Sabo, and from what I heard Ace as well, were a whole other brand of crazy.”

The way several people agreed to that had most of them laughing, and while they couldn’t see them, those that knew the brothers were aware all three of them were very proud of the comment.

Cora cleared his throat, “I think I need some context to all of this, how are you all related for one.”

What followed was the insanity that was Luffy’s family unit (as one couldn’t quite call it a family) given the way they were all connected in several ways. Going all the way from Whitebeard (who was Luffy’s grandfather, Ace’s future captain and parental figure, as well as an uncle to Shanks and Buggy), all the way to Uta (Shanks’ adoptive daughter, but biological niece, Luffy’s sister in a way although that was never officially confirmed), Ace (who was Gol D. Roger’s son, Whitebeard’s adopted son, Shanks’ and Buggy’s adopted brother through Roger but would eventually become Marco the Phoenix’ partner. As well as Luffy’s brother) and Sabo (Dragon’s adopted son, Luffy and Ace’s sworn brother and a tie into the Fishman Pirates through Koala). The way they all were linked in at least one way and how all of it revolved around Luffy, which was kind of ironic given his reincarnation of the Sun God.

Everyone not knowing seemed to be reeling, before Cora groaned, “So… That’s why you were able to do this, because you’re Nika’s reincarnation.”

Law was a little shocked that Cora knew about that. But then again, he had grown up in Marigeose at one point and the slaves would preach about Nika and Joy Boy at times to keep their courage. Especially once Tiger Fisher managed to get in and get so many people out. Narrowing his eyes at Shanks, he huffed, “Wasn’t that around the time you went to Marigeose? When Fisher got all those people out?”

Shanks grinned, “Maybe… You can’t prove anything.”

On the other side of the line, Dragon snorted, “He did, called ahead to tell me and everything too. I wasn’t nearby but I managed to get Ray and Shakky involved to deal with the brunt of it. Idiot did forget to call Ray, though, so it was funny to hear that story later on.”

There was another kind of connection there, Law knew, between Dragon and Shanks, but he didn’t mention it. Cora seemed on edge enough by Shanks having gone to Marigeose. Zeff just sat there and listened, he didn’t quite know what to do with all of this it seemed but they didn’t need him for this either. He was here for Sanji and because Luffy liked the guy but in the grand scheme of things he wasn’t a noticeable ally.

Before anything else could be said, Shanks addressed Luffy, “To answer one of your questions, Anchor, we should be making our way to Dawn in a couple of days. The weather is favourable, but I guess Dragon might have something to do with that. Additionally to Law and Sanji, we also bring the other Vinsmoke siblings and the core of the Heart Pirate with us. So Dawn will get crowded.”

None of the others spoke, which had all of them on the Red Force on edge. Until a voice boomed through the snail, “Monkey D. Luffy, what in the everloving sea did you do!?”

Followed by, “Ace, Sabo, all three of you here? Dragon, what the… What is going on? Last I knew I was at New Marineford and then I woke up on the Melody with Bogard asking me what the fuck happened for us to be here.”

Monkey D. Garp had arrived at Dawn and he obviously wanted answers.

Laughing all of the sudden, Law got out, “Ne, Garp-san, now it’s up to you or Cora to tell Sengoku that he’s about to actually be related to you. He might just want to retire prematurely now instead of when all of this goes to shit and back.”

Cora gasped, while Garp needed a moment before connecting the dots and greeting him by name. Luffy just giggled, as did his crew both on Dawn and on the Red Force. Shanks just winced, but greeted the Marine as well. Adding yet another link to an already chaotic family. Law also knew that Cora knew Garp, had grown up with the man, so he did have an idea what this could mean for Sengoku. He did smile though, “It’s been a while, Garp-san.”

“Rosinante! Senny’s been climbing up the walls thinking something happened, so you better check in at one point or another, even if I want to be there when he finds out we’re about to be family. Shows him right, trying to get Ace killed”, he goes on that it won’t happen this time as he’ll be the one putting down a mad dog if anything like that happens. They make sure to tell the marine that things have been set in motion that Teach isn’t a problem anymore so Ace shouldn’t be captured and put up for execution.

Of course, Luffy just cheerfully proclaims he can always bust him out again. Several people object to that, including Law as he still had nightmares about the three times Luffy flat-lined on his table after Marineford.

Chapter Text

The announcement that they were approaching Dawn Island had more than a few people running to the front of the Red Force to see it appearing on the horizon. Knowing that, for them, their family was waiting for them there.

Law had been smiling the whole day, after having been on bed rest until Hongo cleared him he went on to heal himself from Amber Lead Poisoning as to be certain that he didn’t have to deal with that anymore. He offered Hongo help with Cora and Zeff, but the older doctor told him that he shouldn’t strain himself like that. He had the memories of what he needed to do and didn’t need to experiment like he did the first time, but his fruit was still relying on his stamina which wasn’t a lot right now.

Sanji, likewise, had been given some supplements Hongo carried although they would have to wait until they were on Dawn to make sure he had gotten enough to combat the malnourishment he had to battle. Especially once Reiju shared that he had been locked up in a dungeon before he got out of Germa. Making Law hope that Judge was indeed dead or he would make sure the man was 6 feet under as soon as they ran into him in the future.

His Hearts and the other Vinsmoke Siblings were doing well, if slightly on edge at the sight of part of the Strawhat Crew. Especially Zoro, as they did remember the relationship Sanji and the green haired man shared. They hadn’t met him before, not long enough to mean something, but staying on Dawn would mean meeting him for real and getting payback for the way they treated Sanji before.

Cora-san kept being on edge, he did relax slightly now that he knew what was going on but that didn’t take away that he felt like he didn’t belong there. Law already had a talk with him, and he thanked the man for everything that he did. However, he could understand why he felt that was and didn’t hold it against him either. Mentioning that if he wanted to leave with Garp-san at the end that was his choice, even if Law was going to miss him. Just to even the score he did let it slip when the take-over of Dressrosa was happening, as to prepare him or whoever else Sengoku sent to deal with that. Last time the King had been on a rampage and Doffy stepped in, now they could anticipate and make sure he didn’t get the chance to infect the King and make it seem like that.

Zeff on the other hand seemed to relax fully once he knew what was going on. Then again, the man had been a pirate for a while and did indeed confirm he knew Newgate and Roger at one point. Not closely, but he knew what kind of men they were and if his new family was going to be like that he looked forward to what that could bring. Sanji also told him what he had done last time and with everyone on Dawn Island, getting the Baratie up and running wouldn’t be too hard.

Still, standing there on the bow of the ship, Law could feel Luffy reaching out. Haki came their way and it felt so very much like coming home.

Movement at his side showed Sanji, a soft smile on his face, “He’s good at that, isn’t he? Making you feel at home?”

Barking out a laugh, Law nodded, he hadn’t felt at home for a long time. But with Luffy, it was like he didn’t even need to try. The younger man had this influence on him, this warmth, one could like it to the warmth of the sun. The way you relaxed and just enjoyed that first spring sun once things started to warm up again. Which was kind of on point, given his devil fruit.

“He’s like the sun, pulling people into his orbit and no one even notices until it is too late”, Law grinned, “I didn’t mean to become close at Punk Hazard, I just knew what Luffy was capable off after Marineford and seeing him succeed where an Emperor’s crew failed. He seemed like my best bet to take down Doffy, yet… At the end of it all, I didn’t want to leave.”

A sigh had him looking at Sanji again, the blond sharing that he felt much the same at Whole Cake Island. He had wanted to protect his crew more than his family, and in the end, Luffy still came for him, “Stubborn little shit told me he would rather starve over having another cook.”

Wincing, Law knew what food meant to Luffy, so to hear him admit to that made it clear, once more, just how much Nakama and Family meant to him. It was almost reverent as in being counted in that tier of people, it meant you mean the world to him and Luffy isn’t afraid to act against anyone if it is to protect his Nakama.

They were almost at the docks now, when Shanks cursed and stepped forward, “Luffy, don’t even think about it!”

But it was too late, a small hand, accompanied by that familiar rubber sound stretched and attached to the railing of the Red Force before the rest of a pint-sized Monkey D. Luffy followed. Giggling the whole time, grinning brightly at Shanks before he’s officially allowed on board and he has both Sanji and Law wrapped up on one of those suffocating hugs of his, “Law, Sanji, I’m so happy you’re here!”

As they hug him back, they both freeze as he speaks again, “Welcome home.”

Both of them don’t hesitate and give a version of, “I’m home” or “Thanks for having me.” Enjoying the hug while it lasts as Luffy is never one to sit still very long. He’s bouncing around after, hugging Renju and greeting Sanji’s siblings. Doing the same for Law’s Hearts with that familiar grin on his face. Hugging Shanks close and pouting when the older Pirate tries and fails to lecture him on swinging around over open sea as a devil fruit user.

They all know Luffy won’t take that into account. Even years down the line he’ll still be doing this as it’s faster. Even the people on the docks, namely his siblings, biological parents and grandfather chewing him out about the same thing doesn’t get him to stop grinning.

Instead his hand slots into Law’s as he pulls him off of the Red Force and onto the docks, acting as if nothing ever happened until they’re in front of Ace, “Seeing as you two never met before.”

Ace blinks once, shuddering as he remembers why that doesn’t happen, before holding out his hand, “Trafalgar, thanks for taking him out of there and making sure he had an ally to fall back on. Especially as he’s a little shit who doesn’t think things through.”

Luffy just beams brighter as Law takes the hand and shakes it, gives this long sigh and agrees with that statement. Sharing that he’s certain Luffy was the reason he turned grey prematurely last time instead of whatever shit his crew had gotten into. Given that he had run into Teach that one time after he split with Luffy, he didn’t even feel bad about asking him to help break his crew out of there and stick together after.

Sabo snorts, “I know I turned grey, and I had a high risk job still. On top of blonds generally not turning grey, always doing the impossible, don’t you, Lu.”

As Luffy beams even brighter, if that’s even possible, Sabo greets Law as well. They had some moments together in the past as Law was often on the Sunny after he got his crew back from Blackbeard and Luffy got rid of the man. Additionally, even after getting a new ship, he just liked it better and felt that it could benefit him more (plus spending time with Luffy did boost his morale a lot so his crew never found a reason to complain) which led to meeting Luffy’s allies and Nakama more often than not.

Blinking, Law suddenly remembered something, “Did… Did anyone think to check in with the fleet? Especially Barto as he’s in Loguetown.”

Zoro and Sanji, where they had been greeting each other, looked shocked and slightly on edge at the mention of Barto. Shanks on the other hand grinned sharply, he had never quite forgiven the man for burning his flag on his protected islands as he knew Luffy wouldn’t want that. Nami and Robin on the other hand looked shocked that they didn’t think about it. While Sabo, quickly, explained to Ace who Barto was and why he didn’t look forward to seeing the man again. Their first meeting hadn’t gone all that well after all, given that the man had almost stopped him from getting the Mera Mera no Mi.

“He isn’t setting sail just yet”, Luffy announced, “It took him a long time before so I don’t expect things to be much different then before. This is more important anyway…”

If a sigh of relief came from several people no one made a comment on it.

Moving back to Makino’s, they settled down and got introduced or re-introduced to everyone. When it became clear the Vinsmokes, or at least the other parts of the quintuplets, had expected something to be said or done. Instead Luffy just looked them up and down with Zoro a menacing shadow at his back (or as menacing as a 9 year old could be) before a smile was directed at them, “I don’t think we’ll be having issues from now on!”

Relief, once again, noticeable throughout the room.

Zeff seemed to feel right at home, sitting down as soon as Hongo and Limejuice helped him to a chair and elevated his now cut-off leg. It needed to heal a bit more before he could put a peg leg on it. But everything was going the right way.

Which left only Cora who looked out of his depth and willingly shuffled closer to Garp and Bogard where the two older men were seated. The Vice-Admiral looked around and just sighed, “Well, asking you to be marines seems kind of moot now.”

His three grandsons look at him as if he lost his mind, even Dragon looked on edge as if they’re all wondering how he can say things like that after everything.

Sighing, the old man grumbles, “Is it too much to ask for that? If there is a New Marine Unit at least, you’d all fit in great there.”

Dragon snorts, “I think we’re all caught up on the current one, dad. Some things linger and I know all of us found out the hard ways that the Marines as they currently are, are not the way they should be. None of us can help there, I sure as hell can’t go back nor do I want to and the boys would be haunted for nothing else but their parentage. None of us are joining the marines, not now, not ever.”

Garp sighs again and for a moment they are all on edge to see if he truly did want them to go that route again. It was scary, slightly nerve wracking and mostly just downright insane. Only for the man to shrug, “I’ll just wait for Coby and Helmeppo then, if we’re counting family by choice they get to be my marine grandsons.”

Luffy rolls his eyes at that, “Scared us half to dead old man.”

That got him a fist of love, not that it hurt that much given his own haki to counter. But it was the thought that counted. Still, some more plans needed to be set in motion, especially with Buggy back in Orange Town and Jinbei back in Fishman Island. It would take a while, but they would manage just fine. Things were changing and that’s all they could want currently.

Chapter Text

As it was, given how they were planning on doing things, Garp left on important marine business. While everyone was well aware that it was to sulk as no one had jumped on the opportunity to become Marines this time around. Still, no one was even surprised when he returned a couple of days later with Helmeppo and Koby in tow.

The latter, also only seven, had known how to make his way to Shell Town once he did regain his memories. As an orphan (and the main reason no one even missed him when he found his way onto Alvida’s ship) he didn’t have ties to anyone. Helmeppo was already there too, at 13, with his father as the newly minted leading officer of the Marine Office there. He wasn’t corrupt yet but Garp had taken great pleasure in making sure it stayed that way as well. Offering to train his son, and the little pink brat he had picked up, so Morgan could worry about his base and the people he was supposed to protect.

It also added two more links to their ever growing family, showing those that hadn’t noticed before, just how easy Luffy made new connections and friends.

Luffy just giggled, and hugged Koby as the pink haired boy appeared. Pulling him along to introduce him to everyone while Helmeppo oddly enough stayed at Zoro’s side. For all that they hadn’t had the best start, the two of them had gotten rather close before they were all brought back.

Shanks and Dragon were also quite interested in the future marine, they had both known he had stood up against Akainu of all people after Marineford and had made a lasting impression on several people at that point. Garp just beamed at that, announcing that Koby was the future of the Marines, after all.

To make sure they weren’t targeted too soon, Garp asks Makino if she minded looking after the two boys as well. She didn’t, but it did bring her to another issue she had been thinking about, “I don’t have that much room, though. It’s a tight fit with everyone as is and half of the adults are sleeping here in the bar or on their ships.”

Her gaze runs over Luffy and the people around him, “Knowing Luffy, we can expect others to also pop up before he sets out and I don’t know how to go about doing that.”

Dragon is the one to come with a solution, scoffing and glaring at his father as he spoke, “The Monkey home still sits empty, if we go and clean that up it should have more than enough room. Last I knew it had been an inn at one point, some generations back, so it’s built to hold a lot of people. Seriously dad, that you didn’t think about that.”

Garp huffs, “Forgot about it, no one is ever there.”

Throwing up his hands, Dragon grumbled but led them all to the residence on the outskirts of town. Giving them all a project to work on, as it had been out of use for a while now. But between everyone currently present (and able to put in some work) they would get it cleaned and fixed up in no time.

The mere concept that they would all be able to live in the same house (opposed to a treehouse or a ship) was quite the adventure for the kids. Luffy especially looked elated at the prospect and ran inside to do whatever needed to be done. Starting with opening up each and every window so his parents could make sure all the dust and debris was blown out so the damage could be measured. Which, at the end of it all, didn’t seem to be too much.

At the end of the day, and with the materials available to them in Windmill Village, the Grey Terminal or the forests, it was an easy fix. Leading to all of them making their way to the Monkey Inn (Luffy’s amazing naming choice) to rest under the same roof.

Crocodile and Dragon mentioned they would need to go and check up on their own organisations soon anyway. But they’d keep an eye out, with Crocodile promising to give Makino’s snail number to Vivi when he saw them next. Rolling his eyes rather fondly before mentioning he had no intention of ambition to take over Alabasta as he knew what was coming.

Luffy pouted at hearing that, but knew that given their plans there would be a change in adult supervision from now on. Not everyone could be seen on Dawn Island, if they brought too much attention to them right now all could be for nothing.

That was also the main reason they were making plans to be away from there when the Celestial Dragon came to visit. For one, Outlook would be looking for Sabo again, and no one wanted to have a repeat of what happened last time. Secondly, Shanks shared that there might be a God Knight on board of that ship and if it was the wrong one, that could spell trouble as well. As such, Buggy would be coming to pick everyone on Dawn up about a week before that was supposed to happen, while Dragon would be there to keep an eye on Dawn and get everyone in the Grey Terminal out before the fire was lit.

Ace, Sabo and Luffy all too happy to share details as to what had happened, before muttering about what happened with Bluejam before. Making sure the man wouldn’t be able to get to them this time around. None of them were adding to their Pirate Fund either, but with the knowledge they had, as well as the connections that were either forming or already set, they would be just fine.

Deuce, Nami and Uta could be seen gaping at the brothers, asking themselves and the three of them how it was that they were still alive after everything they went through. The other Strawhats just nodded, all of them aware that Luffy was just different. It made sense that his older brothers would be just the same in that regard.

Dragon and Crocodile on the other hand pulled Garp to the side to chew him out, as this was not what they had expected to hear after letting the Old Man raise him. To know that currently he was more present then he had been before didn’t add to that either. Leading to some tense moments, before Luffy was the one to comfort his parents that it made him into the man he had been before. No one had the heart to tell him that it shouldn’t have happened and they had hoped he would have a happy childhood.

“But I did, Makino took great care of me and it made him meet Shanks! On top of that Ace and Sabo wouldn’t have been my brothers if nothing happened, so I can’t be mad about that either.” He beams, and all of them are being reminded that this sunshine boy went through so much and still was able to smile so brightly. As the smile faded a little, Luffy’s eyes were tinted red as he admitted that some things just need to happen.

Law, of all people, snorted at that, “Right, baby God in the making…”

Several people looked shocked to hear that, which had the Strawhats and Law explaining that the fruit Luffy ate wasn’t the Gumo Gumo no Mi. But rather the Hito Hito no Mi: Model Nika, which is why the World Government had been so adamant to get to him last time and why they were doing everything to make sure that didn’t happen.

Sabo gaped, before giggling, “No wonder there is revolution in your wake, baby bro. I never even connected the links there and I did see your bounty poster and knew Kuma’s religion.”

Zoro and Sanji added, “There is a reason we had such a huge fleet too, and additional people who we called Nakama. Katakuri just wanted freedom from the get-go, so knowing what Luffy was and what he brought once Big Mom was taken out of the picture had him setting out and declaring his alliance to us close to getting to Raftel. Alber was different, but with Kaido gone he was left directionless, so finding out that the God of his People was around again made him do the same thing. Marco also knew, but then again his Zoan is also a Mythological so they’re somewhat connected, or that’s how he explained it back then.”

Ace hummed there, explaining that he had several conversations about their devil fruits with Marco. How it was different between a Logia and a Zoan. He could get lost in his element, could become fire or take fire into him and use that in a lot of ways. But if he stretched too thin he’d lose his humanity.

Marco on the other hand had a whole different person, or bird in his case, living in his head who he could talk to and who pointed in one direction or the next. It was a whole different experience and one that was very interesting to think about.

Law added that he didn’t have that, but his own devil fruit was made to be used by a doctor and it showed what he could do with it. In terms of temperament Paramecia were easier to control as there was no soul or element attached to it. Logia did have the element part and was different to use there. Zoans were dangerous, as there had been people who got lost in their instincts or otherwise out of control.

Giggling, Luffy tilted his head, “I didn’t use to hear him before, only after Wano happened, when I awakened. But I’ve been hearing him all the time since I came back, I know I can’t use gear 5 just yet, my body can’t handle it, but I’ll be able to use it much sooner than before.”

“Let’s make sure you don’t die this time to unlock it”, Nami uttered.

Of course, as not everyone had been aware of that piece of information, several people looked at Luffy with despair in their eyes, “You died!?”

He nodded, “For a moment, a CP0 agent interfered with my fight with Kaido and I took too much head on. Apparently, or so I’ve been told, they had been given orders by the Elder Stars to take me out of the fight by any means necessary."

Sabo whined, “How did you find that out, we haven’t been able to get any information of communications between CP0 and the Elder Stars.”

Grinning, Luffy shared that Lucci told him. After he managed to beat the man again, and had that fight with the Five Elders on Egghead. Certain things were shared and kept in the archives on the Sunny for when they needed it again. It showed a lot of things, and made a whole plethora of others clear to those that hadn’t been aware of it before.

Usopp snorted, “I think you shocked them, Captain, no one ever expects you to be this smart about it given the image you portray to the outside world.” To those looking shocked, he adds, “Luffy is a lot smarter than he lets on at times, but he also knows that it’s easier to be underestimated, which is something he learned from Shanks. In fact, even after his promotion to Emperor, people still didn’t take him seriously and it got him the victories he needed in a lot of cases.”

After a second, he added, “It also helps that he doesn’t stay down for long.”

Ace and Sabo agreed there, commenting that Luffy never did stay down the stubborn little shit. It was frustrating as hell, and somewhat awe inspiring if he managed to get stronger faster this time around they could hardly wait to see what he could do by the time he did set out.

Pouting, Luffy muttered that he had to hold back. With Arlong already taking care of and Buggy part of the family, that only left Alvida, Kuro and Don Krieg to deal with once he set out. Making him fear that his starting bounty would be a lot smaller than before.

More than one person snorted or laughed at that, trusting Luffy to see the downside of that and be disappointed there as well.

If, later that day, several of the people there hugged him a little tighter, no one said anything. The Strawhats had been aware of what happened but not everyone had been privy to that. Knowing that the center of their little family had died would come as a shock to many of them. Crocodile and Dragon took a little longer to say their goodbyes too, asking Luffy to please not give them a heart attack anytime soon (not after finding out what had happened today) before they left with the promise to check in soon.

Chapter Text

With all that knowledge shared and the notion that they had a plan in place at least for the near future. It became clear that they could relax, if only for a little bit, while they made sure they were ready to deal with what came next.

After Dragon and Crocodile left, Shanks also mentioned he needed to go back to the New World. Shiki was still at large and currently held the spot of Emperor, which wasn’t something they all wanted to keep going. Nami, of all people, shuddered before sharing that the man was a creep and Luffy made sure he stayed out of the game after kidnapping her. If anything, that made sure that the former Rocks Pirate would be dealt with sooner rather than later. It was known after Rocks fell that he kept on looking for glory which was one of the reasons he kept clashing with Roger.

“Once in the New World I’ll make sure to check up on allies too, so if there is anything you need them to know or to give to them let me know now as I don’t think we’ll be coming back to the East soon”, he frowned. Kind of on edge that he couldn’t be here to see the kids grow up, he's willing to wait though and knew that between the Whitebeard Pirates, Alber and Katakuri, they would be just fine.

The only thing he wasn’t looking forward to was seeing Ray again. He wonders why the man didn’t reach out yet. But then again, given the memories he no doubt got he’s certain that Buggy is still mad while Shanks is down an arm.

Glancing at Luffy, he sighs, before setting the Strawhat on his head with a smile, “I think this was always more your crown then it was mine. Take care of it?”

Luffy beamed, “I will, but let’s not make the promise of only seeing each other after I become a great pirate.”

Laughing, Shanks shakes his head, “I think that ship sailed, Anchor. You already are, you just can’t set out yet. But my gut is telling me that given everything that is set to happen, you’ll get there in no time flat.”

Several people cheered at that, all of them well aware that things would be going differently this time around. The Strawhats especially were aware of the support they had this time around. There would be no need to just go easy, not when a lot of things that were going on were points they were aware of. There were still a lot of people missing, but they would turn up at one point or another, right now the main concern was keeping it all under wraps.

As they sailed out, Shanks and his crew waved them off. Especially now that things were going so differently. Law was there in case Bachina became ill again, Bell-Mére wouldn’t be shot this time around and could watch on as her daughters grew up. In fact, both Bachina and Bell-Mére had gone back to their home islands once to pack up and get everything back to Dawn. The Monkey Inn made it clear they would all be staying here and once the kids did set out, it would be easier to keep this as a homebase to keep track of everything and to stay in one place so there was a home to come back to.

Mikan trees had been planted at the back of the Inn, where Nami, Nojiko and Bell-Mére took care of them like they had done on Cocoyashi. Arlong was a thing of the past now too, although the sight of fishmen had gotten them all on edge for a little while.

Usopp, already close with Kaya this time around, had told her everything before leaving. Getting her den den mushi number before letting Jinbei take him to Dawn, so they could stay in touch. She knew what to watch out for, as Kuro hadn’t shown his face. Even if they had Garp also looking out for them as to not make the same mistake as last time.

—

As for the other Strawhats, Jinbei had checked in at Water 7 with Franky. Mentioning that the man did remember but wanted to stay there to work on the Sunny and to make sure that regardless of what happened he could protect his brother if CP9 went undercover again.

Luffy agreed to it rather fast, telling Franky to give his regards to Iceburg and mention a couple of things that would be needed in the Sunny this time around. Such as private rooms and some guest rooms. They had no real need for them last time, but given how things were going they might need them now.

“Leave it to me, Captain, I’ll get her all ready to sail by the time you get here. Going by what we know that’ll probably be sooner than last time, no”, the shipwreck asked.

Humming, Luffy tilted his head, “Don’t know yet… I don’t plan on setting out until I’m seventeen this time around unless something does come up and we need to leave. I also don’t know for sure who is coming with us this time around so the little ship I had last time won’t cut it.”

Franky grumbled, “I’ll see about making my way to you all then, as the little caravel you had last time was a gift, was it not?”

Usopp answered that one, but without knowing if they had to deal with Kuro there was no guarantee that they would be sailing the Going Merry once more. With everything there might be a couple of stops they could skip all together. On top of all of that, there were a lot less notorious pirates left in the East Blue right now, so their bounties would be done differently this time around.

Something that had Luffy pouting, before Ace pointed out that his bounty only started climbing after Loguetown with Isuka on his tail. Deuce added that she just made sure to note everything he did and before there wasn’t a lot to do in East Blue. Sabo went to add that he didn’t have a bounty until after Dressrosa, but it was quite a lot by then. Grinning brightly as he told Ace his had been higher too. Which ended up being a whole ass discussion until Luffy put a stop to it mentioning that his Bounty at the end had been over 4 Billion.

Robin, looking up from where she was filling notebooks with the information she did remember or what one of the other Strawhats or allies shared grinned brightly that they could go about gaining fame as soon as they set out regardless. “Your bounty will climb soon enough, Captain, and like Sabo and Dragon-san said, once you do set out Revolution and Liberation will follow you along regardless , so I'm sure the World Government will act accordingly.”

Luffy beamed at that, making more than one person giggle at how easy it was to make him happy with whatever was going on. Making him turn back to the snail call with Franky and mention that coming their way with the Sunny might be a good idea. It would still be ten years though.

Jimbei also checked in again, mentioning that he had gone to get Brook out of the Florian Triangle, but it seemed that someone had been there before him. Perona was also gone, meaning that it was most likely Mihawk who had done that.

A quick call to Buggy verified that as the blue haired man just called Mihawk to ask and was answered promptly that he had done as much. The Swordsman also added that he would be in the East Blue soon, having checked in with Shanks about what was going on and wanting to be there to help Zoro get started. Buggy let him know to come to Orange Town, as they were expecting a Celestial Dragon to arrive in a few weeks’ time and no one wanted to deal with that shit right now.

—

As expected, the moment that the Nobles started to behave differently Buggy was there to get all of them off of Dawn and to Orange Town. Looking over his shoulder the entire time, mentioning that he felt being watched.

Luffy hummed, before mentioning that it was a Marine Ship that had been tailing him but didn’t seem to want to engage. Tilting his head before grinning, “It’s Smokey!”

Those familiar with the White Hunter sighed in relief, with Helmeppo and Koby even smiling. They had fond memories of the man, and knew him to be someone who could be a New Marine once they got to topple the World Government. Additionally, it seemed that they had been sent by Garp to keep an eye on things.

Smoker shared as much after asking permission to board, and eventually boarding the Big Top away from Dawn, “Garp asked me to keep an eye out, given that we know what is going on and wanting to keep you safe until you set out for real.”

His cigars in his mouth, before he greeted Bell-Mére and Rosinante. The both of them had been known, and even now that they were retired they held a grip on the Marines that not a lot of people expected to find. His eyes kept looking at Luffy too, almost as if he didn’t know what to think of the boy. Which was fair, most people around didn’t know how to act around Luffy, he knew things no one else did and with everything he knew and had been able to do he was in tune with his devil fruit and the Voice of all Things to the point that he knew what was going to happen. Additionally, and not everyone knew that, he and Luffy had their moments where they helped each other out despite being on opposite sides.

“It’s weird seeing him this young”, he muttered to Rosinante one time, looking over all of the kids sleeping on the deck of the Big Top, “Last time he had been seventeen and a terror. Dragon stopped me from arresting him and I kept chasing him all the way to Marineford.” He grimaces, “That’s something that never should have happened either, what a joke that was.”

Weirdly attuned to it all, Luffy sat up, “Gramps asked you to keep an eye out in the hopes that SWORD can be a thing much sooner. Last time it was founded after Marineford as a lot of people were lost because of stupid choices and it became clear that those of the brass in the Marines were more interested in following the word of inbred fools compared to protecting people.”

Looking out at sea, he added, “That’s the main reason dad deserted the Marines, as he had been one. A recruit during God Valley, and I know he never truly got over it. He might not tell me, but I can hear it in his Voice. You’re a good Marine, Smokey, so why not see about making that a thing.”

When the rest of them woke up and saw Smoker looking at Luffy as if he had twisted his whole world view, everyone giggled, “Luffy effect?”

Smoker just nodded, before asking Koby if he still remembered who had been a member of SWORD last time and how they could go about recruiting them again. Without the fiasco that was Marineford.

Several people agreed, looking at Ace as they said that they weren’t going to let that happen this time around. Luffy most of all, as he promised he’d go all out this time and make sure they knew that he was the bigger treat.

Once in Orange Town, they all settled in to wait until the Celestial Dragon passed and made their way back to Marigeose. Dragon would let them know when that was the case, no doubt popping in when he had the chance to make sure that everyone was indeed safe.

Mihawk arrived not a day after they did, bringing Brook and Perona with him. Greeting those he had known on a more personal level, before dragging Zoro with him for a lesson. Luffy waved them off before mentioning that they could do a haki exercise, especially as it would come in handy once they set out. Additionally, he knew just how much he could do, adding that he knew Ace didn’t keep up like he and Sabo did, so to give him an edge it might not be too bad of an idea. 

Chapter Text

The only Strawhat not yet accounted for was Chopper, which was largely due to the fact that he was safest right now. Kuhera and Hilluruk wouldn’t let anything happen to their apprentice and once it became clear he did need to leave he would be able to do so.

Vivi also remembered as Wani had called in not too long ago, letting the princess talk to her Crew and express that this time around she was choosing to stay in Alabasta to help her father set up a new way of life. Her memories of the Reverie hadn’t been that great and she wanted to make sure that regardless of what happened, they were one step ahead of what happened then.

“If you’re ok with that, Captain,” she asked.

Luffy, while saddened, had given his okay. Mentioning that Shanks would also give them a view into the people in the New World and what they could do to aid the plan as it would indeed take a while before they did set out.

Talking for a little while longer, Vivi ended the call to let Wani talk to them for a little more. Mentioning they were still a warlord and would see about getting a read on whoever else was out there. Kuma wasn’t one at this point in time, just as much as Boa wasn’t. Promising to keep them updated and asking them all to be careful. Especially Luffy, mentioning that the ‘Luffy-effect’ might still work on everyone but World Nobles and they didn’t need them to discover him too soon.

Buggy interjected that they were all in Orange Town and that Mihawk had shown up, so they weren’t totally defenceless. Additionally, Moira was taken care of too, so that was one less adversary to keep track of. Although Luffy pouted up a storm once more at someone he couldn’t defeat this time around.

Sabo sighed, with Ace laughing, before the both of them reminded Luffy once again that he’d get back to a considerate bounty before long. He was too invested into other people to let it stand when they were hurt, or otherwise at a disadvantage. For all that he didn’t want to be a hero, he did become one for a lot of people. Even the other Strawhats agreed to that, which had their Captain pouting even more.

Law just sighed, but didn’t go along with it. Only looking up when Zoro and Mihawk came out of their spar, tiling up an eyebrow as he asked the swordsman if he planned on losing an eye this time around too. Zoro much to their amusement, just shrugged, he had adapted quite well with just one eye so he didn’t even see it as an issue.

For those of them not aware of the dynamic between the crews, or the future crews, it was somewhat odd. Except it all fit together quite nicely, Luffy still obviously at the center of the constellation of family and that had to be enough for now.

Before long Buggy had them all scattering, telling them to keep their heads down at least until news reached them that the Celestial Dragon wasn’t in the Blues anymore. They didn’t need to invite trouble to their door, not when things would already be changing and the East Blue might just stopped being overlooked because of it being weak.

—

The first thing Shanks noticed when he set out from Dawn was how little time passed before he started to miss the chaos he had gotten used to.

“It’s quiet, isn’t it”, Beck asked as he took a seat next to him on the deck. Nodding, Shanks didn’t quite know what else to say. Last time it hadn’t been this hard to leave Anchor behind, but now it wasn’t just Luffy back in the East Blue. Uta was there too, and Shanks had more than enough complicated feelings about the girl he had claimed as his daughter. Sabo and Ace also added to that, especially Ace given the relationship they could have had, should Captain and Mama Rouge have lived.

A very large part of him is also not looking forward to what he’ll find in Sababody. Ray hadn’t dealt well with Captain’s death before and Shanks doubts this will be different. He’s also on edge as the former Roger Pirate hadn’t reached out once, not to Shanks, Buggy or even to Newgate and that was worrying.

Leaning back, he sighs, “I think a large part is also tied with the things that are changing. Last time we made our way back to the New World, took out Shiki and got crowned an Emperor but we already know we’ll do that. Now we’ll do that and more, check in on the allies we have there, make sure Marco and the Old Man are still alright and caught up. The same for Katakuri and Alber. We didn’t have that last time, hell Newgate and Marco were only just friendly and now we’re Nakama.”

His hand came to rest on the arm he had lost last time. It hadn’t been a true loss, not really, not with the mark he had carried and couldn’t get rid off because of his legacy. This time around Luffy had all but burned it off, his control of his powers amazing to see as he used the force of the sun to burn off the mark from Imu.

Running a hand through his hair, Shanks smiles softly, “I don’t know how to go about this, about seeing Ray-san again after the last time had gone so disastrous. On top of that I don’t want to linger too close to Sabaody. We should cross the Whitebeard Pirates halfway to Elbaf and I hope that both Katakuri and King have made it to Gaban by then.”

Oddly enough, Gaban had called him to ask what the ever-loving fuck was going on. Shanks hadn’t been surprised there, the former Roger Pirate had taken Luffy, Zoro and Sanji under his wings at one point during their journey but it did hurt that Gaban would reach out but Rayleigh would not.

Beck leans in closer to pat him on the shoulder, “Let’s see what we find on Sabaody, yeah? For all that we know Rayleigh stormed Marigeose and wrecked havoc there.”

It’s said with such a tone that Shanks can’t help but laugh. Despite it all, he’s certain that if Rayleigh did do that they would have heard about it. For what he had been hiding, he isn’t really subtle.

They do make good time, with the only stop being Mihawk approaching the Red Force to get his answers on what happened and if everyone is alright. Shanks lets him know they are and where he can find Zoro at this point in time. The pleased smirk on the other swordman’s face was enough to show that he wanted to know that too. He offers to go into the Florian Triangle to get two other people from Luffy’s Nakama although he doesn’t elaborate on who, making Shanks let the Alliance know when he calls to check in.

Once at Sabaody, it’s clear to see that Rayleigh never left Shakky’s bar and that’s where Shanks’ gets mad. He had known the old man had his issues, but to know he would stay there without even reaching out hurt more than words could say. He didn’t let the Alliance know either, and didn't want to hurt Ace or Luffy’s feelings. But he was pissed off to say the least.

Shakky at least seemed to understand, pointing at the backroom which had Shanks marching in there to find Ray drunk laying on the cot they kept there, “What the fuck, old man.”

Rayleigh’s up in an instant, grey eyes blinking before they’re focussing and seeing Shanks standing there. Lingering on his left arm, eyes widening as he takes in the angry look on Shanks’ face, as well as the lingering anger that he’s trying to suppress but doesn’t manage quite as well as he wants to.

“Red”, he starts, but Shanks cuts him off, “You don’t get to call me that! Not when people from all over called in once they remember but all you did was get blackout drunk! Hell, half the New World at least checked in but it seems that you, again, don’t seem to care for the boys you swore to protect.”

Shaking his head, Shanks sighed, “Just stay out of our way, Ray. It isn’t like anyone will need your help this time around and as much as we were annoyed last time, I know I’m angry for what you didn’t do this time around.”

Looking at the man who had raised him, who should have had a hand in raising Ace and who had protected and taught Luffy, Shanks felt disappointed to know that Rayleigh didn’t seem to care. All anger just left him at that, before he turned and made his way back to the bar. Mentioning to Shakky that people might come through at one point, in the future. Sharing with her that the boys are planning on setting out at 17, as before, but they would be a hell of a lot better prepared this time around. He leaves it at that, calling Buggy once he’s back on the Red Force to share what it had been like and if his brother could let the others know, if for no other reason than to prepare them for that happening.

Buggy sighs, “Can’t say I didn’t expect this, Red, he never did deal well with all of this. He didn’t deal well with Captain’s passing either. What’s to say he dealt well with having to do it all again.”

To his regret Shanks can’t give an answer there, so he leaves it as it is and gets ready to set sail.

—

Once in the New World, things feel much more normal. As he expected Shiki passes him with the intention of bringing a fight and gets taken down much like last time. Only this time around Shanks kills the man instead of leaving him to be found and taken to Impel Down by Garp and Sengoku. Luffy and Nami had shared what the man had tried to do last time and they didn’t have time for that right now. Plus, he’s a relic of a past no one wants to think about much longer. There is no reason he needs to stay here.

It also gets him his title as Emperor back.

The next crew they pass is the Whitebeard Pirates, and compared to last time this welcome is much more cheerful. Marco even hugs him as soon as he’s close to the blond he had seen as his best friend. Asking about what happened and looking on in joy as Shanks just called home to fill them all in and to give Marco a chance to talk about them. Planning on giving Katakuri and Alber the number of those back in the East just in case.

“Everything is looking set for when they’re older. We’re all keeping an eye out and between Wani, Dragon, Buggy and me there is a rotation on who is with them. On top of Zeff, Rosinante and Bell-mére-san that is.” He explains, going on to mention that Luffy plans on waiting until he is 17, so the twins would most likely wait for that too.

Marco shakes his head, “Should have expected that to happen -yoi. They seem awfully set on 17 being the year they set out.”

Snorting, Shanks shares that the first time around they decided that as Garp threatened to drag them to the nearest Marine Base to sign them up when they turned 18. While he isn’t planning on doing that this time around, that doesn’t change the fact that they plan on setting out at 17.

Newgate asks for some more information once Shanks is sitting down, which has the other Captain sharing that the Kids are planning on swinging by to take a look at him. Grinning as he shares that they plan on making sure the World Government has the fear of Nika pushed into them when it becomes clear that the Old Man is ready to start a second lease on life. Shrugging as he adds, “For all that I didn’t know he could plan this well, Luffy seems to know what needs to happen for them all to be ready to take on what’s coming and that includes you too. Partly because of the way you matter to some of his Nakama, and partly because he knows he needs strength and you won’t stand in his way like Linlin and Kaido would do once they arrive here.”

Later on, when he has a moment alone with Newgate, he shares what happens with Rayleigh and the disappointment he feels because of it. Sharing that he had expected more from someone who remembered like this.

Chapter Text

It was quite a lot of trouble to speak to Katakuri and Alber while they were still technically part of a rival crew. Alber especially wasn’t keen on leaving Kaido just yet, despite everything the man had done he was also his savior. He did however mention that he knew Luffy would at one point land on Wano again and set them free. Once Kaido was defeated he would switch alliances.

Katakuri didn’t have those troubles, while he didn’t want to leave his siblings all alone he knew where he could weaken his Mother. If one could call her a Mother after everything she had done. Knowing what was going on, he could protect Lola and make sure that none of his siblings were killed when there was nothing they could do about whatever he planned doing. He also offered to keep an eye out on Germa, until Shanks shared that Judge was somewhere (possibly dead) while Sanji’s siblings were in the East Blue with Luffy, his siblings and the Hearts.

“They were there when I went to pick up Law, I have no idea what it is they plan on doing, but with Law there whatever Judge did to them can be reversed and they can have a somewhat normal life again. Additionally, they all look up to Sanji and Luffy for what they did for them last time so I don’t see them turning around on that even if Judge were to show up again”, Shanks shared. Mentioning that Katakuri was always welcome to keep an eye out as they didn’t know if there was anyone else that might band together with Big Mom to gain more status in the world.

With that taken care of, he did make sure to check in with the crew back in the East Blue. Happy to note that Mihawk had been added to the roster of adults that would be checking in with those staying in the East.

Zeff had mentioned wanting to open the Baratie again, but planned on doing so closer to Dawn Island. He had moved the ship-restaurant before, but with all of them staying either on Dawn or going to Orange Town to see Buggy, there weren’t a lot of other people to keep in mind.

Bell-Mére, knowing what had happened last time, did also opt to stay away from Cocoyashi. Although she did check in at certain times and knew to reach out if Arlong made his way to East Blue. However, with Jinbei knowing they were quite sure that would never happen.

Still, it didn’t hurt to keep an eye out on the East. With everything they were changing it might still be the case that someone came looking when they didn’t need to do so. If the wrong person did find out they could get in a lot of shit. Then again, it would take a New World Pirate before anyone was in real trouble. With the kids knowing how to train and what to do, they had taken to training every moment they could to get to the strength they had been before.

Ace and Sabo even had Mihawk drop them on Sixis so they could get the Mera Mera no mi. Keeping away from the current there, they just had to make it back to the small ship and that wasn’t the worst to do now that they knew what Devil Fruit it was and how to make their way off of Sixis in the end. Law even used his own devil fruit to cut it in half as well as look on as Ace and Sabo bit into the fruit at the same time. Both bursting into flames and cheering, taking this time to train their fruit as both had been on the brink of awakening but never actually managing to do so.

Bachina did get ill, but as Law was there she was cured before it even became a problem.

—

It felt odd to be going over all of this again. Except this time around no one lived with Dadan and as they had known the Celestial Dragon had been meant to visit Dawn, no one stayed on the island to tard fate into doing the same thing that happened last time. There were just too many interesting people around for that to happen.

Dragon did check in with them as he again came to salvage what could be salvaged from the Grey Terminal as the Nobles had Bluejam lit it on fire. The thug and his crew died in the flames, with everyone aware of what they had done not even minding the loss of a life. For calling himself a Pirate Bluejam was landlocked more than anything and one couldn’t keep calling themselves a Pirate then. Looking back now, Ace, Sabo and Luffy couldn’t even be afraid of him anymore. They had faced bigger adversaries and came out on top, so what was a small time thug going to do?

“It all seems so… easy, if you look back at it”, Luffy muttered when they had been back in the Monkey Inn after getting word the Celestial Dragon had left again. He had been able to get a headstart on his fruit now too, while young and well aware he couldn’t use his gears, he could talk to Nika and that helped too.

Most of them knew what to concentrate on and how to go about learning the skills they had before. Usopp being there also meant that Nami had her clima-tact again, even if she didn’t have weather balls or Zeus. But she’d get them back at one point, they had gone to a Sky Island before so getting to another wouldn’t be too difficult. Even less so as by then Luffy could punch his way into the sky.

Sanji and Zoro had taken to sparring again, making it clear their rivalry and relationship hadn’t changed much. Things were different now as they were younger, but they could still work around it and train themselves to be back at the level they had been. For Sanji that meant Armament Haki and his Diable Jamb, while Zoro had Mihawk take him to Loguetown to get his swords to train with again. The Warlord’s ship is the easiest to move in right now, as none of them had a ship to call their own and the Baratie once constructed was too slow and big to just move throughout the whole of the East Blue.

Robin, who had been writing down all that they did know, events that happened now or in the span of several years as well as knowledge she, or one of the others, had retained and might be useful. They had planned on going about this very differently.

Sabo was set on joining Dragon, just older than he had been before. Ace had the Whitebeard Pirates waiting for him, with Deuce very happy that they wouldn’t be going through that shitshow once more. Luffy still had the same idea, setting out at 17, although at that point Franky should be making his way to the East or at least to Twin Capes, so they could use the Sunny there. If that was the case and they didn’t get a bigger ship temporarily they could either ask Shanks or Wani to drop them off there, or they could still use the dinghies Nami, Luffy and Zoro had before and go through the calm belt.

They all also kept in contact with each other, so that when something changed or there was an event that hadn’t happened before they could act on it.

Shanks, although he hadn’t mentioned it to the kids before, shared that Rayleigh hadn’t reached out to them but had been drinking once more. Mentioning they shouldn’t count on him in the future, he wouldn’t betray them or rat them out. But he wouldn’t be going through it all once more as the rest of them did.

“I honestly think he believed this to be a dream”, Luffy shared, “When he was training me, after Marineford he’d call me Roger at certain moments and I had to remind him I wasn’t Roger but Luffy. Rayleigh had been dealing with a lot of grief, and while I don’t like it, I can’t really fault him for it either.”

Sighing, Shanks mentioned that Whitebeard had said the same thing. That Rayleigh already lost too much even if it isn’t fair to the people left behind. Both Shanks and Buggy were mad about it, as the man had already left them high and dry once after seeing their Captain be killed in Loguetown and no one was there to watch after the two of them.

Luffy sighed, “Rayleigh already knew what waited for all of us at the end, remember. I don’t think he dealt well knowing how many people had to die for it either. Him coming back, it didn’t do him good.” There is something else in his voice as he addressed Shanks, “He didn’t mean it to come over the way it did, Shanks. I know he didn’t mean that, but I also know that doesn’t hurt you and Buggy.”

Grumbling, Shanks could admit he understood that in part. But it didn’t help the fact that he and Buggy still felt abandoned by the man who had raised them together with Captain and Mama Rouge. To know that once more, felt the same didn’t help there.

In the end Luffy stated that they would leave Rayleigh be. If he did change his mind and pulled himself together they would deal with it then. For now it was clear this would be too much strain on the old man and they should let him be. This was their Era after all, those of the Old Era were welcome to aid them but the likes of Imu, Kaido and Big Mom were falling regardless.

—

Luffy felt odd going about living in Windmill Village this time around. He, Ace and Sabo went to the forests often enough as it had been what made them to who they were in the end. But more than once of their Nakama seemed to be shocked to see the size of the animals (which were easily Grand Line size) as well as what the three of them used to do on the daily.

Uta was even shocked, mentioning that she didn’t even know Luffy had been going around knocking out animals of that size. For all that she had teased him for being weaker (something which Ace and Sabo only repeated that first time around) she could see that Luffy had grown so very much in the time that it took for them to see each other again. New Genesis wasn’t the best idea she had at the time, and looking back on it now she knew that Tot Musica had influenced her to the point that she couldn’t think straight. Her plan for the wake wake shrooms only added to that. But she didn’t want that to happen again, a part of her did want her devil fruit back but she didn’t want to deal with Tot Musica this time around. Not even Luffy’s grin and admission they would deal with it once more didn’t help there.

The Strawhats currently on Dawn, and even Law and his crew, didn’t seem too shocked. Then again, they had been on the front row to see what Luffy was able to accomplish so seeing how he did grow up wasn’t too shocking.

That wasn’t to say that the adults around were just as relaxed about it. Bel-Mére had a talk with Garp when the old marine came to visit. Looking stumped at knowing just what he deemed ‘normal’ for his grandkids. Rosinante was just as shocked and it didn’t even concern Law directly.

However, seeing what Dawn brought with it, more than one adult was more than willing to call bullshit in terms of the East Blue being the weakest sea. There was no way in hell they were willing to believe that right now after everything they had seen. 

Chapter Text

They did eventually settle for a new normal, in that they had a Snail to contact those not on Dawn whenever it was needed. Those knowing they would be setting out got to training, Dawn for once perfect as it was still in the East Blue and as such not seen as anything to be kept an eye on.

Additionally, Garp made his way back home more often then he did before. In part to be there for his family in ways he hadn’t been able to be before. As a Marine his loyalties had been put in question before, even more so after God Valley. So the World Government, or even Kong, finding out about his grandchildren was something he wanted to avoid.

Now, this time around, he didn’t want to pull attention to them in any way. But he was aware that regardless of that they would be able to handle what was thrown at them soon enough. He had been there when Luffy reached gear 5 and wiped the floor with more than one adversary. How his youngest grandson was the reason they were all here now, had a second chance and how they were using it.

“You brats know what you’re up against and any help I can give now is something I’m more than willing to give”, he had said. It was clear he wanted to show something, that he hoped they would change their mind and still become Marines but that wasn’t about to happen.

He didn’t push, had meant it when he stated that Koby and Helmeppo would be enough for now, but the fear was clear in his eyes to those that knew where to look. Those that had known the way Monkey D. Garp had been changed after losing Ace at Marineford. While he couldn’t show it, there was a reason he was put on training the newer generation instead of out on the field. Sakazuki wouldn’t live for long if that happened, chances are the man wouldn’t live for long once he got too interested in them all.

Another side effect of whatever was going on, was that they all knew what they needed to do to become the best version of themselves. What worked for them in terms of training, what needed to be trained on how to maintain it. Luffy even went so far as to ask for seastone to wear around his wrist, explaining that it was the only way he could bulk up given his fruit. Not that this was needed right now, but he wanted to be able to throw a punch without the use of his devil fruit.

Sabo and Ace followed his example; Sabo because he had been able to fight without a devil fruit for 22 years before and eating it, in part, to feel closer to Ace. The other reason had been because neither he or Luffy trusted someone else with the Mera Mera no Mi.

Ace on the other hand had admitted he’d gotten too dependent on his devil fruit. He had haki, all three kinds of it, but he hadn’t used it until in dire need. It wasn’t trained in the way Luffy and Sabo’s was, and as he didn’t want to fall behind he knew he needed to keep up. This felt like the perfect way to stop himself from falling too behind on things, so why not use the opportunity for what it was.

What also helped were the different fighting styles they now had around, no one in the Alliance had the same and it kept things interesting in pushing yourself further. Especially the Strawhats mentioned that they grew from every battle they faced because it was always so very different. They also, without shame, shared that Luffy was a hard ass when it came to training his crew and they knew he would start that sooner.

“His haki was insane once we left Elbaf, between Rayleigh, Old Man Hyougoro and Gaban, I think he had the strongest haki we knew to date. The only one I sensed that was stronger, was Joy Boy’s where Emet released it during Egghead when the Elders were on our asses,” Zoro explained. Going on to share that Luffy knew he needed to make sure they all kept on track.

Glancing at Sanji, he added, “With the three of us awakening Conqueror's we needed it too. Haki is like a muscle, so if you stop using it it weakens over time. Using it, even in a friendly setting, helps.”

That seemed to be something not everyone had been aware about, then again, Zoro’s Conqueror's awakened during Wano and Sanji’s did so on Elbaf. Neither were as proficient or even as powerful as Luffy though. But that didn’t matter, not in this sense. But it did help in explaining it and in making sure they were all prepared to train for it.

Nami and Usopp, for example, explained they only had their observation trained to be as good as it could be. Armament was there, in case they needed it, but neither actively used it. They didn’t need to, being support fighters. But Luffy didn’t believe in just letting it rest so they did trained with it as well as they could.

Ace hummed, “I have to say, Little Bro, I’m impressed. The Whitebeards unlock your haki at one point, especially new members that come on board but after that it’s up to you what you do with it. I used my observation the most, being a navigator made it handy as it no doubt is for Nami. But while I had armament and conquerors I didn’t need it. There were others on the ship with better mastery of it, so why should I train it like that? But I do see your point.” He pressed a hand to his chest, no doubt thinking back about Marineford and how Akainu had used haki to deal that hit.

—

Nothing of note happened, not that they needed them to move up any of their plans. As such, when Ace turned 17 he made his arrangements. Promised to keep an eye out and work on his haki and his devil fruit.

Deuce, following along, promised the same thing as well as keeping the hot head out of trouble.

An added benefit of having done this already was that they knew what to do and how to go about it. Isuka would be there too, and she would at one point be a valued member of SWORD or so Koby shared with them. Ace just needed to make sure he made the right impression on her. That not all Pirates were inherently bad, just because they chose to raise a Jolly Roger.

“It does help that we know where to go and where not to go, Captain, let’s not go on too many wild adventures this time around”, Deuce deadpanned, looking Ace dead in the eye as he said this.

The grin on Ace’s face doesn’t quite deliver what Deuce had hoped, but they weren’t the rookies they had been before. In fact, Deuce was quite certain he could hold his own against a multitude of people right now. He wasn’t anywhere near Ace or his brothers’ level, but he could hold his own just fine.

Rolling his eyes, Deuce sighed, “Whatever, what was I thinking, believing I could tell a D what to do.”

Ace just laughed, tying up their ship in the harbor they had arrived at. Knowing they wouldn’t be here long, but still long enough to get two new crewmembers. This was going to be so very fun, he was certain of it.

Skull and Mihar were at the same table they had been the last time they found them. Skull, oddly enough, saw himself as a Pirate Enthousiast. So knowing that there was a new rookie setting out from the East Blue, he had been interested. Like last time, his eyes lit up at the sight of Ace, even more so as he asked to take a seat.

Deuce just grinned, taking a seat next to his Captain and grinning widely, “Captain has a proposition for you.”

And so, the Spade Pirates were once again born. Picking up those they needed faster than last time and staying ahead of Isuka as they did so. Knowing why she was so relentless in pursuing Pirates they couldn’t help but admire her for it. But Ace, Deuce and their Family weren’t like that. They valued freedom, not gold, and they were to wait on the signal from the Future Pirate King, to make sure the whole world needed freedom.

Grinning as their journey was going a lot easier too. They knew which places to avoid and where to go to get the people they needed. In fact, even after everything, Deuce was not surprised when Ace found Kotatsu again. Beaming brightly as he lured the big cat onto the ship and grinned the whole way. Even going so far as to call up his brothers to tell them with that boyish smile on his face.

“You have brothers, Captain”, Banshee had asked them.

Beaming, Ace nodded, “Two, a twin brother named Sabo, I’m the oldest and a younger brother named Luffy. As well as a sister named Uta, who is a year older than Lu and isn’t sure yet if she wants to be a pirate.”

The crew had hummed at that, asking questions, leading to Ace stating his twin wasn’t a Pirate but rather a Revolutionary. Dropping the bomb that they were related to Dragon the Revolutionary too, as well as Gol D. Roger and Redhaired Shanks, among others.

Seeing how Ace was freely giving away that information was odd, as he had never done that before. A change had been obvious, for Deuce at least, and he was happy to see his best friend blossom like that. Even if he used Portgas as a name, he didn’t guard it so much that he was also a Gol. But explained that, until they made it to the New World he wouldn’t be making use of his father’s name.

Oddly enough, Garp was waiting for them at Sabaody to state that they were going to offer Ace a Warlord position. Not that he planned on accepting, but the sentiment was appreciated. The old man looked proud before looking into the direction of Shakky’s bar, glancing at Ace, who sighed, “I’ll go talk to him. Don’t know if it’ll mean a lot as he didn’t even listen to Shanks before, but I can try.”

He and Rayleigh never had a relationship before, Deuce knew now that Ace had been scared and just violently against anything that could be tied to Roger. Things were different now, and they all missed Rayleigh in one way or another. Buggy and Shanks might not say it as much, but it was clear from the look in their eyes.

Everyone followed along, looking shocked when Ace just pushed open the door and the woman at the bar looked shocked, “Well… I’ll be damned… You do look just like your dad, kid.”

Laughing, Ace nodded, “Shanks and Buggy said the same thing. Luffy thinks it’s the best thing ever, of course… I… I know he’s dealing well with everything and I don’t plan on pushing for something he doesn’t want to do. But I do want a chance to get to know the man my Father trusted with just about everything.”

Stumbling had them all looking towards the old man coming from behind the bar, his eyes trained on Ace with something so fragile in his eyes, “Ace…”

Nodding, Ace slowly got up, “Gol D. Ace, apparently named after my Father’s sword of all things. It’s nice to meet you, Silvers Rayleigh.”

The Spades sucked in a breath looking on to be in the presence of a literal legend. Before realizing how Ace had introduced himself and freaking out about it. Deuce laughed, explaining that Ace’s mother had done the impossible in an effort to let her son be born. Sabo, Luffy and Uta were not his blood related siblings, but that didn’t matter in this family. Explaining that he had been with Ace since they were kids and he wasn’t planning on stopping now.

Rayleigh nodded once, before coming forward to settle next to Ace. Leaning in and pulling the Young Captain into a hug. Ace allowed him to do so, allowing Rayleigh to grieve. He meant what he said, he wasn’t here to push or to have Rayleigh do something he didn’t want to do. But he was hoping that this at least would help the Old Man get back on his feet, if only a little bit. 

Chapter Text

Ace liked the time he spent with Rayleigh, in part because it got him yet another perspective of his dad he never had before. Last time he had been in Sabaody he had done everything he could to keep away from the former First Mate of the Roger Pirates.

Now he knew a whole different side, both of Roger and of Rayleigh.

Luffy had been especially open in stating that Rayleigh never did get over Roger’s death. He didn’t know how close they were, but according to Shanks and Buggy they had been more than just friends. On top of that, Roger had been ill for a long time before he went to his death, and while he was taking on his illness Rayleigh had been the only one to know. Luffy mentioned that the last time had been tough enough on the man, as he had to get over the fact that he lost not only Roger and Rouge, but Ace as well. He hadn’t been dealing well then, so to have a do-over didn’t do him a lot of good. He had too much trauma as it was so he just couldn’t open himself up to going through that again.

“No one is mad at you, you know”, Ace muttered when his Crew was asleep. He and Rayleigh were still sitting at the bar drinking a beer. The pained look the older man gave him was enough to let Ace know he hit the spot right on.

Sighing, he elaborated, “Shanks and Buggy just deal with a lot of shit because they were there at Loguetown when it all happened and it seemed that no one else was there. They felt alone and even now that haunts them more than anything.” He can see the way Rayleigh flinches, but continues, “Luffy told them you were grieving, that you had a lot on your plate and you did mistake him for dad when you were training those two years, he doesn’t hold that against you. I don’t either and neither does Sabo.”

With a smile, he adds, “You did your part and I wanted you to know that. Any and all help you want to give is welcome, but you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. This is our Era, and we plan on making sure it’s a better one this time around.”

A hollow laugh is his only answer, “I knew we were too soon. Laugh Tale… What we found there, it spoke of what was going to happen and how to stop it but it wouldn’t be for another 30 years at that point and I knew Roger didn’t have that long. It was easy to deduce, but it hurt knowing he wouldn’t be there to see it.” He looks at Ace, “Garp told Gaban and me that he was looking over Roger’s son and for the longest time I was okay with that. I saw you once, when you tried to keep away that first time and I knew you didn’t want to meet with me so I kept away. But Marineford almost broke me, as I didn’t have the motivation to go. You had other people looking after you and I had seen a spark of what Luffy would be able to do so it didn’t make sense that I would come out of hiding for that. I wish I did… I wish I was strong enough to be there and to help you in whatever way I could. The fact that you’re here, that you’re talking to me doesn’t make sense but I’m happy to take what I can get.”

Ace slowly reaches out to put his hand on Rayleigh’s shoulder, “Times are different and I know I cannot ask you or anyone to do something that would hurt them like stepping back out there would hurt you so neither I or Luffy will ask that of you. Just… Check in now and again?”

Taking out a list of phone numbers, he hands them to Rayleigh, “If not you, ask Aunt Shakky to do so?”

The former Kuja Pirate giggles, before nodding as she steps back into the bar and takes the list that Rayleigh is still just looking at. Smiling softly, “I’ll do that, or I’ll ask Ray to call whenever we can. It’s… He’s been hurting a lot and I love that both you and Luffy-chan are aware of that and don’t push. Red… Red meant well, but there is too much hurt still there to make a difference and I think that’s the reason he’s feeling the way he and Blue feel right now.”

Nodding, Ace agrees and knows that Luffy is working on that. He knows that Shanks and Buggy’s feelings are valid, but every story has two sides and it’s not right if only one gets told. He tells them as much, laughing as he admits that if there is anyone who can change the way someone thinks it’s Luffy. He also shares that he’s planning on stopping by Shanks himself just because, before making his way into Whitebeard Pirate Territory and joining them as he did last time.

“Well, not totally like last time. Marco had been hinting at marriage before and we never got to that part, so I hope we can have that now and I’ll be an in-law.” He’s smiling, “Feels more appropriate too, seeing as I’ll be going by my real name after this and as far as I’m concerned I already have a Pops.”

Rayleigh sobs at that, tears streaming down his face as he turns towards Ace to hug him close. As if that’s what’s been going on, the hurt of losing his lovers, the way he had to go on knowing that someone else is raising his son and additionally dealing with the loss of that son when he loved him but never got to announce it. It’s clear that the relief coursing through Rayleigh right now is more than they could have anticipated, the knowledge that he can have this. That despite it all, he hasn’t lost it all.

His eyes are clear as he looks at Ace, “I’d like that, if you sent an invite my way…”

Laughing, Ace nods, “I was hoping you’d give me away actually. Seeing as Marco’s Pops will be marrying us and my brothers will be in the wedding party.”

It’s clear that alone has Rayleigh beaming, so Ace settles close and just enjoys the closeness.

—

He and his Spades leave after Isuka comes to find him, like last time, to offer him the Warlord seat. He declines, again, except this time he grins as he states that the World Government doesn’t want him there once they know his real name. He’s loud when he announces it, and can see the way several Marines are in shock before reaching for their weapons.

Nothing hits as they sink into the ocean, and he knows his Pops and Grandpa are there to keep an eye out and stop anyone trying to follow them.

Like before Ace goes to the first island in the New World. Making his way there as Shanks was seen there and he hadn’t seen the man in a long time. After going back to the New World they had to keep in touch over the Snail so as to not get the wrong kind of attention. Uta was hit hardest with that, but Luffy, Ace and Sabo weren’t far behind.

Additionally, in the case that someone did manage to follow him it would help to have people there to aid him and his crew. The change in name, his true name, would be distributed soon enough so people would act on it. He needed to be on the Moby Dick by then, but he had time for now.

Deuce just followed along, trekking through the snow and mentioning that Ace knew what he was doing. Comforting those without memories that Ace knew Shanks, that they shared a father in Rayleigh in Roger. Although Shanks’ wasn’t biologically theirs.

Getting to the cave, there were a couple of new members who tried to stop the Rookie from entering. Something that had Ace rolling his eyes, “And here I wanted to see my big brother… It’s been way too long, Red.”

Beck and Yasopp were laughing in a second, while Shanks was standing in front of him in the same breath to hug him close. Gushing that he had seen the newscoo and that he was kind of proud that Ace was using his real name now. Listening as he shared what he wanted to do, even sharing what had happened on Sabaody, before using his fruit to heat up the fire in the cave and settle down.

His crew had questions, which had those knowing laughing before trying to explain the complicated family tree they were working under. Ace eventually shared that, “Luffy, Sabo, Uta and I claimed each other as Siblings. But Shanks is Uta’s dad, by choice, and uncle by blood. While also being Luffy’s Godfather, or something similar, as well as his uncle by choice through his Baba. It gets complicated, so I didn’t want to give you the long answer the first time.”

Shanks laughed, pulling Ace into his side and just enjoying the moment. It’s clear the redhead has a lot to think about, given their Pops and with Ace now going by Gol. But other than that, they can pretend that things are going differently this time around.

Instead of parting ways, Shanks escorts them towards Whitebeard Pirate Territory, just in case. Waiting until Marco flew down from where the Moby Dick was anchored a little way out before taking his leave. Grinning as the Phoenix Zoan zeroed in on Ace and kissed him like it was the most normal thing to do, and in a way it was, but the Spades didn’t know that.

Teasing, he added that at least one of Roger’s kids got the birdie, which got him flipped off by said Birdie. Grinning widely before giving Ace and Marco his goodbyes and that he expects that wedding invite as soon as Luffy enters the New World.

Marco blinks once, before Ace shrugs, “Luffy told me… What you planned on doing after I came home and I want that… I… Pops is Pops, in a way, but Rayleigh is also Pops and I think that’s important too. So he can be your Pops and still be mine but by marriage instead of by choice, if that makes sense…”

Humming, Marco nodded before kissing Ace again and grinning, “He’ll be delighted either way -yoi. Now, come on, we’ve been getting calls from allies that there was a small fleet deployed from Marineford to keep you from joining any Emperor now that you went and announced your name to the world.”

Smiling somewhat sheepishly, Ace shrugged, “It was going to come out at one point, rather I let it come out on my own terms. Besides, as soon as Luffy sets out the world is in for a treat as he knows what he needs to do and he’s going to do it at a fast pace.”

The Spades are obviously surprised, even more so when Deuce and Marco agree without even thinking about it. Somewhat taken aback by all this and not knowing what to think about their Captain’s brother. They’ll find out eventually, and everyone that knows Monkey D. Luffy is counting down the days until he sets out and starts the countdown to a new world.

Marco leads them towards the Moby Dick, keeping a hold of Ace’s hand as they anchor the Spadille at the bay and board the larger ship. Whitebeard is already waiting, amused, and looking on as Marco just introduces Ace as his fiance and Whitebeard's new son-in-law. Ace just beams, before stating that he’d like to join the Whitebeard fleet, but he already has a Pops. Plus, with the whole family tree it’s complicated as it is.

Those on deck that know, chuckle, especially as it gets explained that Ace is marrying Marco, who is Wani’s brother. But Wani is also Luffy’s birthparent, so that makes Whitebeard Luffy’s grandfather and Ace’s through choice. Grinning brightly as his crew, Ace once again mentions that it’s a mess and a half, but it’s theirs and they’re Pirates so who cares. 

Chapter Text

Sabo had known what he wanted to do since his memories returned, but just in case he did wait until he was 17 this time around. Talking to Dragon when the man was around to mention things to keep in check or to go over as he hadn’t been there to do it for him.

He also stayed in contact with the Revolutionary Army through Ginny, and later Betty. They had known what would happen to her, and made sure to keep their precautions so Ginny wouldn’t be taken by Garling. It wasn’t that odd to think that the man just took what he believed belonged to him. Dragon hated the man, as did Garp, for his role in God Valley. But with the information they had now it was easier to make sure it didn’t happen a second time. Still, Ginny did confess to Kuma properly this time and when Bonney was born she was Kuma’s biologically. Which is when Betty took over as East Commander and Sabo kept in contact with her.

She didn’t know, hadn’t been Nakama in the way that others were. But she had been a part of the Resistance for a long time and trusted Dragon when he told her what the plan was. Betty wasn’t that much of a fan of Sabo at first. She hadn’t been in their first life either, but he made her warm up to him.

It also helped that everything he gave her in terms of information was correct and could be used to help the Revolution in some way.

The largest turning point came when Koala got involved. At the time they all remembered she had been freed from Marigeose but hadn’t been able to make her way to the Revolutionary Army. Sadly, by the time Luffy at his Devil Fruit, Tiger Fisher had already been killed so there was no saving her.

However, Jinbei did know and he sought her out after bringing Nami and Usopp to Dawn. Keeping all of them updated and calling Sabo the moment he found Koala again. She had cried, really cried, as she remembered losing him that last time and never thinking she could have a second chance at all.

Snorting, he had reminded her that Luffy was her brother-in-law now and he didn’t know the meaning of the word impossible. Additionally, regardless of all of that, there was a large group out there to make sure the world kept on turning.

“You can go and join Dragon already”, he had told her, “I’ll join once I’m 17, I just…” He didn’t have to explain more. She had been right there at his side when he remembered. When the guilt almost ate him alive at the notion that he hadn’t been able to be there for Ace, for Luffy. Finding Luffy again made him liven up again. But the chance to spend time with Ace once more won out even against joining the Revolution. The additions to their family were a shock, even to Koala who had met almost all of them, before she started laughing and mentioned that once they were out on missions at least they had a whole list of people to call in case things went South.

To his surprise, she did join, and made the choice to be stationed East when she wasn’t in Baltigo. Coming to visit Sabo and his brothers as much as possible. Bonding with Nami and Robin as she had done before, after hugging Luffy tightly once she had the chance.

Getting to introduce her to Dadan, Makino, Ace and Uta was something he had always dreamed about but which had never happened. Last time it just never came that far, and by the time he could Ace and Uta hadn’t been around anymore. Luffy had met her, and had been there for him when he got married too.

Part of it felt like last time, the time they spent together and the way Betty warmed up to him seeing the way Sabo went about treating Koala and the Revolution. She welcomed him not long after and told him what a good asset he would be.

Koala snorted, “Dragon is well aware of that, he’s more than willing to wait until Sabo is ready to join too. Plus the man is here at least a couple of times a year.”

As if that was what he was waiting for, Dragon did enter Makino’s bar and caught Luffy who jumped at him. Cuddling his son close and giving him all of the updates on what was going on. Including giving him Wani’s love as they couldn’t make it because of a prior commitment but sent Dragon with a message for their son (and other assorted children).

Betty looked stumped, but seemed to realize who Luffy was once she saw him hanging off of Dragon. There had been rumors that Dragon had a child, but no one wanted to believe that just from the get-go. Seeing it right in front of her eyes made it clear that Sabo was also left here as a last line of defence against the World Government if they ever did find out.

Surprisingly, Sabo added that most of the younger generation on Dawn were those that would be wanted at one point or another. Making a dramatic motion towards his ‘twin’ when stating that Roger and Dragon could fight each other for the title of most wanted man.

It came as a shock to most of those that hadn’t known, but a gleeful joy to those who did. Ace even mentioned wanting to use his real name once he entered the New World, at that point in time he would be safe with it too, as no one would manage to get to him between Shanks and Whitebeard.

—

Sabo’s 17th birthday approached and with it his departure from Dawn.

Ace had already left three months before, having set out with Deuce as he knew where to find the other Spade Pirates and wanting to make his way to the New World as soon as possible. They had both promised to keep in touch and to visit the other as much as possible.

Law had also left, although he had stayed a little longer as most of his crew had already been here or made their way to Dawn Island once they realized where he was and what he was doing. As such they had set out on a borrowed ship to get their submarine once more from the person who had made it last time. Doflamingo wasn’t in the North Blue either, so they had a lot more freedom in moving.

Luffy had been pouting for days on end, which wasn’t helped with Ace and now Sabo also leaving. His own crew, those on Dawn at least, were still here as were the Vinsmoke siblings and Uta. Not that he liked them any less, but the notion that everyone was slowly setting out was getting to him.

Uta still didn’t know what she wanted to do, so that was somewhat of a comfort.

Reiju, Ichiji, Niji and Yonji were slowly making plans to set out together with Luffy and Sanji. Not on the same ship, but making their way back to the North and seeing what was salvageable from Germa as Law had already called in that Judge was indeed dead.

Still, Sabo setting out was getting to the youngest brother and for a moment he wondered about not leaving at all. Until Luffy stopped him, “It’s just the thought of missing you, I had you and Ace with me for ten years and that has to be enough. Once we set out I know that I’ll be seeing the both of you a lot more. But it’s just…”

He didn’t need to add to that, Sabo just pulled him close and hugged him. Luffy had been having thoughts about all of this, had moments where it seemed be would be comparing the before and now and not knowing what to think about it. Sabo being there helped, and Ace being alive did too. But now both his older brothers wouldn’t be on the same island as him and he didn’t quite know how to handle that.

“Just… Don’t forget about me”, Luffy whispered.

Sabo’s heart hurt at hearing that, and promised he wouldn’t. That he or Koala would check in with him at least once a week and if they couldn’t they’d ask Dragon to call for them. Additionally, they were all setting out with snails so keeping in touch would be a lot easier in the long run.

Pulling Luffy close he whispered, “It’s just over 3 years before you set out and I promise I’ll check in with you whenever I’m close by, alright?”

That had gotten Luffy more settled, nodding in agreement before just enjoying the hug Sabo gave him. He had done the same thing with Ace when he left, and Sabo knew that once Luffy set out he would make due with the quota of missed hugs as soon as they ran into each other. He was already looking forward to it, as he didn’t have anyone out there last time. No one he remembered at least. Now, this time around, he did and Sabo knew that it could be used to their advantage.

Koala would be making her way here soon enough and the two of them would be setting out to Baltigo together.

Dragon hadn’t been subtle in his hinting at making Sabo Chief-of-Staff again, mentioning that he did such a good job last time he didn’t think he’d ever need another one this time around. Which, as he did love the job, he didn’t mind as much.

Being chief-of-staff also meant that outside of Dragon he was the one who got the information about what was going on. Something, they all agreed, that would be needed once Ace went by his real name and Luffy actually set out. The World Government would know and they’d take actions to prevent whatever it was that they believed they needed to keep contained. Plus, between the people in the alliance, it would be a lot easier to get to certain pieces of information so that helped too.

Even now, or so he had been told, both the World Government and the people not in the known at the Army, were left stumped as to where Dragon got his information from. He didn’t share, but Sabo knew, and he would be able to call on those same contacts without issue.

When Luffy did let go, at the same moment that Koala entered Party’ Bar, he grinned up at Sabo, “Go kick ass, Sabo, but do keep an eye on each other.”

Koala giggled, promising Luffy as much before hugging him close too. That had Luffy relaxing even more. Following them towards the shore and the little ship that laid in wait for them there. Between everyone on Dawn and Deuce’s blueprints for Ace’s Striker, they had been able to make Sabo a very similar ship that would also work on his devil fruit and get them to the New World and over the Calm Belt to end up in Baltigo without having to go through the normal route. Dragon would be waiting there and outside of that, Sabo did have some places he wanted to go on the Grand Line once he did check in.

“Say hi to Dad and Baba for me! As well as Jiji Ray and Ace and Grandpops!” Luffy exclaimed as they were loading the little ship.

Laughing, Sabo promised to do as much, before going back for one last hug and a goodbye to everyone else. Making sure he was ready before he and Koala were off and making their way to a life neither of them ever did forget. Looking forward to the looks, and dumfounded expressions, of the others at Baltigo when Sabo just came walking in as if he owned the place. Some bombs were sure to drop and he did look forward to that.

Chapter Text

Koala, the gem that she was, had made sure to acquire an eternal logue pose to Baltigo. Both of them were aware of the general direction they needed to go and with the Freedom they would get there much faster than a normal ship. But to have one of those would make it easier to get there in a straight line.

Even more so as Koala could keep an eye out as Sabo used his devil fruit to propel them forward and through the Calm Belt into the New World. Laughing at the speed they managed to gain with just the two of them. Several other ships they passed looked on in shock and Sabo knew that soon an article would appear doubting if Ace had blond hair or black hair. Followed by the twin theory, which they were hoping for.

Despite the absolute shitshow it was going to be once Ace revealed his true last name, Sabo would rather be known as Gol compared to Outlook. He didn’t want anything to do with that particular family and hoped he’d never have to run into them again.

“Koala,” he called, “I think we need to look around for a place to stay the night.” Looking at the horizon and the setting dusk, he didn’t want to keep going when he started to feel the strain. Overdoing it wouldn’t do him or Koala any good and they had managed a reasonable distance.

They had crossed the Calm Belt, but that meant they were currently in the New World, which meant Emperor Territory and neither of them wanted to run into Kaido or Big Mom right now. Even if Katakuri and King were kept up to date it was an unanimous decision that neither of the Emperors would be told what was going on.

He guided them towards an island close by, sighing in relief at the Whitebeard Jolly Roger flying in the harbor. The Moby Dick was nowhere in sight, but he knew that Whitebeard wouldn’t mind. Ace wouldn’t be in the New World just yet, although Sabo wouldn’t put it past his brother to beat his previous record of 9 months until arrival. Pointing at the flag, they settled their ship at the docks, paid the harbor master and wandered into town to look for the inn.

For all that the Freedom was a fine piece of machinery she was made for speed and movement, but not to actually sleep in. So an inn it was, stepping inside, Sabo looked shocked at the other blond sitting at the bar.

“Marco,” he called out, which had the First Commander turning and smiling widely. Turning back to the innkeeper and telling them something before standing.

A soft smile in his face as he hugged first Sabo and after Koala close. Obviously relaxing too, the absence of others made it clear this had been a solo mission. “Sabo, Koala, this is unexpected -yoi. Although it is the 21st of March so I shouldn’t be too surprised.”

Grinning, they mentioned being on their way but needing a place to crash.

Marco grinned, nodding as he stated he had the idea that they were looking at that, “I told the innkeeper to put you in the rooms reserved for Whitebeard Pirates -yoi. They always keep spares and I’m the only one here. I did mention you being my brother-in-law, though.” That last was said with a flush on his cheeks.

Laughing, Sabo thanked him, before making his way to the innkeeper to get keys for the room. Following Marco to the third floor as the older blond pointed out the room next to his. Grinning and mentioning they could set out together in the morning.

Given that they were safe and one of their allies was sleeping right next door, Sabo just crashed out on the bed. Feeling Koala settle against his side after pressing a kiss to his cheek. He was out like a light after and didn’t wake up until a knock from the door did so.

Opening it, he found Marco waiting for them, already packed and laughing as he noticed them sleeping until just now, “I’ll wait downstairs, get ready and meet me for breakfast -yoi.”

Grumbling, Sabo nodded before shaking Koala awake and telling her they needed to pack up. Once both of them showered, they gathered their things (not that they had used a lot nor had taken out a lot of belongings) before closing the door behind them and making their way down to find Marco waiting for them at a table in the corner, a grin on his face. Enough that Sabo knew he would not be hearing the end of this once Ace was told.

Still, it was nice and it gave him and Koala some extra rest. Setting out after the meal, they thanked Marco for his help and told him to give Ace their love. Additionally, because of their connection, Marco mentioned he’d let Pops know so Sabo could come on board whenever he wanted once they were settled at the headquarters.

Once everything was loaded on the Freedom they were off again, Koala looking at the Eternal Loguepose and Sabo making sure they were keeping speeds that were impressive. Baltigo was on the horizon before the end of the day, so they kept on going even as it was starting to get dark and docked just as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.

Yawning, Sabo turned and grinned as Dragon seemed to appear out of the shadow. A soft smile on his face as he took in the two of them, “No problems, I take it?”

Shaking his head, Sabo mentioned running into Marco and the added benefit of him having a standing invitation onto the Moby Dick from now on. Ace wouldn’t be there just yet, but it wouldn’t take long so it was something good to have.

Laughing, Dragon agrees, “No one is going to see this coming, are they? With you and Ace in the New World and tied to some of the biggest organisations it’s just a matter of time until Luffy gets here and the ball starts rolling.”

Grinning widely, Sabo nodded, he was looking forward to that day so very much. They had been able to do so much more this time around. Missions that had failed hadn’t done so now, Ginny had never been taken and was happy here with Kuma and Bonney. The army was still in the shadows, no one knew what they were trying to do. In between their connections and those crews who helped them in whichever way they could, working in the shadows to wait until Nika appeared again and the World Government finds out their time is limited.

“Let’s get you and Koala settled, Chief-of-staff,” Dragon grinned.

To say those in the Headquarters were shocked when Dragon appeared inside again, two young people at his side. A blond none of them had seen before and Koala, who had been working with Betty in the East but didn't frequent Headquarters all that often. Their surprise skyrocketed when people like Ginny, Kuma and Iva, high ranking members of their organisation greeted the blond very warmly and with obvious familiarity.

Handing off case files as if they were candies, the blond just took them with a smile, looking them over and started to direct people to either go to the mission location, or call others to get some kind of information to add. He did it with such natural grace that spoke of him having done it before, it was clear he had done just that.

Additionally, Dragon just kept on grinning, adding that he was pleased to welcome his Chief-of-staff. Making a show and knowing that Sabo was loving every second of it. Koala was too, by the way she was giggling behind her hand with Iva.

No one, who wasn’t part of their extended family, knew, but this was just the beginning.

—

Once Sabo settled in he took care of business as he usually did. With the efficiency he had curated in his previous life to the point that no one even doubted his position in the Army. Right now, even if not everyone was aware, that also included the familial bonds that were in play here.

Dragon and Wani had adopted all of the kids, in spirit at least. Especially seeing as they did ‘share’ custody over Sabo and Ace, given who the latter's parents actually were. Uta was a cherished niece in their eyes as Shanks was still her primary parent. Most of the other ‘kids’ were nieces, nephews and the odd cousin.

More than once newbies didn’t know what to think about Sabo as he stepped onto the training ground. He looked too propper, looked like he didn’t belong, until he took out his pipe and showed the world what he could do. The same was to be said on missions, between his knowledge, haki and devil fruit he could do a lot of damage in very little time.

In the three months since he was here, Sabo had proven himself just fine. Additionally, he kept an eye on Ace. Knew that he was close to the New World so the article proclaiming his real name would be here soon enough.

He was grinning when Koala brought out a newspaper and Sabo started laughing as soon as he saw Ace’s face on the frontpage, “Looks like the asshole did as he said he wanted to do,“ he told Koala.

His girlfriend giggled, “You knew what he was planning on doing since he set out, he never made a secret out of it.”

Stepping out of his office, Dragon takes in the paper in Sabo’s hands as well as the gleeful grin on Koala’s face and the general confusion on everyone else’s face. Deciding to add fuel to the fire by asking, “What did your twin do this time?”

Beaming at him, Sabo showed the picture of Ace side by side with his own face, showcasing just how alike they were, “Decided to fuck with those inbred assholes on top of the Red Line and the World Government, announcing his true name to the world and making it clear that despire their best efforts certain bloodlines can’t be errased.”

Dragon let out a bark of laughter, as he knew it reflected on Wani and Luffy as well. The world just didn’t know that yet. But Ace, now Gol D. Ace, was grinning widely as the article mentioned him stating the obvious before making his way into the New World/

“Go make sure your brother is alright, Sabo, he should be with Shanks or Newgate if he does this so either of them are good. Give them our regards,” Dragon added, grinning as Sabo saluted him before taking a hold of Koala’s hand to pull her towards the Freedom. He had waited long enough to go and visit the other members of their family in the New World after all. Especially now that Ace had publicly announced his name.

They leave Baltigo not an hour later and they both know that it will be in chaos when they return. This bomb is one that will leave aftershocks coming for a long time.

Although the reaction of the Whitebeard Pirates (those not in the known) at Sabo turning up was amazing. Ace also grinned at the exclamation, “There is another one!?”

It was nice, and Sabo knew the Marines had seen him, so he was expecting the bounty poster to appear sooner rather than later. All they were missing was Luffy’s, but he would appear as soon as he set out, without a doubt.

On the way back to Baltigo, he passed by the Red Force, grinning widely as Beck beckoned them on board. Pointing at Shanks and Mihawk sparring, the fact that Shanks kept both hands did help in that regard and he knew most of the Marines were terrified of the two swordsmen fighting.

They stopped their spar, with Shanks grinning as he took out a bounty poster, “Hawky came to bring me this, brat.”

‘Gol D. Sabo’ should not have surprised him, it didn’t. But the mentioned bounty of 550.000.000 berri did. He couldn’t wait to rub it into Ace’s face as he had gotten the same bounty for less work. 

Chapter Text

Luffy should have issues with being without his big brothers, he had more than his fair share the last time they left (even more so because of the trauma that came with Sabo’s departure). But he didn’t have that right now, he did miss them, but a large part of his crew was here with him. Sanji’s siblings and Uta also being there still helped as well. The other Vinsmokes would be setting out towards the North Blue and see what they could manage to salvage there from the empire their father left behind.

The ship that Judge had used once upon a time was gone, so none of that had any value. But additionally, the name Vinsmoke still held meaning and with everything Luffy wanted to do, he needed all the allies he could get.

Sanji would stay at his side, the only time he left was to work in the kitchen with Zeff. The older blond opened up his restaurant again, except he kept it close to Dawn at all times, mentioning that he’d wander with the waves once his little Eggplant left. Their relationship stayed much the same, although Sanji’s siblings were also included and they thrived on positive parental attention instead of whatever Judge gave them.

Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Robin stayed with him at all times, or at least on the same island as they all did wander off to do their own things. Some more than others, but they liked it like that. As long as he could feel their haki, Luffy didn’t mind and his range was far so even in the East Blue they’d be well in range. He’d been able to follow Ace and Sabo all the way to the Red Line, but he wasn’t about to share that just yet.

Uta also stayed on Dawn, not really sure what she wanted to do. Part of her wanted to perform again, but with her past memories a lot of trauma was attached to that too, so she was still figuring things out. Making it very clear she was just happy to be a part of this all despite what happened last time. She got along great with Reiju, the Strawhats currently on Dawn, as well as Luffy’s brothers. It was a very different way than before, and Luffy could see the way the burden on her shoulders lessened because of it.

“You know, you could just join us,” he offered one morning, “Brook is already a given, and I’m sure Franky went to get him already so they can all be there when the Sunny arrives. But you’re Nakama too, so know you’ll always have a place here if you want it.”

There are tears in her eyes as she thanks him, mentioning thinking about it and letting him know before he sets out. That’ll still be just under 3 years, so there is plenty of time.

In fact, the time until he sets out is spent training. He needs to be on top of his game as he sets out, needs to get his gears under control and see about using Gear 5 without the drawback he feels. Or, to see if he can make it to those levels without having to rely on the God he shared his mind and soul with.

Luffy had never seen it that way. He knew people found his resemblance to Nika and Joyboy something to celebrate and a part of him was happy it allowed him to get stronger. But coming back, being able to all come back, it had him looking into the significance of it all. Even asking his Dad and Baba to ask Kuma about it, to gain knowledge and insight into what Nika had been, and could be. His first life was spent winging it, oftentimes, and it worked to a certain point. But with everything they knew was coming, they needed to be prepared for everything.

Nika was also forthcoming in his information. More than willing to share what his life had been like that first time, and with Joyboy. How they had both shaped the world and how Luffy was gearing up to do the same. Last time didn’t have the ending they both wanted and needed, so making sure they worked together would aid them there.

Last time, Luffy had just been a goofy rubber man. He had spent more than ten years of his life believing he had the Gumo Gumo no Mi after all. The time spent without knowing the real name had taken too long, and he didn’t keep that in mind then. But now, with this knowledge, he could train more directly. His gears were a part of that, as was his haki. He needed haki if he wanted to keep up with everything the world was going to throw at them. He needed to be stronger, they needed their happy ending this time around and he would do anything and everything to get there.

“My main power is imagination; in that I wanted something so bad it came into existence and that’s how my devil fruit works now. You were told it was the rubber fruit and it acted like it, because that’s what you imagined. It’s nice, it helps, and I can state both Joyboy and myself used that because it helps in changing your body more easily than a paramecia or even a logia could do,” Nika’s words had stuck with him. At the implications that he could do more.

Part of him knew he could, for all that he created Red Hawk as a tribute to Ace, part of him had known that using haku and friction to light his hand on fire seemed out there. Looking back now, if he had the rubber fruit, he wouldn’t have been able to do it either.

Things would be different this time around. He knew what he needed to train. Had been training his haki, at least observation and conquerors since they came back. Adding Armament as soon as he could actually spar with a lot of different people. He trained his devil fruit alone at first, still remembering the times he had knocked out himself, Ace and Sabo the last time. Punching over and over again, until he could handle the recoil. Until he realized he needed to imagine what he wanted to happen and saw that it did.

Now, with his brothers setting out, he sparred with his crew mostly. On the odd times one of the others in the family arrived they helped him out too. His dad was always fun to spar with, as Dragon had a storm logia and would gain an electrical charge when fighting serious (which is why he never did so in a spar to not harm anyone) but Luffy still kept a lot of the rubber properties (because it was easier) so lighting didn’t do anything to him except make his hair stand up in all directions. During one of their first spars Baba had been shocked to note how much he looked at his other parent because of the gravity defying hair.

After that spar, Baba had sat him down to go over the family tree. The biological one, as he already was aware of one grandparent on each side. Garp was a given, as he had raised him before. Newgate was too, as there had been no secret about the connection there. However, it was his grandmothers that had Luffy sitting on the edge of his seat as Baba explained that he had been the product of a devil fruit mishap and a drunken night between Rocks D. Xebec and Edward Newgate.

“They wanted me, I know they did,” Baba explained, “But they were climbing up to the height of their career and a child didn’t fit into that at the time. Shakky looked after me, as did some of the other women on Amazon Lily, until I stayed on the Moby Dick after God Valley and everything that happened there. I never did get to say goodbye to my other parent, and no one knew of that connection so I kept it hidden.” There is loss there, making Luffy hug Baba close to him (as much as he could as a pre-teen) before listening and realizing it all made sense.

Neither Baba nor Dad had been raised by their parents and were scared to high heaven about what would happen to Luffy if someone were to find out about his connection to just about all the major names in recent history. They hadn’t meant to just leave him, but wanted to protect him more than anything in the world and he couldn’t blame them for that.

Marco had known, eventually, but most of those on the Moby Dick had not known about the connection Wani had to Rocks. In fact, a lot of people believed Newgate to hate Rocks for what he stood for. When at the end, he had been a family man through and through. That had been one of the reasons he had taken Teach in, having known he was the son of Rocks by Eris, quite a number of years after Wani was born and wanting to protect the boy from a much more obvious connection to Rocks and the persecution that would give.

Yet, it never measured up and as soon as they were old enough, Wani left with resentment. Eventually only returning after Luffy was born, and Wani became Crocodile, to try and take Newgate’s head but failing (gaining the scar and losing the hand in return).

Dad sighed, entering the room they were in to pull them close. Adding that his mother had been a Portgas, an aunt to Rouge, so there was that connection to Roger as well. “I knew about Rocks, I had seen Wani before, but we didn’t talk until we started running into each other once they set out on the Moby. Eventually, because of everything that happened and certain secrets that were kept they joined me in the Revolution and we had you. Now, because we know more, and we’ve had time to process things it’s easier to talk and interact with our fathers but it hasn’t always been like that.”

The silent, ‘fearing that you would think the same and not want to talk to us’ was clear enough which had Luffy shaking his head, “I couldn’t resent or miss something I didn’t know. I don’t… I’d miss you now, because things are different and we talked about this and I know what this could have been. But I didn’t have that before and that was alright.”

His parents just hugged him close and he didn’t need haki to sense how difficult they were finding this situation. But he knew why they were telling him this. Ace had every intention of using his real name once he reached the New World and word would get out about connections he had through that. Baba might be connected to both Newgate, which was already known, and Rocks, which would shock the world. Luffy’s connection to those legends, as well as his connection to Ace and Sabo, would put the world on its head.

People dealt with their emotions differently, Luffy knew that. He also knew that he was something else in that regard, he often had his own way of dealing and this was one of those things that highlighted that.

Eventually, he promised he didn’t hold it against them and hugged both his parents close. Adding that he would stay in contact with everyone as much as possible as to anticipate if something were to happen. Once he set out connections would be made, and they needed to take precaution in case a CP unit or maybe even a God’s Knight were sent after him before they were ready for it.

As if he needed any more reason to train, but he looked forward to what it would bring at the end of it all. He was stronger now too, had a crew already and knew what he needed to do in case of a shit show.

Imu wasn’t winning this round, they all resolutely refused to give him that victory. But that also meant they all had to be prepared for anything. They had to be aware of the dangers this brought with them and the changes now being done to the world would only add to that. 

Chapter Text

When it was finally time to set out, Uta decided she would come with Luffy on his adventure. Mostly because she had missed out on so much last time around. Being landlocked on Elgia hadn’t done her any good.

She also didn’t have her devil fruit this time around, which was a conscious decision, but she had been able to learn how to fight. Had sparred with Robin, Nami and Reiju enough that she would be just fine in the menagerie that was the Strawhats. On top of that, she had been quite the diplomat, and they might just be needing that even more this time around. They had an idea on what needed to happen and what could be put to the side, but Luffy’s larger than life alliance already had started forming.

“You can do that, and still sing,” Luffy had gushed at her, his smile infecting everyone else.

Nami and Robin were happy to have another woman on board as well. For all that Vivi would join temporarily, it helped to have someone else there to deal with the amount of men on the Sunny.

Luffy was just happy all of it was taking shape. The Vinsmoke Siblings had already departed a week ago. After Law called in that something was happening in the North Blue and it might be a better idea to set out now instead of waiting another month. He, like Ace and Sabo, as well as most of the alliance, did call in on regular intervals. Everyone looked forward to the moment Luffy did set out as it was bound to be quite the adventure in itself.

Things were already changing as they did have prior knowledge as to what was going to happen. Ace, and Sabo, using the Gol surname also meant that the Marines couldn’t hold that against them and while they were trying to get a hold of either of them it wasn’t made easy by the brothers or by their crews. In fact, the World Government seemed to be in a frenzy from what they found out, trying to get the upperhand and failing without knowing why.

Garp, when he called in through a secure and encrypted line, had been laughing his ass off at the notion and couldn’t help but be proud of his grandsons. He still wanted them to be careful, and had finally given up on them becoming Marines now that it was impossible for them to do so.

With Luffy preparing to leave with most of his crew, Sanji would be waiting for them at the Baratie, while Franky and the Sunny (as well as Jinbei and Brook) would be waiting at the twin capes. Without a conqueror's haki user on board they couldn’t move through the Calm Belt with such a small crew and as Usopp did get them the Merry after dealing with Kuro one of the few times he visited Kaya, that meant they had a ship for now. While all of them wanted to see the new version of the Sunny, they were more than capable to wait for that to happen.

With all of them on board, they would sail to Orange Town to get some of the packages the alliance sent their way. Or rather, sent it to Buggy for safekeeping, before making their way to the Baratie. Zeff had finally released the anchor in front of Dawn so the Baratie could drift on the waves of the East blue as before and was located close to Loguetown again. If things went the way they wanted them to, there was no need for them to stop there. Luffy had no reason to see the scaffold, they wouldn’t be needing a loguepose as Nami already had one from a previous purchase and Buggy no doubt had at least one extra from the care packages.

Barto could have been the reason, but the green haired former mobster had been able to make contact with Luffy, proclaiming his alliance and promising to get ready to sail and meet them in the New World as soon as possible.

“What will you be doing, Makino,” Luffy asked. Looking over the others that had been living in the Monkey Inn as well. A lot of the people there had moved out now, so at this time it was just Makino, Dadan and her band of bandits, Bachina, Bell-Mére and Nojiko.

The green haired woman smiled, “I’ll be staying here for as long as we’re able. Making sure that there is a hub of the alliance in the East in case something happens. Buggy plans to set out as well, as there are too many links going back to him with all of it heating up. Between Zeff and us we should be alright and if not, you or Shanks will come and get us all out of here, I’m sure.”

Nodding in agreement, he hugged her close nonetheless.

Luffy had known that Makino would be staying behind, she didn’t have the sea in her blood like the rest of them did and that was okay. It was nice knowing he could just call back home if he felt the need to. Checking in on her as the rest did with him, and would continue to do so.

They’d be leaving tomorrow and he was making sure the last of his things were packed. He was making sure he was better prepared this time. Making sure he wouldn’t be pulled into the whirlpool like last time. Cutting their travel time short as they wouldn’t go to Syrup or Cocoyashi. Just Orange Town, the Baratie and off to the Twin Capes.

At least, that’s the plan, but who knows what might change as things were progressing differently and they knew it.

—

The following morning, all of the East Blue Strawhats and Robin, bar Sanji, were getting onto the Merry with a smile on their face. Waving at those on the shore and calling out they’d make sure to check in as soon as possible.

Setting out, with Zoro taking the helm with Nami guiding them towards Orange Town and Buggy who was waiting there. Taking their time and just enjoying being on the sea again full-time. Giddy with excitement as to what was to come.

Buggy, as they knew, had slowly been moving his network into the Grand Line. Knowing that he couldn’t stay in the East for much longer and had as such not been able to get to Dawn to give them their packages. Not that they minded that much, if he were to start up Cross Guild again he needed the advantage he had now and that took time and effort. Everything would still be ready and it meant they could say their goodbye to the man who at one point had been an adversary but grew to be an ally and family.

Once in Orange Town, the Mayor tried his usual performance. Until Luffy revealed himself to be Buggy’s family (the true relation wasn’t totally clear there) and just here to pick things up. He didn’t need to be tested as a Pirate of the East Blue, as he was used to the New World anyway.

His crew laughed, petting Chou Chou on his head as they passed the dog, before making their way to the circus tent on the edge of town. Walking in as if they were expected, which they were, until they were stopped by a couple of newbies that seemed to think they would be easy prey.

Before they could act however, Cabaji spoke from behind them, “I think, gentlemen, that you need to think long and hard before deciding to hurt the Captain's Nephew.” He looked quite bored, while also shaking his head at the newbies when they stuttered and almost fell over themselves to apologize. Flinching back at the glare they got from both first mates. Scurrying away, even as Cabaji looked at the teens in front of him, a soft smile on his face, “Captain is inside, a call came through not too long ago that he needed to take.”

Luffy nodded, pulling Nami and Robin with him before leaving Zoro and Usopp with Cabaji and Mohji. To his surprise, Alvida was also there, no doubt having run into both her devil fruit and Buggy at one point. She had mellowed out over the years and without Koby there this might just be the best place for her anyway.

Entering Buggy’s office at the same time the man ended his call and smiled at the two of them, “Mihawk called that he ran into Krieg and his ilk again, so chances are you’ll have to deal with them at the Baratie as one ship did get away.”

Humming, a grin on his face at the knowledge that this might be one thing that didn’t change, Luffy laughed, “That’s bound to be fun.”

He knew that Krieg and his new fleet eventually made it into the Grand Line. But they had been at Sabaody as Luffy as his crew were in the New World. They never did run into them again, so that might be fun to see. Mihawk no doubt came to see them off as well, plus he just liked eating at the Baratie. Without them going to Loguetown, his dad and Sabo might even come to the sea restaurant to see him off too.

Buggy shook his head, “Don’t overdo it, kid. We don’t need the wrong people looking into you too soon in the journey.”

Muttering to himself, he went looking through his own files before making sure he gave Robin an updated version of the reports the Alliance gathered. Smiling at her, before handing Nami several packages, explaining what each one was and who had sent it. Making sure she had enough to last them until the Sunny.

“Zeff also let me know your chef ordered his supplies with the Baratie’s shipment so Sanji should have everything ready when you arrive at the Baratie.” Buggy also mentioned that he knew they had some provisions with them that they could cook with. Given how they had grown up, Sanji did make sure they each knew a few dishes to prepare so they wouldn’t starve. It wasn’t the same quality as the blond’s but it would do.

Nami and Robin took the gifts back to the Merry, leaving Luffy alone with Buggy who warned him that Marines were on the look-out for upstarts right now. Especially with Ace and Sabo out there, they were much harsher on Rookies so he needed to look out.

Pulling him into a hug, he added, “Just make sure you don’t go all out and gain too much attention too soon. Try and take after Red or your flashy dad here, and keep a mask on or keep to the shadows unless there is no other choice.”

Beaming at him, Luffy nodded, before thanking him for everything and wishing him a safe journey as well. They’d run into each other without a doubt but for now this was a fond farewell.

—

Taking off from Orange Town, Nami casually led them towards the Baratie. Taking the scenic route and enjoying their time at sea.

Once almost there, those of them with observation haki blinked as they noticed someone on a rock in the middle of the ocean. Zoro was the one who sighed and pointed out that it was probably Johnny and Yosaku like last time. Leading to them going to pick them up and healing Yosaku from his scurvy. Mentioning they were heading to the Baratie where they could part ways once more.

To their surprise, Fullbody is also there. Or at least, his ship is, without the altercation they had the first time. Glancing at each other, Nami had Zoro take the ship around to anchor on the other side so as to not have their ship sunk once the Marine leaves once more.

Entering and finding that there had been a table reserved for them. Grinning as they did so, taking a seat and waving at Zeff when the man appeared in the dining hall. With them having been anchored before Dawn, it was quite surprising that a lot of the wait staff did stay this time around. All of them were able to get used to it as the restaurant stayed stationary. Almost all of them knew ‘Eggplant’s crew’ so getting seated, and being given the menu was an easy thing to get done.

Sanji came out of the kitchen in time to intercept Fullbody as he tried to one up the waiter serving him and his date. Getting annoyed when the wine wasn’t as he had asked (seeing as it paired terribly with the dishes they served at that moment). The blond not waiting even a second to kick the Marine out for disrespecting the waiter (and his date). Once that was taken care of, Sanji appeared at their table to press a kiss to Zoro’s cheek before greeting the crew with an excited smile and the promise he’d cook for them before they set out. 

Chapter Text

Without the Marines there to make a fuss, Gin strumpled into the restaurant much sooner than before. He still looked like hell froze over, which was enough for Sanji to make a move and get the man something to eat.

The Strawhats kept their seats, more than able to keep an eye on their cook with haki. On top of that, Gin wasn’t a threat right now and if he did act out Sanji was more than able to deal with it. Still, nothing happened and the Don Krieg Pirate set out to find his Captain. Without a doubt leading him to the Baratie where something similar to last time would play out.

Huffing, Sanji helped to clean up in the kitchen now that the Lunch shift was over, before taking a seat at their table with leftovers to eat (and feed Luffy once more). Huffing before smiling softly, “So, what’s the plan?”

Robin shared that Don Krieg was on his way here, seeing as one of the ships had gotten away from Mihawk. Part of them did suspect the man had let them get away, in the hope that they would prove to be an adversary once more. Krieg had been one of the big names Luffy took out the first time and despite wanting to stay under the radar he did want to have a bounty once he did set out into the Grand Line.

“So, that means Krieg will come here again with Mihawk on his tail,” Sanji summarized, before swerving to look at Zoro, “Does this mean you’re going to have another duel, Mosshead?”

Laughing, Zoro shook his head, “Nah, that’ll come some other time. Plus even if I did win, which I’m not sure I can right now, it would be troublesome if challengers came to haunt us on these seas while we’re making our way to the One Piece.”

Luffy grinned, “We’ll run into Hawky more times now, he’s in the alliance, remember.” Turning to Sanji, he added, “As we’re not going by Loguetown, I half expect my dad and Sabo to pass by here. I know they had business in the East around this time. Plus, with the Revolutionary Army making moves no one will notice us or Buggy leaving.”

Which was what they wanted, as well as make their way to the Twin Capes where the rest of their crew was waiting. Crocus should have been brought up to date too, by Shanks or Gaban, no doubt. So he wouldn’t give them his usual spiel. Depending on what Brook said, Laboon might even be coming with them so Crocus would have to think on what to do then.

All they needed to do then was go by Whiskey Peak to get some intel from Baba concerning Drum (as Blackbeard wasn’t an issue, but that also meant Wapol hadn’t been taken care of and Luffy wanted to make sure his doctor was alright). Before leaving Vivi in Alabasta, if she was waiting for them at least. Baba never did specify what was going on there, or if he had been able to verify that Vivi did remember or not. On top of that, Baroque Works wasn’t even close to the organisation it had been in their first life. It still existed, but it operated as a more open branch of the Revolutionary Army (not that people knew that).

Adding that they had a few days to just relax before setting out to the Grand Line, Luffy grinned before going over some of the details he did know. “The Marines are trying to get a hold of Ace or Sabo, given their last name, but are unsuccessful as both Grandpops and dad keep a close eye on both of them. Gramps calls every few weeks to laugh at them over the encrypted snail. So, even if they notice me, none of their attention will be on us given that Uncle Roger’s kids are more important now.”

They all laugh at that, having followed along with how the World Government and the Marines were scrambling to get a hit on either of the twins. Not managing either, as they were out-manoeuvred each and every time.

Uta, especially without the world knowing of her own link to Roger or Shanks, giggled at that too, “They’re going to have an aneurysm once they find out.”

That has all of them smiling brightly, nodding along, and hoping to be there to see it. Marineford won’t happen, they will all make sure it doesn’t happen. But that doesn’t take away that right now Sengoku would still be pressured to capture and kill either (and preferably both) Ace and Sabo. Even if the man had been in talks with Garp and Rosinante about what was really going on.

Garp had been the one to share that Sengoku never did find out what happened on God Valley, he never asked and he believed Kong when he was told about Garp and Roger taking down Rocks and protecting the Celestial Dragons. They had to give it one twist, as the reveal of the God Knights wasn’t something they wanted to do.

Making some plans on what they needed to do, enough that his crew promised to tell Law next time they saw him. Boasting that after so long together his plan making was finally starting to rub off on Luffy. They all had a laugh about it, before moving on that the only other island they needed to stop at was Skypiea. Water 7 and Thriller Bark were not needed, although the later was still up for debate given Lola and her Rolling Pirates, as well as meeting up with Perona.

She had been in contact with Brook, but she didn’t seem to remember anything to the despair of Mihawk and Zoro. Which is why they would ask Mihawk his opinion before deciding on that. Moria wasn't much of a threat, and Kuma, given that things went very differently for him and Ginny, wasn't a warlord right now.

Franky had checked in ages ago, to mention he had stopped CP9 from infiltrating. Iceberg didn’t remember everything, but he did remember enough and acted on that when needed. He believed Franky when his brother came to warn him about the spies trying to get in. As the Sunny was already finished and waiting for them at the Twin Capes, there was nothing to worry about there.

—

As expected, Gin did return with Krieg. But when the man tried to take over the Baratie, he was given the food he needed before a freak storm came around and sank his ship before Mihawk even got to dealing out a strike.

If the swordsman pouted, no one commented on that.

He shouldered past Krieg and Gin in the entrance way of the Baratie, before turning slightly and greeting the two other men who entered with him. Luffy was giggling in a second, before he attached himself to his big brother without the intention of just letting go. Greeting his father briefly, before pulling Sabo to the table the Strawhats had taken in.

Throwing back his cloak, the blond grinned and settled down with Luffy still cuddled into his side, “Ready for this?”

Krieg, it seemed, was not as stupid as he appeared. As he did recognize Sabo and tried to make a grab for the blond. No doubt having heard the Marine Chatter through his stolen ships and thinking he could get quick cash by delivering the blond to Loguetown.

Luffy interfered, both because he needed the bounty and because no one is allowed to touch his family and bring them in as if they were prizes to be collected. Krieg was beaten down in a second, without haki and without gears. But left to groan and moan on the steps of the Baratie before they allowed Gin to take his wayward Captain and leave.

“Lulu, I’m okay,” Sabo soothed him, hugging him close and knowing that certain events played back behind Luffy’s eyes. Huffing, the blond picked up his baby brother and settled down with the Strawhats. Dragon and Mihawk closing ranks in case one of the civilians currently in the restaurant called Marines to aid them. Right now that wouldn’t turn out right unless they got Luffy out of his flash back episode.

In the end, Sabo just called Ace, explaining what happened and letting their older brother sooth Luffy. Making sure to let Marco and Deuce add that Ace was on the Moby and just fine.

That did the trick, as did Sanji appearing with a mountain of food. Grinning widely as he served his Captain, the girls and later on the rest of the family. Even patting Luffy on the head where he was still glued to Sabo’s side.

Mihawk left first, having eaten his fill and after talking it over mentioning that Perona is well where she’s right now. So if they do run into her, that’s for them to figure out, but they don’t need to go to Thriller Bark just for her.

Sabo and Dragon left the following morning. Having stayed the night just to make sure that Luffy was alright before setting out again to check in with Betty and whatever they needed to do in the East. Before they left, Luffy made sure to hug them both extra tight. Grinning brightly at his dad when the man just hugged him back just as much.

Sanji spent the time before lunch to make sure the Merry was fully stocked. Sitting out the lunch rush to eat with his crew before saying his goodbyes before the dinner rush started. Grinning widely from where he was thanking the cooks, and Zeff, for everything they had done for him. To keep an eye out for any news and to promise he’d check in periodically so they knew he was still alive.

His hand in Zoro’s had some of the chefs giving ‘the Cabbage’ the shovel talk about taking care of their Sous-chef, which Zoro took with grace. Pulling Sanji close to press a kiss to his cheek, promising to make sure he’d still be smiling the moment they saw him again.

Once that had been taken care of, they set out once more. Humming as they made their way to Reverse Mountain. Knowing it wouldn’t take them long. Everyone is doing their inventory so the move to the Sunny would be that much easier. Even Luffy helped, although that was mostly on the reports they helped about the Alliance and making sure they still had several spare snails, as well as the numbers for everyone.

There was a list in the Kitchen, but now that they would be heading for the Grand Line they’d be making use of the secret mechanisms Franky had installed so only they could access that information instead of leaving it out in the open.

Like before, the Red line appeared in the early morning the second day after they set out from the Baratie. It had seemed too daunting before, but right now it wasn’t even close to being scary. They had done so much more, so what was this in the face of all of that.

“Luffy, I need you at the front,” Nami said, “Just to make sure that we don’t hit any of the rocks. Sanji, Zoro, back of the ship for when we need a boost. Usopp at the steering wheel, I know right now you’re the most nimble out there. Uta, Robin, just stay close in case we need extra hands.”

It was easy to do this time around. Luffy had managed to gain control over the ability to turn things he touched into rubber without going into gear 5, so he just did that with the Merry while Robin used her devil fruit to make sure no one fell off.

At the bottom of the waterfall, they laughed in glee, especially at the sight of their ship waiting for them. Jinbei, Brook and Franky are already on board with their musician playing a light tune for those gathered. Laboon was making happy sounds and the change in the whale was so magnificent they were already happy just seeing it.

“Captain,” the three Grand Line natives crooned out, welcoming Luffy and the rest of their crew on board. Showing off Sunny, and how different she was looking this time around. More than large enough for the hatch to open and Merry to be stored inside of her. This had been what they were waiting for.

Chapter Text

Luffy was rushing off of the Merry and through Sunny’s hallways even before they had secured the smaller ship inside their main one. He didn’t care, and knew that despite the yells behind him the crew didn’t care either. They were just as excited as him to see the others.

But he was Captain and as such more than able to take those privileges to see those of his crew that he hadn’t been able to see every day.

Jinbei was there to catch him as he came rocketing out of the door, grinning widely before handing him off to Franky for a hug. Brook finally got a hold of him, humming slowly as he put his violin away to be able to greet everyone. The slight tension in his shoulders left him, no doubt a remnant of being alone in the Florian Triangle once more at least until Franky and Jinbei came to get him out.

The others of the crew had arrived as well, greeting their crewmates and catching up on anything they hadn’t done before. Zoro, Sanji and Nami the last ones to arrive as they had been making sure everything from the Merry had been loaded into the Sunny’s cargo hold or the kitchen. Never happier that Franky had foreseen special hiding spaces for the alliance’s folders and numbers.

Once that is set to order and they have a moment in the kitchen to catch those from the New World up to date on what has been happening, they go back out there to find Crocus waiting for them. He isn’t doing his usual spiel, and the soft smile on his face makes it more than clear that he’s happy for Laboon. Even if it’s not the full Rumbar Pirates Crew, Brook alone is more than enough to make sure that the island whale is feeling a lot better.

Their oldest member also asked to take Laboon with them as he wasn’t a little calf this time around. Instead he was large enough to take on seakings if needed, and as they had discussed he might be able to swallow Sunny and bring them elsewhere without the Marines or the World Government knowing what was going on.

Crocus smiled politely, he hadn’t come back with them but he had known Rayleigh and Gaban, as well as Shanks and Buggy, long enough to listen to what they had to say and help where needed. He offered them all a check-up and those not from the Grand Line their shots so they had their immunisation for the illnesses that lived here. Adding that he was certain either Marco or Hongo would have a set for the New World. Allowing him to look over them, and give their shots before sending them on their way.

As they had no need to stop at Whiskey Peak, not that there were a lot of people present there anyway nor at Little Garden, they used an eternal logue pose to navigate to Drum. Franky mentioned none of them had been able to contact their Doctor and for a second all of them were a little scared of what that could mean. Being younger than they were, as well as originally a reindeer, things might have happened differently. If coming back lost them their Doctor they didn’t quite know what to do with themselves.

“Do you think he’s okay,” Luffy whispered as they sat in the kitchen after dinner. Jinbei was the only one missing, steering the ship and keeping watch even if this early in the Grand Line they could take on whatever came their way.

Zoro pulled their Captain against his side, “Chopper is tough, and he’s a persistent little shit, he’ll be fine. Chances are with Wapol still around, he’s keeping himself hidden with the Old Witch. Once in Drum, we’ll find him in no time with haki.”

Luffy hummed, his eyes faraway in a way he didn’t usually do. They had all noticed the way he acted, the way he seemed a lot more mature after what had happened. Then again, living your life once and losing so much that you figured something out to get a second chance did that to a person. Especially when one had a mythical zoan fruit, like Luffy had, as they often had a mind of their own.

Those who had been on Dawn had heard Luffy talking to Marco enough times to understand that where normal devil fruit users got impulses or nudges from their sea devil, those with a mythological one had another entity sharing the space in their mind.

All they could do was offer their Captain support in this matter, as it wasn’t something they could change or even help with. Nika was living in his head, and even if Luffy had a lot more control over his fruit this early on. That didn’t mean that it would just be that much easier.

Drum started showing on the horizon soon enough, with them all preparing to land in the early afternoon. Jinbei had offered to stay on the Sunny, mentioning that Fishmen weren’t all that welcome in the early parts of the Grand Line. Not like in the New World, so they would need to treat cautiously. Offering to watch the ship and deal with anyone who meant her harm was more than enough for now. Brook also offered to stay with him, given his appearance and the slight interactions they did have on the waters showed that not everyone was as tolerant as the Strawhats and the Alliance were.

To their surprise, and joy, Chopper appeared not much later. Flushed and mentioning he had dealt with Wapol himself when the man tried to run his usual spiel. He wasn’t about to let anything happen to his home island, or to Kuhera again, so he took action. Gushing about how much easier it was now that he knew how his devil fruit worked, chattering the whole time before the crew was close enough and he could just hug everyone close.

Kuhera also showed up, looking shocked, until she saw the hat on Luffy’s head and told him to look out for her son out there on the sea. Making sure they were ready to set out, giving them some extra gear and produce, making Dalton and some of the others pitch in the help. Although that proved unnecessary as between Luffy, Sanji and Zoro everything was loaded onto the ship with little to no issue.

Setting off once more, everyone still on the Sunny also greeted Chopper before bringing him up to date on everything that was happening. Setting course to Alabasta soon after, Nami stayed at the help with the eternal logue pose in her hand. Making it clear that she, as well as the others, were quite curious as to what was waiting for them there.

—

Vivi was waiting for them at the docks, Crocodile behind her, together with Kouza and Pell. Grinning widely as the princess hugged the pirates close and started chattering about everything.

“I asked Crocodile not to say anything,” Vivi confessed, “Our first meeting after I got my memories back wasn’t the best one.” There is a sheepish smile on her face, she had never truly joined the crew full time but after Sabo had gotten her out of Marigeose, she appeared on their ship a couple of times. Staying out of the grasp of Imu and his people.

She was also delighted to meet Uta, as she hadn’t been able to do that before. Grinning at the mention that there were more girls on board.

Crocodile, in the meantime, had his son hugged around his waist. Having heard from Dragon and Sabo that he had an episode at the Baratie and wasn’t dealing that well sometimes. Hugging him close as they whispered among themselves as the crew caught up with Vivi. Offering dinner at the Palace as Cobra was more than welcoming after hearing the stories both Crocodile and Vivi had to offer about the crew of the next Pirate King.

Once at the table, Luffy asked his baba what the plan was now.

Humming, Crocodile kept a hand on his son’s shoulder, “Buggy is coming here to establish a network in the first half of the Grand Line. Making plans to move to the New World in time, but not yet. Between Dawn and the Baratie, we have people in the East to look out for rumours there and with Law and Mr. Prince’s siblings establishing ties in the North we’re set there too. The plan is for the Princess to take over in a few years so he can move on, as I don’t know the full ins and outs of Buggy’s network and royalty is always a boon in regards to the information they can get to.”

Sanji flushed at that, “You still haven’t forgotten that?”

Shaking his head, Crocodile grinned, “It’s funny now, but no, you’re never getting out of that.”

Grumbling, Sanji pretends to ignore the man. Starting up a conversation with Zoro and Usopp and forgetting all about it.

Luffy huffed, “You’re sailing to Baltigo, then?”

Nodding, Crocodile explained that soon there would be too obvious connections and he didn’t want to put Cobra or Vivi in danger. He truly was a changed man, and looking back at it, taking over Alabasta was a stupid plan in the first place. “We managed to accomplish so much more with Cross Guild, so that’s what we’re working towards. Mihawk and I are still Warlords, even if we’re both aware they would like to see us replaced. I think the only one we used to have, that we’re missing now, is Kuma. Although offers have been made, no one has accepted yet.”

His eyes look into Luffy’s, “Don’t you dare think about it, as they did offer it to your brother this time around too. Or they were going to, until he casually revealed his last name. Your bounty isn’t out right now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if you were put on the candidate pile.”

Snorting at that, echoed by his crew, Luffy shook his head, “Don’t worry, Baba, not going to do that. Wouldn’t last a week before I slam someone through a wall.”

More than once of his crew countered with even less time. Before they went back to their own conversations and left Luffy and Crocodile alone. Knowing how much family meant to their Captain, and how this time around he had there with him. Vivi, it seemed, was the only one who couldn’t wrap her head around it, even if she let it all slide and grinned brightly each and every time the crew talked to her or made sure she was aware of what was happening. She too was happy to note that Luffy and her were cousins, or something similar, carrying the will of D together.

Alabasta had them stocking up, with Crocodile giving them pointers on where to go and what to do, or not to do. Adding that someone had been sent to Thriller Bark, in a joint effort between King and Katakuri, to retrieve Lola. Even if neither men could be there.

That only left them with Yaga, Skypiea and Sabaody before making their way into the new world. Given that the logue pose would be set to Yaga, they were handed a very familiar piece of paper that would lead the way to Sabaody and Rayleigh.

“I don’t know what Ace told him, but he’s calling in on regular times. Mostly to Ace, Shanks or Buggy, but we’ll take it for now. He’s there as support, having mentioned that his time at sea is at a close, but he does want to help in making sure we all survive,” Crocodile offered, “Or those are his words. I was asked to give you this, most of my men have already passed the Red Line so it’s just me no and Dragon should be here in a couple of days to come and collect me.”

They parted with a hug and well-wishes. Alabasta has gone very differently. There was no Smoker on their tail, no Warlord to dethrone and except for Bellamy and Enel, they shouldn’t encounter too big of an adversaries at this point in their journey.

Chapter Text

As they’re well aware of what has to happen, they set sail to Yaga and make their way to Skypiea as soon as they are able to. While last time it was to prove there was a Sky Island there, now it was a lot more personal.

Luffy had taken to explaining to the crew that he and Nika were two souls in the same body. Mythological Zoans were special in that they held an actual soul instead of just the wish, as Vegapunk had told them on Egghead last time. As such, Nika took offence to Enel calling himself a god. Especially as those in Skypiea did worship Nika as one of their main deities.

“He’s mocking us and before Nika hadn’t been awakened and while he noticed something it wasn’t even close to what we’re noticing right now, I won’t stand for it and having trained as I could, gear 5 isn’t out of reach. On top of that, Imu can’t see me here, as he doesn’t hold jurisdiction over the White Sea,” Luffy explained. Trying to have it make sense as much as possible. Going over the details when one of his crew asked, although he wasn’t all that good at explaining.

Sanji huffed, he too had taken a different approach and with his siblings close had used his raidsuit on Dawn to make sure his mutations did appear. Not that he wanted to be like that all the more, but because it gave him an extra layer of protection that would come in handy, even more so with someone who loved throwing lightning around.

Thinking about Enel, he asked if that was why the man thought he was a God.

Nodding, Luffy explained that he could use lightning too, it arched off of him in the form of haki. But he could grasp it when it came to life close by. He had shown that in Wano and in Elbaph after all. The stories about Nika had been lost, in part, so it wasn’t that hard to think that the people of Skypiea believed that Nika was able to use lightning and Enel used that to his advantage.

Like before, he didn’t want to kill anyone who didn’t deserve it. But this was somehow quite personal.

In the end, all it took was for Luffy to go into gear 5 to see the wonder on the faces of those on Skypiea. Explaining that there had been one other, eons before, who could do the same thing outside of Nika himself. Educating them and dealing with the dogma Enel had established until the man once more chose to go to the moon and leave the people here behind.

That only left them with ringing the bell, taking all the gold they could carry and because they had come prepared the Sunny didn’t take as much damage as Merry had once upon a time. Bellamy was still there on Yaga, but it seemed someone had warned him not to do anything stupid and he kept to the side. It couldn’t be Doffy, or maybe it was as he had noticed certain things moving around and Bellamy did look up to the blond bastard.

“Let’s just go,” Luffy decided in the end. Having Nami sail for Sabaody as Water 7 wasn’t needed. They asked Franky if he wanted to stop there, but their shipwreck told them he had his goodbye with Iceburg so that wasn’t needed now.

Thriller Bark was empty, and they had Brook right there with them. Additionally, no one wanted to force their oldest member to go through it all once more. Laboon was also able to keep up just fine, the island whale hadn’t been able to join them up in Skypiea, but he stayed in the water and out of sight close to where Cricket promised to keep an eye on him if they went up to prove him that Skypiea existed.

Around this time Luffy’s bounty poster also appeared, much lower than it had been before. Maybe a good thing too, as they would be in Sabaody a lot sooner than they had been before. Law should be arriving around the same time, as he too didn’t need to stop quite as often, he would in life or death situations as he was still a doctor. But some of the other islands he had stopped at what was passed through to others to make sure they got the help they needed.

Crocus promised he’d give law what he needed, even if chances were high he had been able to get an eternal logue pose to Sabaody and was using that to get there underwater. The World Government was aware that someone had eaten the Ope Ope no Mi, but they couldn’t trace it back to Law and right now that’s what they needed.

They needed to get to the New World first, soon all of their immediate allies would be there and if things did happen like they did last time they’d need that boon to make sure nothing happened like it did last time. Imu had been scheming and as much as they knew what happened next they had no idea how he’d change his plans if things happened differently. Both Nika and Joyboy had told Luffy as much, given that they were the only three users of the Nika fruit (ever) but that Imu had been an issue since Nika, posed a problem they weren’t keen on repeating.

Frowning, Luffy tracked Laboon’s journey through the water, huffing as he kind of wished they could have more adventures. Then again, they would be able to do that if that treat had been eliminated. Because of everything that had happened, previously, the moment Luffy’s name got more recognition he had a target on his back. Dragon had been a thorn in the World Government’s eye since just after God Valley. With the Revolutionary Army only growing, there isn’t a lot they can do to stop that from happening.

“What’s with the frown, Captain,” Zoro asked, coming to stand next to him.

Luffy sighed, “I miss adventure. We already know how a large part of this is going to go and I kind of don’t like that. I loved that we didn’t know what was coming last time. That was the main reason I never wanted anyone to tell me what was waiting for us on Laughtale. But this seems like a repeat, in a way.”

Sanji, having joined them when Zoro asked, sighing, “I guess in a way we already know what is happening and are prepared for that. We’re not the same kids we were when we first made our way to Sabaody and it doesn’t have to be. The New World might still hold some treasures, and you know Kaido and Big Mom have been getting more and more of a problem now that both their right hand men seem to have a change of heart.”

Nodding, Luffy knew the other two Emperors would pose a problem. They weren’t, and had never been, Nakama not that he wanted them to be. But that meant they had no idea what was going on with Katakuri and King.

Both powerhouses had been discreetly recruiting from their own crews. Not giving them the whole story, at least not all of them, but often they were directed into thinking for themselves and connecting the dots. That already brought them so much further than before, and now it started to make the two of them superstitious. So that was one thing they would have to address at one time, and soon. Shanks and Grandpops did know, from the start. Shanks because he remembered since Luffy did, and Grandpops got told the whole story after Marineford as that was as far as he remembered. Half of the New World was already theirs and no one even knew it.

There is a silence, before Luffy adds, “A lot is going to be put in motion and fast at that once we reach the New World. We need to have certain things established to make sure we can manage whatever comes next. Hopefully, if we manage to move quicker, that means we’ll be able to dethrone Imu before he knows what is going on.”

Looking at the horizon, they can see Sabaody start to doom up in the distance.

It had taken them a couple of weeks with minimal stops, just enough to resupply and keep up to date with the news of what was happening around the globe.

But now, they were here and it was more than clear that they were doing so with a very different attitude.

—

They made sure to pick the Groove closest to Shakky’s, to be able to make a run for it if they needed to do so. Right now they’re going in blind, after all. The other Supernovas shouldn’t be here yet, so it can’t be that much chaos.

Then again, Luffy is with them and he easily makes that all on his own.

Rayleigh has been keeping an eye out as he appears out of the greenery surrounding the groove with a small smile on his face. Mentioning that he had heard through the grapevine that Luffy and Law would be making their way here earlier than normal.

“Trafalgar is already here, arrived last night, so you’re not that off on timing, Luffy,” he says, looking older than they all remember him being. But then again, they had known this was hard on the man in the first place.

Luffy, being who he is, grins before bounding forward to hug the former-Roger pirate around the waist, “I’m glad Ace had you.”

Of all the things he could have said, it was clear that was not what Rayleigh expected to hear. Still, he wraps his arms around the young Captain in return and just holds him tightly. The two of them always did have an interesting relationship. There were a lot of people who did see Roger in Luffy, Rayleigh had been one of the few who explained why. Who chose to train the new generation just because Luffy was so much like Roger.

Huffing as he pulled back, Rayleigh promised to get their coating done sooner rather than later. Mentioning them to follow him to Shakky’s and to Law waiting there as well with his crew. He offered to let them use his encrypted snail if they wanted to, to call the Family and start planning on what needed to happen now. He kept up to date, mostly through Ace and he mentioned that he wouldn’t go out there again, but he could handle support as much as they needed him.

Grinning, he adds, “I don’t think you need me to come and save your asses this time around. From what I heard from Gaban and Shanks, you’re more than able to keep up with everyone currently out on these seas.”

Zoro snorts, “God Knights too, at least we were last time and I know we all trained for that instead of just the Grand Line. That’s partly why we’re here so early, it wouldn’t be fair to others if we instigated a fight right now and most of the threats we dealt with before, have been dealt with already.”

A grin appears on Rayleigh’s face, “Good, I think you will all be just fine then.”

Opening the door to the Shakky’s Bar, Luffy darts past him as soon as he’s able to throw himself into Law’s arms. The other Captain just laughs, showing a very different version than the one they’re used to seeing. He’s grinning brightly, a blond at his side, one no one outside of the East Blue crew (this version of it) had seen before but knew by name.

Nami went to look for Shachi to be able to compare notes and to make sure the Hearts were up to date on what was happening. Even Jean-Bart was already present, no doubt either remembering and coming to find Law ahead of time before he was captured and enslaved. Or that had been Law’s first order of business since arriving here. Their bet is on the first option, as the large man looks too healthy to have been a slave recently.

Chapter Text

They don’t stay on Sabaody long. Just enough to catch up and for the coating to take. There is nothing there right now that should take their attention. They aren’t well known right now, and using that to their advantage is the best thing they can do at this point in time.

Especially as Law’s fruit would gather the wrong kind of attention. The same could be said of the women of the crew, as it wouldn’t be the first time they caught the wrong person’s eye and had to deal with that without wanting to. Uta, remembering the Celestial Dragon who had mentioned wanting her as his slave so she could sing him lullabies, wasn’t that keen on letting that happen. Especially not as it might bring her closer to her biological father and grandfather. Neither man had cared before and getting noticed now wasn’t what any of them wanted to happen.

Sinking into the ocean, they made the agreement to stay in Fishman Island a little longer. Especially so that Jinbei had a little more time to be home. Laboon guided their way, obviously enjoying the time he could spend with all of them and making sure to keep both the Sunny and the Polar Tang in sight at all times. Surume did pop up again, but as Luffy had been able to tame the Kraken before this wasn’t really that hard.

“Remember, try not to start a revolution here,” Nami deadpanned. Looking at Luffy as she said that.

Despite how fast they were making their way through all of this, she knew what her Captain was capable of. None of them ever forgot the prophecy where Luffy was said to turn the world upside down and with everything they knew about what he was able to do, that wasn’t so odd either.

Hopefully, between their previous good relations with King Neptune, Jinbei on their crew and the fact that right now this was still Whitebeard Territory, nothing could go too wrong. They all held hope, but that didn’t mean anything in the face of Monkey D. Luffy.

Jinbei smiled, “It’ll be fine, Nami, we’ll make it out of here without any trouble.”

No sooner than he had said that and an explosion rocketed the land they were on. Looking into the direction they had seen their Captain going, both Nami and Jinbei sighed. Hurrying after him, only to find not only Luffy, but his brothers as well. Grinning widely as they boxed in Hody Jones. Apparently the assasination of Queen Otohime was still going on and like the feral gremlins they were, all three brothers decided to put a stop to that.

Ace and Sabo were unexpected, but Rayleigh no doubt called in that they had passed Sabaody and the brothers had taken that as their cue to come and meet with their younger brother. Despite the name they both carried now, Fishman Island was Whitebeard Territory still.

Luffy giggled, “I didn’t know you’d be here!”

Both laughed, “You think we wouldn’t be here to welcome you into the New World? Especially if it’s Whitebeard Territory? Nothing could keep us away, not when right now the New World isn’t in disarray yet.”

The way Luffy grinned at that made it clear he too had every intention to make that happen now that they were here. Not that surprising really, Luffy had done the exact same the first time they had arrived in the New World. All of the other Supernova had been assimilated into an Emperor’s crew, except for Law and Kidd. Urouge also hadn’t done that, but he had disappeared so they weren’t counting him right now. Anyway, of those remaining, it had been Luffy who kept on making waves. First with Big Mom and later with Kaido, on Egghead and even on Elbaph.

In a way, that made sense, the New World was still relatively safe for now. Imu and the Elder Stars had no idea Nika was reborn as Luffy kept his powers under wraps. The only time he did show them was on Skypiea after assuring them Imu wasn’t able to sense it there. They had a large ace up their sleeve with that and the world would tremble once that was known.

No one knew what to expect, as they had made their way to the New World at a fast pace, without taking out too many adversaries. There were no fallen Warlords, there was no defeated Cipher Pol cell. On top of that, Luffy’s bounty right now was only a sliver of what it had been. He hated it, they all knew he hated it, but he had done that so they had allies at their back for when this really took off.

Looking at Hody Jones, the man had gotten off without too much trouble. It seemed that Ace, or someone else from the Whitebeard Pirates as they could see Marco and Izou up ahead, had given warning before letting the Fire User go wild. Sabo no doubt joined his twin as they didn’t see Hack or Koala anywhere, so he had come alone with the support of allies.

Slapping Jinbei’s arm, Nami grumbled, “And you dared say we’d keep this quiet.”

With a grin, Jinbei shrugged, before approaching the brothers and greeting them both. Waving at Marco and Izou when the other two commanders wandered closer too. Nami followed suit, sighing in relief as Izou’s arm wrapped around her shoulders. Finally she’d have some support from more level headed people. As most of her crew were as insane as her Captain, following the man without a second thought.

At one point, early on in their stay on Dawn, she had been certain that Ace and Sabo were more level headed than Luffy. Only to find that the three of them were their own brand of insane, the older two were just able to hide it better. It was weird seeing them all together, and both she, the Strawhats and their allies had promised themselves that this bond would stay. It was only seeing it in action as children, that she realized what had been lost when Ace died.

“Don’t think so heavily, Nami,” Izou spoke, smiling at her, “Things are going very differently. Law is already here and I don’t think Luffy is going to let him go this time around even if Teach isn’t here anymore. You, and we, are taking the New World by storm and no one even knows it yet.”

Smiling widely at that, Nami nodded. She was well aware that she was just as insane as her Captain and crew. They would take the world by storm, and had been doing the preparations for it for years. Katakuri and King both had called in several times with what was going on in those territories. Just as she knew that Katakuri had sent some of his brothers and sisters to get Lola out of Thriller Bark and deal with Moira. He and Perona were also making their way into the New World, to Wano of all places. Given the roots Moira had there, to settle down again once Kaido fell and Wano once again became a free country.

Glancing at Izou, she knew the man knew what was on her mind. He sighed, “I don’t know yet, I’ll decide once we deal with Kaido.”

Nodding, their gazes shifted to the three brothers. Looking on as Palace Guards came to take Hody away. Dispersing into the crowds to get his accomplishers as well. To make sure the Royal Family was safe and that regardless of what happened now, they were kept safe.

Jinbei had moved on to talk to Marco, and who Nami recognized as Alladin, the new Captain of the Fishman Pirates and someone who would one day marry Charlotte Parline. Or, maybe, they had already married as she could see a ring on his finger.

—

When they did leave Fishman Island, it was alongside a Mini Moby and the Polar Tang. The Moby Dick would be waiting on them a little further, along with the Red Force. Both the Whitebeard Pirate Fleet and some of Shanks’ allies were keeping an eye out so no one came too close to get an inkling as to what was going on.

Katakuri and King both did the same thing on Whole Cake Island and Wano, to make sure neither Big Mom or Kaido had any idea what was going on. It had been long enough in the making that they were turning the world on its head.

Luffy just about skipped off of the Sunny, grinning brightly at the sight of Shanks and his parents waiting there for him. Gravitating close and humming all the while, very obviously enjoying that he’d be able to cut loose now. Everyone who knew him was somewhat surprised that he managed to hold on this long.

Even Law seemed surprised that Luffy managed to keep to plan, even if said plan was one of his own making, for long enough that they could start the next phase of it all. Shaking his head, the other captain took a seat as Luffy went around greeting everyone before settling next to Law. A bright grin on his face as he did so.

“So, next part of the plan,” Luffy joyously exclaimed.

Snorting, Law shook his head, “I’m still not used to hearing you plan anything. But sure, let’s hear it.”

With that, Luffy shared that he planned on taking over the New World. Both Big Mom and Kaido had to go, as neither would be adamant to letting him become Pirate King. Nor did he feel like letting them go their merry way after everything that had happened. Despite what was happening under their noses and how both Katakuri and King had tried to talk to their Captains before going for the mutiny route, it hadn’t dawned on either of the Emperors that their time came to an end.

Both Shanks and Newgate looked amused, asking the younger Captain if they needed to worry. To which Luffy grinned brightly, stating that they were family and neither of them wanted to be King. In true Luffy fashion he did mention that he wouldn’t say no to a spar, if just to test his skills against the both of them.

Shanks grinned widely, as they had never managed to get to that point last time. Imu had been on their tail soon enough and while Luffy had been an Emperor at that point, they never did officially meet outside of the battle against the World Government. As such the redhead was looking forward to seeing how this would end. His eyes strayed to Uta often enough as well, never forgetting that he had lost her last time. To know that while she wasn’t on the Red Force now, she was protected by someone who cared for her as much as he did.

Dragon took the floor after, sharing that they had been keeping an eye on everyone of interest. Including both Shamrock and Garling Figarland, who seemed to have been looking for something below. Neither had stayed in Marigeose as much as they had done before. Additionally, there were rumours of a dispute in the Holy Land, which they could take advantage of.

“However,” he stated, “We have no idea of finding out what exactly is going on there. Not without someone going up there and I don’t think any of us can manage that.”

Uta offered, but she was shot down by both Shanks and Luffy. Stating that while they knew she could stand her own, especially training with the Strawhats. Marigeose changed you, it had changed Shanks enough that he at times still felt off-kitler and it has been almost two decades since the last time he was there.

Luffy frowned, “Do we know of someone up there who might remember as well? Someone we don’t know might count as Nakama?”

No one came forward with that information, as no one had been on their side there. Additionally, the only one who might have some part in that was Ginny, or Bonney, but given what they had known things went differently this time around. Dragon also pulled a blank, as did Rosinante, although he did mention having an uncle that was still up there. But given that no one even knew who that was, it seemed far fetched to think he remembered when they did.

Chapter Text

They spend quite a lot of time going back and forth on who it might be that also came back with them when they travelled to the past. No one really stood out as possibly being Nakama in the big sense of the word.

No one really came up as they didn’t have any allies in Marigeose.

Yet, knowing that both Garling and Shamrock were trying to find something was putting them on edge regardless. As much as they did want to know what was going on, it felt like they were missing something. Nika stayed quiet and even the Ocean couldn’t give them any clues. Which only made it stranger.

Uta offered, once again, to go up there as she had a means to do so, being Shamrock’s daughter. Shanks refused, going so far as to share what he had been through and how it had changed him. What he had found out and why he had done what he did, releasing Tiger Fisher and any slaves he could. Adding on that he hated it there, making it clear to Uta that if she went there chances were she wouldn’t come down or that she was forever changed.

“Most women up there are barren, and not all that pretty to look at. All that inbreeding did them in, and even the younger males can’t procreate that easily,” he shuddered, “That’s the reason Garling is looked up to, he had a child with someone from the World Below, but those children came out looking like Nobles, while still proving that not all was lost. I know none of us ever asked Bonney about it all but I bet that if she hadn’t gotten Sapphire Scale, she would have been married off as soon as she became of age.”

The conversation changed soon after, everyone there had gotten into contact with the Celestial Dragons at one point and it never was a good thing to have happened. Part of Luffy was proud he didn’t stay long enough on Sabaody as the chances were high he would have smashed another one of their faces in.

Sighing, he muttered that he had made his way to the New World as soon as possible to make sure they had a strong baseline for the alliance. “Imu is bound to notice something, they always know when something is wrong and I fear for what that might mean for us.”

It was clear that not everyone was used to a more mature and calm Monkey D. Luffy, but he didn’t really care all that much. He had lost too much at this point to just leave it as it is. Imu would find out, one way or another. The Revolution would still take place, even sooner maybe. Although the Reverie does give his Dad and Sabo the perfect cover as so many people from all over make their way there. He might even join them this time around as it’ll be another two years before that happens.

Glancing at his dad, he explains his own plan in more detail. How they need to make sure the power balance in the New World is shifted towards their favour. If Big Mom and Kaido fall, Luffy and Law can take their place. While Law doesn’t have the standing the others have and which Luffy will earn, that doesn’t mean that they can’t make it. They have to be careful though, as certain things never come to pass.

Judge is still dead, so while he did work together with Queen, Vegapunk and Ceasar, two out of those three aren’t tied to the ones they were tied to before. Alber killed Queen years ago, a fit of rage or so it is said after finding out about the experimentations the man did that hit a little too close to home.

Ceasar in the meantime, didn’t have Doffy to fall back on, as they managed to get word out soon enough so that the blond couldn’t take over Dressrosa. He was kept busy and while he was still at large and a Warlord, he didn’t have the standing or the power he once had. Rosinante’s bounty poster also appeared not too long ago, so since seeing that the man no doubt freaked out something fierce as the rumour mill had suggested his brother had been shot and killed.

So, Kaido only had King and Jack. With one of those two being on their side in this conflict. Alber had checked in, mostly through the Whitebeard Pirates or on the off chance he ran into Shanks, through the redhead and was more than done with the Beast Pirates. Kaido had saved him once upon a time, but his gratitude there had long since gone away now that he could see what had happened with Oden and how Kaido was treating the people of Wano. Most of the Supernova’s also weren’t in the New World just yet and the only one they knew who had been in league with the man was Apoo but he wasn’t quite there yet. Which made him an easy target.

Easier than Linlin at least. She didn’t have anyone who had been killed, Katakuri cared too much about his siblings and had made sure she didn’t kill them this time around. He had been easier to check in with, as Katakuri was known to wander at times. Never far, but enough that he could meet up with one of the other Emperors or King without it being too suspicious. On top of that, he knew how to play his role and made sure Linlin didn’t suspect a thing. She had no idea her time was ending, that the way she had projected the idea of family and unity would come to an end as soon as Luffy showcased his devil fruit at full power.

“If we take care of Kaido, with the StrawHearts, and some Whitebeard Pirates, no one will even know. There is no reason for CP0 to be there this time around so I can’t be taken out again. Them being closed off from the rest of the world and the World Government gives us a boon for a little while longer.” Luffy explains, not even reacting to the way his family are all shocked to hear he died that first time in Wano.

Waving them off, he continued, “If we circle back to White Cake Island before heading to Egghead, that means we can also take out Big Mom. She isn’t expecting anything right now and I know I can take her. Katakuri also checked in that a lot of his siblings are tired with the way she treats them and are done with it all. So we won’t be having that mess like we did the first time,” his eyes find Sanji, who looks away and lets his hand slide into Zoro’s.

Oddly enough, or so they found out, Pudding also remembered because of how nice they all were to her. She had been so used to being ridiculed for having three eyes that Sanji calling her beautiful regardless had stayed with her even now. Katakuri had told them when he had been able to call, mentioning Pudding had come to seek him out and ask about it. Making a note how things had seemed better once their mother was gone ( if one didn’t count her being kidnapped by Teach or Cracker being frozen by Kuzan) and they were all allowed to live.

Luffy comments that his fleet is checking in too, assembling themselves and more than willing to come and look for him once they’re ready or if he should have need for them. Which he doesn’t, not right now. He can handle Linlin and Kaido with his own crew and some back-up in the form of his brothers and the Whitebeard Pirates.

Glancing at his grandfather and parents, he continues that once he and Law take over as Emperor, even if it won’t be recognized by the World Government, they will be put in the spotlight, “Kaido and Linlin were always trying to one up either Shanks or Grandpops, all the time. Trying to take territory or just getting under your skin. We also know at least Kaido dealt with them under the table, so they will notice that stopping. But by then it will be too late and we’ll have established not only an alliance but also made sure they’re losing ground in the New World.”

Huffing, he adds that they’ll make a mark even more if they head to Egghead after that. The Seraphim should have been born already but if they can take them away the World Government can’t do anything about it. They also know what to tell Vegapunk so he’ll consider leaving and either joining the Revolutionary Army or staying neutral. Taking away one more resource from the World Government.

Even his dad looks shocked at finding out about that, prompting Luffy to share what Vegapunk shared before Kizaru had killed him. How he hated himself for not choosing what was right and instead going for the path where he had unlimited funds. Until they started asking things of him he didn’t agree with. The World Government didn’t want peace or even prosperity, they wanted control.

He knew his eyes were glowing red when he shared that he knew Imu was after ultimate control and as long as the belief of Nika was out there, they couldn’t have it. Nika was Chaos given form, Imu’s total opposite and they couldn’t live with that. Luffy, and Nika, had every intention to make sure that he never got that total control and that everyone could remain free.

Ace, Shanks and Sabo snort at that, no doubt remembering an actual child Luffy sharing that he wanted to be the freest person out there. That’s why he wanted to be Pirate King, because that person was the freest person. He didn’t want it because of a title or whatever, he just wanted to be free.

His crew smiled, they had loved it the first time. How Luffy could be so free and made sure that they had their freedom too. All of his people had a certain weight to them, and Luffy had set them free from that weight. Fears, a part that kept following them or even no sense of direction towards their goal, he made sure that they found it again and with it, their freedom. The same happened with the countries and people he saved. For all that he was a Pirate, Luffy never acted like one, he followed his gut and maybe, in part, unawakened observation haki. To the point that he was at the right place at the right time.

Wani realized that too, laughing as he realized that he had to run into his son like this. That Luffy had brought him his freedom back too. He had lost his way in such a way that being beaten was what helped.

“You are indeed special, Hatchling, I remember not knowing how I could have lost to a Rookie, but… I think I needed that,” He pulled Luffy into his side. Cuddling him close in a way he didn’t get to do in their first love until it was so much later. He had gotten to have that this time around, with a much smaller Luffy too. But something felt like it had been missing still, so it was nice to have that going for them regardless.

Dragon pulled them both close too, “Let’s go and change the world, then, I think Luffy’s plan is sound and we need to act before someone realizes what is going on.”

Everyone cheered at that, to the point that they were all more than ready. The world was about to be shaken awake and no one would be able to follow once Nika showed up and showed everyone how to be free.

The God in Luffy’s soul sighing in relief, things were changing for the better and soon, soon, things could be restored once more.