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Chapter Text

It was a great day to set sail.

Roger grinned as he watched the boy take out the Lord of the Coast with a well-aimed rubbery right hook.

Fate was a funny thing, he'd realised over the years he'd spent observing the world as a spectator. When he had made the decision to entrust his unborn child to Garp's care, he'd never imagined that Ace would grow to develop such a strong bond with Garp's young grandson, much less that said grandson would end up being a pirate with aspirations towards Roger's own legacy.

Roger remembered with clarity the day that Garp had appeared at the bandit's hideout with his small grandson in tow. That in itself wasn't too notable, though Roger had noted the boy's fast friendship with Shanks during some of his short visits down to Windmill Village. No, it was the straw hat that the boy clutched protectively to his head, one that was unmistakably his, that immediately caught his attention. Roger had straight burst out laughing on the spot, and his laughter was only egged on by Luffy's loud proclamation that he was going to become the Pirate King, because wasn't that a delightful piece of irony?

Finding out later that Shanks had lost an arm was a bit of a shock, but it soon became clear that the boy was no less lively for it. His former apprentice had good crewmates as well, who would loyally guard his back with their lives, and Roger knew that he could leave Shanks in their hands.

In more recent years Ace had found a place to belong as well, with Newgate of all people. Roger had been amused and Rouge concerned when Ace first started challenging his old rival, but Roger had been quick to reassure her that Newgate was showing all the signs of having taken a liking to Ace and no deliberate harm would befall their boy aboard the Whitebeards' ship. His words rang true when several months later, Ace officially took on Whitebeard's mark. This brought a bittersweet pang to their hearts, grateful to the Whitebeards for giving their son a family, regretful that they hadn't been able to give it to him themselves.

Normally Roger would have been right by Rouge's side watching over their son on the decks of the Moby Dick, but today was special. Roger had wanted to be here to witness as the boy who had inherited his straw hat finally set sail.

And so far, the boy wasn't disappointing him one bit.

As he swayed on top of the barrel that Luffy was currently hiding in, the two of them bobbing away without any clear direction across the ocean after escaping from a giant whirlpool with what could only be described as pure blind luck, Roger threw back his head and laughed.

This boy would make a fine Pirate King indeed.

Chapter Text

Roger returned to Luffy's side a couple of days later for a quick check-in to find that the boy had somehow acquired a new dinghy and two new members to his crew in the time that he'd been gone. Or to be exact, one crewmember and one unseen tagalong.

He instinctually felt a pang at how young the girl was, knowing that spirits generally appeared the same age as they had died, but her eyes were firm and strong in a way that told him no pity would be appreciated. He could respect that. She had a wooden bokken strapped to her side and Roger had a feeling that the modest training weapon would prove itself in her hands no less than a real sword.

But now she merely glanced up at Roger's appearance from where she sat casually next to the green-haired swordsman.

"They're lost," she informed him succinctly in lieu of a greeting, her tone of mixed amusement and bone-deep exasperation telling him that she had extensive past experience with being in exactly such a situation.

Roger's grin only widened at this information. He'd just been back for less than a minute and things were getting interesting already. As if on cue, Luffy took that very moment to catapult himself up into the air, three pairs of eyes following his movement through the air with varying levels of incredulity, and Roger burst out laughing as Luffy immediately got snapped up by the very same bird he had tried to catch.

Across from him, Kuina raised an eyebrow as she watched Zoro snatch up the oars to row frantically after the runaway bird and rubber boy.

"Is Zoro really going to be alright with this captain?"

Roger just laughed harder.

Chapter Text

Of all the things Roger thought Luffy might get into when he flew off with that giant bird, ending up locked in a cage by Buggy was not one of them. Add to that a potential new crew member, in the form of a pirate-hating navigator no less, and it had all the makings of a splendid disaster. Then Zoro had shown up with Kuina in tow and the whole situation erupted into perfect, unadulterated chaos.

In short, Roger was having the absolute time of his life and Kuina was clearly starting to suspect that he was clinically insane.

On a more serious note though, this Zoro kid had since gained Roger's firm approval as a first mate worthy for a future Pirate King. Roger was perhaps a little biased, but a swordsman as a first mate was already a good sign in his book and the past few minutes had only proven that. Those three swords of his were clearly not just for show, though Zoro still had a long way to go with training before they would be anywhere near ready to take on the New World. More importantly, he had stood by his captain through the whole fiasco, taking lengths to not leave his captain behind even at personal risk after the injury he had taken.

He had to give it to the kid, Luffy knew how to choose his crew members.

"That boy going to be alright? Looks like he's lost a good bit of blood."

Roger glanced over to the source of the voice to see an old man sitting on the raised wooden porch of the pet food store, beard and hair grey under his simple wool cap.

Kuina looked up from where she was crouched down next to Zoro, the teen having finally collapsed from exhaustion half the town away from Buggy's base. The way she didn't look overly concerned despite this spoke volumes of the swordsman's resilience. "He'll be fine." Her lips turned up in a small smile as she looked back down at her old friend. "Something like this isn't going to take him down. He's going to become the World's Greatest Swordsman, after all." There was a gentle yet sure conviction that translated into her voice as she said this. Roger approved.

"A fine ambition for the first mate of the future Pirate King."

"And you'd know all about that, won't you, Gold Roger," a new voice added in an amused drawl.

Roger's grin widened in pure glee as he turned, delighted at the immediate recognition. He'd begun to wonder if he was losing his touch. "It's Gol D Roger, but yes, I would."

The newcomer, a red-haired woman dressed in simple farm clothes and with a heavy-duty rifle slung over her back, grinned around her cigarette. "You're lucky I haven't been on active duty for years, I'd have loved to take you down and turn you in, Pirate King."

A Marine, then. That was even more fun.

"The name's Bell-mère. I'm assuming you're with that crazy kid over there," the Marine said, nodding towards Luffy as he spoke to the town mayor. "He tried to recruit my Nami earlier, thought I'd come scope out the company."

A Marine on a pirate ship? It just got better and better.

A deafening roar interrupted them then, cutting off any further exchanges. The old man on the porch stood up, face turning grim. "That's Mohji the Beast Tamer. Your kids better get out of here soon, he's bad business."

"Oi, your kid's gonna be alright?" Bell-mère nodded at where Luffy still sat stuck in his iron cage as the lion stalked down the street.

Roger just grinned, not at all worried. "Boy's tough."

As Roger predicted, Luffy was just fine even after the beast's attack sent him flying, but it didn't stop Mohji from setting fire to the Pet Food Shop. They stood by Hocker as the store burnt down, tears leaking from the old man's eyes, partly for the destruction of his legacy but more for his beloved pet's sorrow.

"Goddamn pirates," Bell-mère muttered, mouth twisted with distaste.

Their attention was drawn suddenly towards an approaching figure. They watched with varying levels of surprise as Luffy sat down solemnly next to Chouchou, setting down a last crumpled box of dog food.

Roger's grin widened at the sight. Shanks really had chosen well back then.

Hocker rubbed his eyes, finally smiling through his tears as Chouchou barked happily. "That boy's a good kid. Crazy, but a good kid. I owe him one."

Standing next to Roger, Bell-mère looked thoughtful as she considered the young captain with serious dark eyes.

Later that evening, Bell-mère dropped down next to where Luffy was splayed out dozing on the floor of the dinghy as they sailed away from Orange Town. The thin stream of smoke from her cigarette curled lazily into the air as she stared out at the wide expanse of sunset-tinged sea.

"You're a crazy one, I'll give you that, kid. And maybe crazy is what is needed here. Hey kid, do you think you could save my Nami? I may not be a big fan of pirates, but if you can do that… I'll put my trust in you too." She blew out a cloud of smoke, smile tinged with hope for the first time in eight years. "Captain."

Chapter Text

Kuina crouched at the top of the oil-covered slope, watching Zoro try futilely to run up it for tenth time that past minute. He barely made it halfway up before he inevitably he slid right down to the bottom again. Sighing, she propped her chin up in one hand, prepared for a long wait.

"Idiot…" she muttered, but there was fondness underlying her tone and eventually a smile quirked irrepressibly at the corner of her lips.

A light tinkling giggle, sharp like the chime of a silver bell, drew her attention to the girl who had materialised next to her, dressed in a pure white kimono embroidered with a soaring ivory crane. Her smile blossomed wider in greeting at the familiar personified form of Wado Ichimonji, who tilted her head to mirror the smile.

As swordsmen training in her father's dojo, one of the first things they had been taught was to respect their swords, to view them as partners and not tools. Swords have hearts, her father would tell them, the whole class listening enraptured as he wove the lesson into a tale. They may not live and breathe as humans do, but they have souls all the same.

Of course, it was only after Kuina had become a spirit herself that she became able to actually see those sword spirits in their personified appearance. Swords with long histories like Wado Ichimonji, family heirlooms wielded by countless successive generations, tended to have humanlike forms. They also tended to some extent to resemble their wielders, blending together features from past and present. When Kuina had first met Wado, not long after she had died, the sword spirit had rather closely resembled Kuina herself, with shoulder-length dark hair and the appearance of a young girl. This apparent age and build had for most part stayed unchanged even as the years went by, but Kuina had noted with a fair bit of amusement that Wado's hair now tended more towards a dark shade of green rather than Kuina's own blue-black.

Zoro's two other swords, on the other hand, had no solid appearance, more aura than spirit. Still Kuina thought that she could see them gradually taking on form. Perhaps one day they too would hold a human-like form like Wado, fuelled by the firm heart of the swordsman Zoro had grown to become.

Zoro finally, finally got to the top of the slope, heaving with exertion as he looked around before setting off in a seemingly random direction. Kuina caught him as he rushed past, swinging herself effortlessly onto his shoulder while Wado did the same on his other side.

"You're going the wrong way!" she yelled in his ear, but of course he didn't hear her. She sighed. Chime-like laughter carried on the wind with Wado's delight, and a smile shone through on Kuina's face even as she sighed and traded a half-exasperated glance with Wado.

He was an idiot, but well… He was their idiot.

Chapter Text

Bell-mère watched as Syrup Village faded away into the horizon, once again leaving endless blue sea all around them. Overhead, the Going Merry's sails billowed in the sharp breeze, sending them full speed ahead to wherever their next destination may be.

She grinned, stretching her arms out lazily above her head before she continued to explore their new ship like the others were doing. Between three living crew members and two regular ghostly ones, the two dinghies they'd been sailing in for the past week or so had been getting a little cramped for space. It was only thanks to the fact that Roger spent most of his time away, presumably watching over someone else, that had stopped them short of tripping over (or walking through) each other every waking moment. That wouldn't be a problem anymore though now that they had the Merry, not even with the new members on board nor if Roger decided to show up again.

"Ooh, this is a nice ship they've got here."

And speak of the devil.

She turned to find the former Pirate King looking around the sheep-figurehead caravel with bright interest. Sensing her regard, he glanced over at her with a wide grin. "Can't match up to my Oro Jackson, of course, but a fine ship nevertheless."

Her lips curled in a responding smirk. "So you're back, Roger."

"You aren't getting rid of me quite yet," he returned without a single falter to his grin. "So I see that we've gotten a new kid?"

Bell-mère pulled away her cigarette from her mouth to blow out a stream of smoke. "A new companion as well. I suppose we'll have to introduce you to her. Try not to scare her off."

Roger mock-pouted at that. "I'll have you know I'm always on my best behaviour."

Bell-mère raised an eyebrow at the childish expression from the most infamous pirate of all time. "Now that's even less reassuring," she commented drily.

Roger threw his head back laughing, the sound echoing across the ship so clearly it was a wonder the living still couldn't hear him. Someone else did, though.

"Oh my, Roger-san?"

The new voice made them both turn to look at the dark-haired woman emerging from the cabin area.

Roger smiled broadly in greeting. "Banchina!"

Bell-mère looked between them, eyebrows arching. "What, so you two already know each other?"

Banchina smiled, coming up to stand by them. "I did mention that my husband is a pirate, didn't I? Well his captain used to be Roger-san's apprentice. I've met Roger-san every now and then on Shanks-san's ship."

Bell-mère looked amused at the information. "The dad's sailing with the Pirate King's apprentice, and now the son's following a crazy kid who wants to be the next Pirate King. Quite the set we have here."

Roger's eyes lit up. "So the new kid on board is the son Yasopp always jabbers on about?"

Banchina beamed as she nodded, her love for her family clear in her face. "Our son, Usopp. Honestly, that boy's just like his father. The sea calls to him."

The old Pirate King grinned. "Sounds like a fine young man."

A rustle of movement nearby prompted them to glance over to see Kuina landing nimbly back on deck, intangible form allowing her to jump from the crow's nest down to the upper deck with none of the impact a physical body would have made. "It seems like they're deciding on the symbol for their pirate flag," she informed them, eyes twinkling.

Trading amused looks, they gathered at the railing that bordered the upper deck to peer down at the centre deck where the Straw Hats had gathered. They found the teens all crowded around Usopp as they watched him draw out a jolly roger that was gradually taking shape on a large piece of black cloth. Around them, pots of paint in various colours were scattered around, along with what was clearly a reject pile of flags. The topmost one was… unique, so say the least.

But it was the end product that made all of them grin widely, because it was just so fitting. Roger laughed aloud at the sight of the straw hat sitting proudly atop the jolly roger's skull and crossbones. Who would have known that his trusty old hat would come this far?

Bell-mère chuckled, leaning against the railing as they watched the Straw Hats cheerfully scramble around so that Usopp could paint the symbol on the Merry's main sail as well. "The Straw Hat Pirates, huh?" Her lips quirked as she exchanged bright looks with the others, their delight clear as well. "Doesn't have a half-bad ring to it."

Chapter Text

"Welcome to the Baratie! Table for three?"

Bell-mère, Banchina and Kuina had to pause for a moment before confirming that yes, that warm greeting had in fact been directed straight at them. Roger had left again soon after the Straw Hats had run into the bounty hunter duo Johnny and Yosaku, as usual not staying for long beyond his customary short visit. That left just the three of them on board the Going Merry when its crew disembarked at the Baratie.

The pretty blond lady who had addressed them was dressed in a neat waitress ensemble of a light blue button-up shirt, black vest and black pencil skirt, shoulder-length hair curling loosely over her collar. She smiled as she waited expectantly for their reply. They traded another set of bemused looks with each other before nodding.

The waitress clapped her hands together happily despite their hesitant response, tone unfailingly bright.

"Wonderful! My name is Sora, and I'll be serving you today. I'm afraid we're at a busy time so we won't be able to give you a separate table, but I hope you won't mind if we put you together with your companions?"

Glancing over towards the table in question, they found a man in waiters' shirt-coats already at work efficiently conjuring up chairs to place in-between the seats already taken by the Straw Hats, followed by full sets of cutlery and glassware to match. Once he was done, he turned back to them and bowed with a flourish, pulling out the chairs for them to sit.

The whole experience was quite unlike anything they'd experienced before since their deaths. Normally spirits kept interactions to a polite minimum when encountered in passing, nothing like this warm hospitality. Still confused, they took the offered seats, and were quickly presented with handwritten menus by the cheerful waitress.

"These are our specials for today, but feel free to request anything else if there's anything you would especially like to eat."

Eat?

Their questions must have clearly shown on their faces. Sora's eyes twinkled warmly. "It's our policy at the Baratie to serve all and everyone who passes through our doors. And while it's true that us spirits don't actually need food to survive anymore, why should that stop us from enjoying the taste?"

"And you don't even have to worry about getting fat!" another waiter added laughingly as he passed balancing large plates of food which all smelled downright heavenly. "So order whatever you like, it's all on the house! This is the sea-faring restaurant Baratie, proudly serving food to both living and non-living alike for ten years now and counting!"

"Mmm…" Banchina sighed in bliss as she sampled the creamy seafood risotto Sora had recommended. "I'm going to be spoiled forever after all this."

Kuina gave no answer in favour of slurping down her ramen, no matter that the steaming bowl of noodles still looked hot enough to scald her tongue.

Bell-mère grinned, cutting off another bite of herb-crusted salmon and happily popping it into her mouth. It was cooked to just the right texture and served with a side of salad and roasted potatoes. "Well we are here in this place to look for a cook, aren't we? Let's hope that whichever one the kids end up recruiting, there's a ghostly cook who comes with the package."

"Hear, hear."

Chapter Text

"What do you mean Nami's gone!?"

Kuina and Banchina stared at each other at this shouted piece of information, concern creasing their brows. Bell-mère had shared her story with them one day during their time at sea after leaving Syrup Village. She'd confided in them about the circumstances of her death, the threat held over their home village, and the deal Nami was locked into with the Arlong Pirates to protect it. They had no doubt that Nami's hasty disappearance now, Bell-mère gone with her, had something to do with the unscrupulous pirate, and the knowledge only made them more worried for her safety. They would never forget the brief vulnerability in their strong-willed friend's voice when she had implored in a hoarse whisper almost to herself, that if Luffy could save Syrup Village, surely he could save her and Nami's home as well, right?

Banchina had taken Bell-mère's hands in hers as Kuina sidled up to press their shoulders together in silent reassurance. Bell-mère's responding grip had been tight almost to the edge of being painful, but it was nothing in comparison to the anguish in her eyes.

But it was Roger who finally spoke the words, crouching down in front of Bell-mère to look into her eyes with a seriousness so unlike his usual self. His voice was not subdued however, but as clear and sure as ever to match his confidence. "You know, I've watched that boy growing up. If there's one thing he values over everything else, it's family and nakama. Luffy is going to be the Pirate King, and he's not going to leave even one of his nakama behind on his way to it. He'll save your daughter, Bell-mère. Put your trust in him."

Kuina had nodded, and Banchina's eyes had warmed in agreement. "Just like the rest of us already have."

And their belief of Luffy wasn't let down. Instead of being angry at the deceit, the young captain immediately announced without a single waver in his conviction that they were getting Nami back as their navigator, absolutely no question about it. The remaining Straw Hats scrambled into action at their captain's words, preparing to set out to chase after their wayward crew member. Her heart feeling lighter already, Kuina turned back to grin at Banchina whose eyes mirrored the same hopeful fondness she herself felt.

"Well, looks like we've got a couple of runaway crewmates to catch. Captain's orders."

Bell-mère's heart broke a bit more with every wrenching sob that shook Nami's body, hating her own inability to even offer comfort to her daughter in such a time. Her eyes were sharp with the sting of tears as she stared back at the quickly shrinking silhouette of the Baratie. She wondered if the speck of bright red she could still faintly see was really Luffy looking out at them. What was he thinking, now that Nami had by all appearances betrayed him?

'Put your trust in him.'

Was she a fool, to still be buoyed by the hope in those words even after all the betrayal they had both experienced and dealt out? But perhaps a little hope in the impossible was what they needed, for both Nami's sake and her own.

"Show me, Luffy," she whispered at that fleck of brightness. "You said that Nami is your nakama, didn't you? Prove it to us. We're waiting for you, Captain."

If there was anyone who was capable of doing the impossible, it was Monkey D Luffy.

Chapter Text

"IT'S HIM! IT'S THE HAWK-EYED MAN!" The cry swept across all of them, drawing eyes from across the deck towards the lone figure emerging from between the debris of Krieg's mangled warship.

Banchina knew, of course, of Mihawk. Had seen him in person during her time by Yasopp's side, heard many tales of the momentous duels between Shanks and the golden-eyed swordsman during their early days though she had never witnessed them herself. She also remembered the tension that had lined Kuina's shoulders at Gin's first mention of the 'Hawk-eyed man', and the matching dark glint in Zoro's eyes. It was nothing compared to the current moment, the very instant that they laid eyes on that man's person.

The man sailing up to the Baratie in his distinctive coffin-shaped sailing boat was unmistakably Dracule Mihawk in the flesh.

And she knew that their young swordsman, for all that he moved with determination and the fierce grace of a predator, was still just a boy in both years and experience in comparison to the skill of this man who held now the title of World's Greatest Swordsman.

Zoro would lose this fight, and from the quiet flicker of fear in Kuina's eyes as she watched Zoro step up to Mihawk with tense but firm strides, she knew it as well.

"You're a reckless, stupid, terrible, moronic idiot," Kuina ground out at Zoro's prone form from where she sat cross-legged by his head, fists clenched in her lap. He had slipped unconscious again as the sailboat sailed away from the Baratie, leaving Johnny and Yosaku scrambling around applying first aid to the best of their abilities. "You're so lucky you're not dead, because if you were I'd kick your spirit ass all the way back to Shimotsuki. Going against Mihawk like that… You knew you weren't ready. But of course that wouldn't stop you, would it? And I shouldn't even be surprised, because you're still the same bull-headed kid that ran yelling into my father's dojo ten years ago, jumping headfirst into any fight without looking back and never stopped trying no matter how many times the same girl beat you on your ass. No matter that you're outmatched, no matter the danger or the stakes, charging in with that same stubborn determination every single time."

Her voice had softened somewhere through her tirade, and she chuckled wetly now through the lump that had formed in her throat. "But then again, I've always admired that about you, Zoro. I could only wish to have even half of that spirit of yours. Just like today – you could have pulled away; you could have stepped down, bowed defeat. But you didn't. You pushed forward and fought him anyway, and you… you got him to acknowledge you. You got Hawkeyes to acknowledge you, Zoro, and…" Her eyes fixed on the shallow rise and fall of his chest, proof of his will to live accompanied now by the proof of his will to fight and Mihawk's approval. Kuina's voice quavered, but it was no longer out of anger or fear.

"I'm so proud of you."

Chapter Text

Sora stood on the newly patched deck of the Baratie's side wing, where all the Baratie's staff, both living and ghostly, had gathered to send her and her son off to the next stretch of their journey.

Feeling a lump forming in her throat, she looked around at the spirits around her. Many of them had been with them since the beginning, former crew members of the Cooking Pirates under Red-leg Zeff, who would follow their captain to the ends of the Blues even after death. Then there were the cooks of the Orbit, those who could never bear to give up the sea and their passion; and the people who had followed their loved ones on-board, crewmates and family and friends alike. These were the people she had lived and worked alongside for years now.

In the past they'd lived separate lives, but in death they had all come together to form this ragtag bunch of misfits, this family.

No longer able to hold her overflowing emotions at bay, her eyes filled with tears that blurred her vision and spilled down her cheeks in uncontrollable rivulets. The response to that was instantaneous.

"Aww no, don't cry!"

"S-S-Sora, come on, there's nothing to cry about right!?"

She let out a wet giggle at the alarm in all their voices. All these big burly sea-hardened men, brought to their knees by a woman's tears.

Sniffling, she lunged forward to grab as many of them as could be reached in a tight hug. She felt them stumble out of balance in surprise for a moment before righting themselves and catching hold of her just as firmly. Her throat tightened further with the strength of her emotions. "I'm going to miss you all so much!" she wailed.

Laughter echoed from all around, large calloused hands coming to pat her comfortingly on her head as the rest of the staff crowded around as well in a big group hug.

"We'll miss you too, Sora. Don't forget to visit every now and then, alright? And we'll visit you too, gotta check up on our best girl and our little eggplant."

If all their eyes were suspiciously damp as well, no one mentioned it aloud.

Sanji emerged from the living quarters then, walking silently across the deck to where Luffy was waiting. His impassivity was an effort to restrain his emotions, she knew; it was a mark that Judge had left on him, a fear of showing weakness in the form of feelings.

Yet it only took one gentle line from Zeff to break that façade.

Sora's eyes filled anew with tears to mirror her son's as he spun back to prostrate his whole body down towards Zeff, tears pouring down his face and choking his voice. This was just one part of what Zeff had gifted to him, this unrestrained expression of genuine emotion. Unlike his brothers Sanji had always been a sensitive child – given time Judge would have crushed the tentative bud, had already attempted to do it, but Zeff had cultivated it instead, showed him how to bloom free.

She bowed down low to match Sanji's form, tears overflowing to blur into the wooden deck of the one place they had both come to call as home. She spoke the words aloud even knowing that Zeff couldn't possibly hear her.

"Thank you, Owner Zeff. Truly, thank you so much. For loving Sanji. For giving him a home. For giving him a father. This debt is one that I can never repay in full. Everything you've done has meant more than the world to both of us." Her voice caught in her throat, overwhelmed. "I can never say this enough, Owner Zeff. Thank you so very, very much."

She knew it every day she watched him. This boy, this shining boy who had once smiled only for her but could now smile for the world, who was more Zeff's son than he ever was Judge's, who was so full of life and love – this was everything she could have wished for her child.

She turned back to her friends, eyes bright and warm. "You'll watch over him?"

The Cooking Pirates rallied immediately, nodding quickly in gentle reassurance and understanding. "Of course. He's our captain, after all." The rest of the staff chimed in with their affirmation as well, only proving just how respected Zeff was. "You and your kid take care of yourselves too, alright?"

She caught them for a final hug goodbye before following Sanji onto the boat that would take them away towards their new adventure. She waved to them as the sails caught wind, and they waved back noisily until the figures aboard could no longer be seen.

Still, the remaining staff members couldn't help but all feel a little glum as the boat sailed away. In the back of the crowd, someone sniffled morosely. The Baratie's staff had been filled with men on both the side of the living and the dead, and the pretty blond lady with her sweet smile had been the goddess of this bunch of hardened sea-faring men. Sora with her cheerfulness and Sanji's ever-amusing spats with Zeff had never failed to brighten up the atmosphere aboard the ship they called their home. It wouldn't be quite the same without them.

"I miss them already," was the plaintive complaint, echoed by several others.

Rubbing away his own tears, the Cooking Pirates' first mate and head chef of the ghostly side of the staff looked around at his fellow moping staff members, amusement tinging his eyes. They were going to need to set up a roster to schedule visits, else the whole Baratie was going to descend on the Straw Hats all together in the name of checking up on their two favourite blonds. He shook his head with a fond smile as he clapped his hands together sharply to catch everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, back to work. This restaurant isn't going to run itself."

Chapter Text

There was a commotion in Arlong Park's central courtyard. Bell-mère's brow furrowed in worry as she followed Nami closer, catching hints of chatter about a captured human. She could only hope that it wasn't one of the villagers, someone they cared for. From Nami's carefully controlled demeanour, she knew that her daughter feared the same thing.

But even that didn't prepare either of them for the sight of Zoro sitting cross-legged and bound in the centre of a circle of hostile fishmen yet somehow retaining his customary air of brazen confidence. Bell-mère stumbled to a complete halt, eyes widening even as Nami hardened her long-trained mask of indifference to step forward.

Kuina, who sat cross-legged as well next to the swordsman, glanced up at Bell-mère.

"Captain's coming soon, we're just the advance guard. You didn't really think Luffy would leave Nami behind, did you?" She met Bell-mère's startled gaze with a sharp little grin. "We're here to pick up our missing crewmate, Captain's orders."

It was insanity. No matter how strong and stubborn each member was, the Straw Hat Pirates' tiny crew of four members (five, because Luffy would always count Nami) going against the full might of the Arlong Pirates was nothing short of suicidal.

And yet they had done it, and succeeded.

Just in one event-packed day, they had freed an island of people from almost ten years of tyranny.

The whole island was rightfully celebrating now, the festivities lighting up the area to a degree that certainly had to be visible even miles out at sea. Spirits mingled easily with the living, unseen yet ever-present, reminding them of the sacrifices and losses they'd all faced over the years. But now it was all over, all because of a young man with a heart bigger than he could ever stretch his body.

That young man in question was currently running around eating everything that he could get his hands on, already with two large chunks of meat stuffed into his mouth and holding on possessively to at least another four pieces while still enthusiastically hunting around for more.

Watching him go, Bell-mère could only shake her head fondly at the young captain's liveliness and cheer. "He's really something else."

Banchina laughed. "That he is."

"He's already done more good than most men would do in a lifetime," Sora agreed with gentle wonderment in her eyes. "And by the looks of it he has no intention to stop anytime soon."

Luffy had saved both their homes too, had done the impossible yet another time and would do so for as many times as necessary and more.

Bell-mère raised her glass in a toast, her grin wide and genuine. "To our Captain."

Banchina, Kuina and Sora echoed it readily, sharing bright smiles.

Sipping her drink, Bell-mère spotted Genzo from the corner of her eye slipping away from the party with a bottle of alcohol in hand. She excused herself from her friends to follow him, tailing him just as she had expected to the location of her grave.

She listened to him speak with an ache in her heart, smiled wetly at the gruff fatherly way he wrangled a promise out of Luffy.

Not for the first time, she truly wished that the living could somehow hear their voices, hear their words. "Gen… Thank you for watching out for Nami and Nojiko all these years. They grew up strong because they had you to love them even after I was gone." She rubbed away the errant tears from her eyes, chuckling. "Just look at me here, crying like a sap. I bet if you could see me now you'd be panicking, you were always weak to things like that. But you'd try your best, just like how you'd patch up my scrapes when I was small, like how you started wearing that silly pinwheel in your hat just to see Nami smile. I don't know what we would have done without you. We owe you so much." She smiled at him through the tears that wouldn't stop. "Live well, Gen. I'll come back to visit soon."

Bell-mère chuckled as she ran after Nami towards the port where the Straw Hats were waiting with the Merry, able to guess from her mischievous grin that the girl was intending to pull a final prank as her parting gift to the villagers. Sure enough, as she darted through the crowd, Nami speedily divested everyone whom she passed of their wallets, which only made Bell-mère shake her head with even more laughter. Bell-mère took the final leap off the shore in sync with Nami, landing easily on the wooden deck of their ship. She could only continue laughing as Nami cheekily revealed her prank, eliciting exasperated shouts from the villagers which were unmistakably inlaid with fondness.

Bell-mère's heart squeezed tightly in her chest with sheer joy and bursting pride at the sight of Nami's smile, so bright and true. For the first time in eight years the girl was truly free and happy, setting off for the first time on an adventure that she had chosen, not because of necessity but because she wanted it.

As for Bell-mère herself…

Turning, she found her friends grinning warmly at her.

"Welcome back, Bell-mère."

And she found that just as for Nami, her next words rang doubtlessly, unchangeably true. "I'm home."

Chapter Text

The sun that day was flawlessly bright in the cloudless sky, casting its brilliant glow to light up the seas below to gem-like radiance. It was as such a perfect day for the news that would soon sweep the world, heralding hints of the beginning of a new age.

With the Moby Dick far out from any nearby islands and with no other ships in sight, the Whitebeard Pirates had been settling back to enjoy one of those peaceful days out at sea when a loud yell snapped the gentle lull of muted chatter and splashing waves. Startled, half the crew twitched instinctively towards their weapons before relaxing again when they realized that the cry had been made with enthusiasm, not from danger.

A moment later, their Second Division Commander barrelled from the other side of the deck towards where their Captain sat in his chair, a piece of paper clenched in his hand. The youth vaulted easily in one leap to stand on one of the chair's wide handles, brandishing the paper out with a proud grin that stretched all the way across his face.

"Oyaji, look! This is my little brother!"

Whitebeard's laughter rumbled in his chest as he leaned forward obligingly to inspect the bounty poster his son was presenting to him. Below, a curious crowd had gathered, the idle crew wandering over to find out what had gotten their crewmate into such spirits.

At a called-out request, the bounty poster was passed around among the crew. Thatch whistled, impressed as he took in the printed information. "Man, a 30 million beri starting bounty is pretty damn decent, especially coming from the East Blue."

Ace's responding smile was wide and blindingly proud. "Isn't it!" His whole body fair vibrated with overflowing excitement. He then plunged into an enthusiastic recounting of all sorts of tales about his 'cute little brother', talking the ears off anyone who would listen. In the background, Whitebeard's continued chuckles washed over them like waves.

Roger shared a fond grin with Rouge at Ace's unrestrained delight. Both of them had a soft spot for the boy their son called brother, starting from the time they spent watching them grow up together. Luffy was one of the few people who made Ace truly happy, and that was more than enough for them to love him as well.

Fierce approval bubbled up to the surface in the form of warm laughter as Roger looked again at the photo displayed with Luffy's first bounty. That was a fine expression for a future Pirate King to have, a smile unrestrained and daring in its message to the world. His grin widened in kind.

"Looks like the kid's been busy while I've been gone. I daresay it's time for another visit."

Miles away across the sea but still in the New World, another notable pirate crew had likewise received news of this milestone event. Banchina popped onto the island that the Red Hair Pirates had made dock at to find the crew in a mood of high spirits, with a cheer greater even than their usual merrymaking ways.

Catching a glimpse of the slip of paper being proudly passed around, her eyes crinkled in delight. The news of Luffy's first bounty had clearly reached Shanks and his crew, and they'd taken to celebrating this milestone event in classic pirate fashion. Even the newer members, who had never met Luffy in person, had thrown themselves alike into drunken song and dance, cheerfully fuelling the festivities.

Smiling fondly at the familiar antics of this boisterous crew, she made her way through the laughing crowd towards Yasopp, who was seated as per usual in the circle of Shanks' closest and oldest crew members. As expected this group was the source of the greatest revelry, the captain's loud laughter carrying clearly across the island as they all toasted to his young protégé's growing success. The presence of Mihawk seated by the red-haired captain's side, similarly tossing back a hearty swig of rum, was a bit more of a surprise, but fitting considering his newfound stakes in this rookie pirate crew.

Luffy's bounty poster eventually made its way round back to the officers, and Yasopp snagged the paper as it passed, lowering his tankard to stare at the photo again, this time with a considering furrow between his brows. "Could it be?" he muttered.

Banchina felt a burst of pride and affection as she followed his gaze towards the tiny, barely perceptible figure at the back of the picture. The angle only showed the back of his head, practically unidentifiable without further clues, but at the end of the day few things could outmatch a parent's instinct.

"Yes, Yasopp, that's our son. Our Usopp," she told him. "He's grown up healthy and strong, with a flair for storytelling just like you. He's sailing with Luffy-kun now, heading closer to you with every moment." She leaned her cheek into her hand as she smiled, watching over her two precious boys and the new comrades they had found in this vast blue ocean.

Parent and child, mentor and protégé, brothers, sisters, friends, family… Their fates were entwined in a myriad of ways, each string pulling them unerringly towards each other. One day their paths would certainly cross again, in this endless blue sea of freedom. Because what tied them together were the bonds of love, and therefore it was never a matter of if but a matter of when – in life, in death or somewhere in-between.

And so till then, they would wait together; waiting for that day when they and their loved ones would meet again.

Chapter Text

There were many things Kuina had been expecting from Loguetown – she knew that being so close to the entrance to the Grand Line, it would be a bustling port town; that it held the execution stand where Roger had died; and because of both these facts, the place would be teeming with pirates, merchants and tourists alike.

What she had not been expecting was to run into a clumsy swordswoman with a face that could have easily been her own, 10 years older.

She witnessed her would-be doppelganger's brief fight on the streets, the way she swiftly defeated the thugs who had attacked her with notable ease. A skilled swordsman, though lacking somewhat the edge that would have made her a brilliant one and further offset by her habitual clumsiness that manifested instantly out of battle.

When she and Zoro encountered her again at the arms store, Kuina took the chance to re-evaluate her initial impression of the older (in appearance, though perhaps not in years) swordswoman. Swordsmanship aside, it was her love of swords that truly resonated with Kuina. Perhaps her views were a little naïve in her hard distinction of black and white, good and evil, but her heart was in the right place. Even without being able to see the sword spirits for herself, she was firm in her belief of their independent will, and that respect shone from her eyes as quiet strength.

The familiar sound of tinkling bells attracted Kuina's attention away from her lookalike. Wado Ichimonji had materialised to stand next to her, gazing around at the swords around them with clear ageless eyes. All of these swords must surely also have souls of their own, lingering within while patiently waiting for the next wielder worthy of pledging their loyalty to.

A sudden chill that ran up Kuina's spine tore her mind away from these thoughts. Her gaze snapped back to Zoro and unerringly to the sword he now held in his hand. As she watched, a wispy darkness misted out from within the sheath to materialise in the shadowed corner of the room, in the form of a crouched figure clad from head to foot in pitch black. Even from the little skin that was visible, she could see that scars that littered the spirit's face. His eyes were chillingly red as they fixed on Zoro, the half-feral gaze of wild animal. A cursed sword.

Unnerved, she glanced a little uncertainly over at Wado Ichimonji. The spirit's attention was completely concentrated now on Zoro but still she made no move, merely watched on with a calm unflickering gaze.

It was trust, Kuina realized with a warm surge of pride. Wado Ichimonji was by nature a protective sword, crafted with the task to safeguard each generation of her wielders. But no protection was needed here. Zoro's own strength would prevail in earning Sandai Kitetsu's loyalty. The swordsman had chosen his sword; and as they all watched Sandai Kitetsu's unsharpened back edge roll harmlessly off Zoro's arm, it was clear that the sword had chosen him in return.

As the blade sank almost to the hilt into the wooden flooring, both the shopkeeper and Kuina's older lookalike thudded to the ground, shaking legs giving way beneath them now that the adrenaline rush had passed. Kuina knew exactly how they felt. Every time she thought she had seen the limits of Zoro's brazenness, he just had to go that further length to surprise her again.

Yet nothing less would have gained Sandai Kitetsu's respect. Moreover, in this single act, there were others whose respect Zoro had likewise won. Yubashiri took the form of a young samurai, dignified in manner and agile in his movements, as befitting a sword of his fine make. His clear aura stood as a contrast to Sandai Kitetsu's darkness, the balance completed by Wado Ichimonji's harmony.

Zoro walked out of the arms shop that day accompanied by three proud swords who had claimed him as their master. Together, they would pave his path towards becoming the World's Greatest Swordsman.

Chapter Text

Standing in the middle of the bustling main street, Roger looked around at the town the Straw Hats were currently docked at, taking in the familiar sights and scenes. Loguetown had grown abundantly from the sleepy fishing village of his time, but there was no mistaking it. A smirk lifted his lips.

"So you've made it here already, kid."

Tucking his hands in his coat pockets, he set forth towards where he knew for certain he would find Luffy.

At the square that Roger's own execution had been held in.

"I'M THE MAN WHO'LL BECOME THE PIRATE KING!"

"Well said, boy," Roger murmured as he surveyed the scene unfolding in the execution square with a seriousness that belied his usual demeanour of good cheer. "But how will you get out of this sticky situation, I wonder?"

And a sticky situation it was indeed, cornered on all counts with a sword very literally hanging over his head.

What would the scales of Fate decree, on this day?

Would the story of Monkey D Luffy end here, poetically in the same place as his would-be predecessor, before his tale had even truly begun?

Or would his dogged luck and his sheer will to run for his dreams prevail yet again, just like it had so many times in the past?

The boy smiled in the face of death, and the answer came from the sky.

Roger laughed aloud when he recognized the figure who had emerged to hold Luffy's Marine pursuer at bay. What did Dragon think of his son's determination to be the next Pirate King? Marine, Revolutionary, Pirate; this family was anything but normal. Roger still bemoaned the fact that he had missed out on his old rival's reaction to his grandson setting sail under a black flag. It was sure to have been a sight to behold.

With his stunt that day, Luffy had made his first mark in the memories of the world, proving that he had both some very powerful allies lurking in the woodwork and the devil's luck itself. But at the same time he had also gained some dogged pursuers.

The stubborn light in the Marine Captain's eyes foretold that he would not easily let this go. That enemy was a dangerous one, and their first uneven fight had proved that Luffy was still sorely outmatched with his current ability.

And then there was Buggy, who had taken Luffy as a personal affront to his pride. Roger wondered sometimes if Buggy's jealous rivalry with Shanks hadn't been the primary fuelling factor of his obsession with the young rubber captain. Both he and Rayleigh had always tried to be impartial between their two boys, but perhaps there were still places where he had done him wrong and there was no accounting for favouritism from the rest of the crew. His former apprentice too often bungled up his plots which made people underestimate him, but Roger himself had seen past that to his potential. The Straw Hats would do well not to disregard Buggy as another adversary to look out for.

But that was a concern for another day.

The straggling members of the Straw Hat Pirates had finally reached the port, rushing full speed towards their ship. Through the pouring rain, Roger spotted Bell-mère standing at the stern of the Merry next to her daughter. Her smirk widened at the sight of them.

"All aboard now!" she yelled over the whipping wind. Kuina grinned and took a running leap off the shore, pulling a laughing Sora along with her. The heady adrenaline was affecting all of them, excitement rising up as they faced the next big wave in their shared adventure.

Later on, enthusiastically recounting the entire fiasco to his first mate's unknowing ear, Roger's eyes shone with glee. "Just wait till you meet this kid, Ray. He'll surpass me yet. He's still wet behind the ears right now, but I bet you could whip him into shape for me."

He knew that their paths would inevitably cross, because such was the entwined Fate of the D bearers and those who followed them.

"I'll leave it in your hands, partner."

"Set sail! For the Grand Line!"

Chapter Text

Thatch opened his eyes to dark clouds rumbling overhead, the heavy depths threatening rain at any moment. It looked to be daytime but the sunlight barely pierced the thick clouds, the ocean grey and stormy as well. Such weather wasn't uncommon in the often-turbulent seas of the New World, and so it wasn't the weather but rather his own relative position to it that threw him off.

Chapter Text

"The poor child," Sora murmured sympathetically as she stared up at Laboon from the shore of the Twin Cape Lighthouse.

The captain of the Rumbar Pirates, a friendly man named Yorki who had smiled when he first greeted them, now sighed deeply in sorrowful regret. "It really hurts that we can't send word. That there isn't some way we can tell Laboon that we didn't deliberately leave him behind." He looked over at where Crocus sat by the waterside, Roger standing beside him. "Crocus as well. We're so very grateful to him, both for spending that time and effort looking for us back then and taking care of Laboon on our behalf. We owe him so much. If only we could tell him that." The rest of the crew chorused their melancholic agreement to their captain's words.

All of them knew how heartbreaking it was to not be able to comfort the loved ones they had left behind.

Banchina reached out, squeezing Yorki's hand in an offer of comfort. He mustered a wan smile in reply.

A commotion drew their attention then back to beyond the shoreline.

"Okay, what's that captain doing now?" Bell-mère muttered with a raised brow, bemused but far too used to the youth's mad antics by now to be overly surprised. They all watched, perplexed, as Luffy ran up the giant whale's side, holding the Going Merry's mast of all things… And stabbed the base right into the tender skin at the front of Laboon's large box-shaped head.

The Rumbar Pirates shot to their feet, collectively stunned and outraged. "What the hell is he doing!?"

"Oi, don't bully Laboon!"

"Just what shit does he think he's pulling!?"

"IT'S A TIE!" Luffy's first words after being slammed back against the shore, however, made all of them fall quiet again to listen. The young captain's grin was sharp, a clear challenge held within it. "Look, I'm pretty tough, see? Your old friends may be dead, but I'm your new rival! And once my crew sails around the Grand Line, we'll be sure to come back here to see you again. And we'll duke it out again!"

"BUOOOOH!" Laboon's tearful reply, loud and resounding, had more life to it than it had for decades now.

The Rumbar Pirates too had started to cry openly, in genuine gratitude for a boy who had done what they could not. Yorki smiled through his tears. "That's a good captain you've got there."

Bell-mère came up to stand beside the captain, likewise watching over the scene with a smile on her lips. "We're reminded of it every day."

"A friend of ours is stuck in the Florian Triangle. We've been keeping him company, but he's been left without living human contact for far too long. Please, find him and help him."

"You know that we have no real way to influence these kids' journey. But," Bell-mère grinned around her cigarette. "If there's anyone in the world who can do the impossible, it'll be this crazy captain of ours. We'll keep an eye out for your friend."

Yorki smiled and held out his hand to grasp hers in a firm handshake, in farewell and a promise to meet again. "That's all we can ask."

The Merry sailed away a few hours later to the ghostly music of the Rumbar Pirates, a cheerful and energetic harmony that echoed their recovered happiness. It was a pity that the melody was one that went unheard by the living.

"Your musician is out there waiting for you," Bell-mère told the rubber boy sitting atop Merry's sheep figurehead, grinning widely as he faced the sparkling seas of the Grand Line. "So, go find him, captain."

And she liked to think that he heard her, or at least some feeling of her words.

Roger stood beside his old friend on the shore, watching the Merry sail off. There could only be adventures ahead, the nature of which would be beyond even the imagination of any of those aboard. Such was the Grand Line, beautiful and unpredictable.

"Perhaps they're the pirates we've been waiting for. That captain has got quite the aura about him," Crocus murmured, looking thoughtful as he too gazed out at the ship now rapidly shrinking into the horizon. And it was almost like he could sense Roger standing there, right beside him, for it was to him that he addressed those words. "What do you think, Roger?"

"Do you really have to ask?" Roger grinned. "Watch that kid, Crocus. He's going to change the world."

Chapter Text

How Luffy had ended up with a talking reindeer on his crew was beyond Bell-mère’s expectations, but she had long learnt that Luffy and conformity had nothing to do with each other. Hiriluk was quite the character, and this was coming from a crew who had for the better part of a month been sailing on and off with Gol D. Roger.

The way they were being sent off from the island was also beyond expectations.

Having leapt into some disarray into the sled, both living and spirits were piled unceremoniously over each other. Luffy particularly was dangling right off the back, not that it seemed to bother the rubber captain in the slightest by the way he was cheering.

Seated on Chopper’s back, Hiriluk was laughing uproariously.

They turned back to watch the rapidly shrinking figures of Kureha and Dalton standing by the cliff’s edge. Bell-mère chuckled, shaking her head.

“That lady’s a real character too, and I respect that.”

Later, they all stood shoulder-to-shoulder, watching the pink snow fall like cherry blossoms.

No words were needed, as the same thought echoed in all of their minds, a deep and heartfelt appreciation of that fleeting beauty.

In the moonlit winter night, laughter mingled with tears to ring brilliantly through the chill air, fresh like the first breath of spring.

Chapter Text

They heard his booming laughter even before they caught sight of him in the commotion.

“Roger!?”

The Pirate King grinned widely in greeting when he spotted them, following Luffy as the captain ran up to regroup with his crew (much to the consternation of said crew as the Marines speedily followed). He was accompanied by a lady crowned with strawberry blond curls and a bright bloom tucked behind an ear, a figure unknown to most of them, but Banchina’s face lit up with a smile in recognition. “Rouge-san!”

That name, on the other hand, was familiar. In moments of peace on their shared travels, Roger loved to brag about his lady. Bell-mère grinned. “Good to finally meet the Pirate Queen.”

“It’s really wonderful to meet you all at last.” Rouge’s smile had quirked with a charming mix of embarrassment and fondness at Bell-mère’s address. “Goodness, Roger’s old crew loved to tease me with that name too, back in day,” she explained with a soft laugh, nostalgic.

A flash of bright flame drew their attentions back to the street. From the looks of it, their captain was familiar with the dark-haired youth who had jumped in to intercept Smoker.

“Dear, I’ll go on ahead!” Roger told his wife as the Straw Hats hurriedly grabbed up their things to make a break of it in the distraction.

She nodded in acknowledgement and gave all of them a wide smile, freckled cheeks dimpling. “Ace and I will catch up to you in just a moment. There’ll be time for proper introductions then.”

True enough, a little while later found the Straw Hat crew, both living and spirit, staring curiously at the freckled young man who had been introduced as their captain’s older brother.

Roger reached over the railing to take the hand of his lady as she also hopped nimbly up from the speedboat moored below. Turning to face the Straw Hats, he tucked his arm around her waist and beamed. “This is my Rouge,” he introduced again for everyone’s benefit.

“And that’s my son Ace,” Roger continued with obvious pride, waving to where Ace was talking to Luffy and the Straw Hats.

They had rather guessed as much, with the clear resemblance in this family of three and their presence by his side. There was one other little matter though…

Bell-mère’s eyebrows shot up as she put two and two together to a rather outrageous four. “You. Got Monkey D. Garp. To raise your son.” She enunciated slowly, like she wasn’t sure whether she thought that he was mad or if he was a genius. Probably both. Definitely both, as with all things when it came to Roger. A few moments later she shook her head, smirk curling around her cigarette. “I had wondered, why you held such an interest in a rookie pirate captain even before he got his first bounty. Fate sure works in unexpected ways.”

Rouge’s eyes were warm as she glanced over at the young captain. “Luffy was one of the brightest points of Ace’s childhood. We’re grateful to him for many things.”

They all shared smiles at those words, reminiscence in their eyes as they affectionately recalled the impact that boy had made on their own loved ones. A boy like sunshine, bright and unapologetic. “He seems to have a real knack for that.”

When Ace hopped down to his boat in preparation to leave after his short visit, Roger turned back to give a parting message to the Straw Hats, his demeanour turning serious. “Ace is chasing a criminal who calls himself Blackbeard, real name Marshall D Teach. He killed a fellow Whitebeard member, one of the Commanders no less. His Yami Yami no Mi…”

Roger had been following Teach for a little while as Ace hunted the traitor down, and remembered the unsettling feeling the darkness gave him.

“…Little is known about this power, but there’s no doubt it’s dangerous. From what I have seen – it is possible that its wanton destruction may even be able to touch the spirit dimension.

“Be careful.”

Chapter Text

The trip through the desert was an eye-opener.

Even more so than the ruins of lost towns that they passed, it was the spirits that they could never forget. So many. Much, much too many, terribly indiscriminate in age – lingering remnants of the Alabastan people’s suffering.

There were those who raged at the royals who they believed had wronged them; those who cried even though their tears had long since run dry; those who prayed for their loved ones still living, those who had no one left but could not let go of their attachment to their homeland.

There were even those who wandered endlessly through the desert, seemingly unaware that they had passed.

All through this Nefertari Titi walked behind her daughter, only pausing from the path to reach a gentle hand wherever she could help, accepting harsh words without complaint where she couldn’t. And she – they, both of them – walked on.

“Titi…” Sora caught her friend’s hand in hers, hoping to give what little comfort she could.

She of all the others had a mournful understanding of the pressure that weighed on the other queen’s shoulders. As royalty, one had a responsibility to the common people – it was one of the values they held and believed in most strongly. Yet here the Alabastan citizens were suffering; had been for a long time, without them being able to do anything. Titi’s heart was breaking every day, for her people, for her nation; and as a mother, for her daughter.

Titi shook her head wordlessly, squeezing back for a brief moment in gratitude, but then gently slipped her fingers away. Tears shimmered like a mirage in her eyes, but none of them fell to touch the parched ground.

They walked on.

The shift came after Yuba, heralded with Luffy’s startling words that shocked tears out of Vivi for the first time on this journey.

The promise, to defeat Crocodile and return hope to the Alabastan people.

The declaration, that Vivi was no longer alone. That she had friends who were willing to risk their lives for her. For her dreams.

It was a monumental task, bigger than anything the Straw Hats had faced before. But… They weren’t alone. They had each other, and those watching their growth with every step they took.

Titi’s shoulders shook with the force of her tears, held back for years. The droplets rained down onto the ground, like a prayer that real rain would fall once more on this sorrowful land of hope.

Shall we put our faith in these children, once more?

Chapter Text

Olvia glanced back at her friend. With Robin having announced her intention to head towards Alubarna, she had turned to follow her daughter, but noticed that the final member of their little party still stood unmoving at the edge of the desert town. “Saul?”

“Dereshishi!” The giant grinned, his eyes unwavering in his focus on Crocodile and the young pirate captain, lit with more interest than they had been for a long while. “Ya go ahead with Robin, Olvia.”

“I want ta see,”

The boy with D in his name and light in his eyes.

“WE’LL BE WAITING FOR YOU IN ALUBARNA!”

And the crew who believed in him so much.

“…what this boy can achieve.”

The desert wind swept over the pit of quicksand, the only movement that rustled it.

Saul waited.

The sun beat down on the sand, a scorching heat that rippled the air.

And he waited, never moving from his spot.

Until finally, a ripple appeared.

Slow at first, minute grains shifting, before all at once a head popped out of the sandpit, and opened its mouth wide. “MEEEEEAAATTTTTT!!!”

Saul heard the crunch of Robin’s footsteps on the sand behind him, glimpsed out of the corner of his eye as Olvia returned to stand next to him. And sunlight glinted brightly off his teeth as he laughed, long and loud.

“DERESHISHISHI!

“Somewhere out there in the sea, ya’ll surely meet yer nakama, Robin!”

Chapter Text

“Listen, Zoro. In this world, there are swordsmen who can’t cut through anything, yet with the same sword, can cut through metal.”

Quiet.

His heartbeat, too loud.

Breathing.

There was life in everything. Breath, in everything. His opponent. His swords. The falling rocks. The trees. The land.

And that presence, standing at the side watching him.

It was a strange presence. Different from Daz Bones’, different from the presence of all living beings.

But at the same time, it was familiar. Familiar in a way nothing else around him was, except for Wado Ichimonji in his hand.

Breath.

In and out.

That familiar pattern, with its calm and quietly confident rhythm, free from the hitch that had interrupted it as doubts plagued her. So unlike the eerie silence of her unmoving body.

It was the calm that he associated with the firm steady grip of slim fingers on a wooden hilt; sure hits that parried his immature slashes again and again and again. The back that he had chased after, endlessly, endlessly.

In and out.

He matched that breath and felt his focus sharpen. The whispering of the land quietened into the background – still there but no longer clamouring for attention.

Zoro took a deep breath, and that presence breathed in sync.

In and out.

The familiar texture of Wado Ichimonji’s hilt under his palm, the sword’s breath like tinkling bells.

In and out.

His opponent, entwined with the weighty breath of metal.

In and out.

Her.

He took a step forward, and cut.

In the moments before he lost consciousness, he sensed that presence come close, almost felt a phantom touch across his brow.

He smiled, sharp and soft all at once; exhilaration filled every cell in his body but at the same time his heart was steadier than it had even been.

So you’ve been there, all this time.

Bell-mère glanced at Kuina as Nami determinedly roused Zoro so that they could head into Alubarna together. She didn’t need to ask if the boy was alright – Kuina’s face told her all she needed to know. Her mouth curled around her cigarette.

“You look proud,” she commented.

Kuina’s grin was sharp and exhilarated as she met Bell-mère’s glittering eyes. “I could say the same to you.”

Chapter Text

“What does Miss All Sunday want with our crew?” a voice rose through the clamour of questions to cut straight to the chase, tone quiet but firm, immediately drawing their collective attention.

It was easy to underestimate Banchina. She was gentle by temperament, but she was a pirate’s wife and a pirate’s mother. Little ruffled her and when the occasion arose, one would find that there was steel under her usual softness.

Considering that Nico Robin had not too long ago been their direct enemy, it was well within reason to be wary.

“We truly mean no harm.” The woman who had emerged from the cabins raised her hands in a gesture for peace. In appearance she looked similar in age to Miss All Sunday, but of course appearances were a poor marker for true age when it came to spirits.

From the resemblance, they guessed her mother or a sister.

“It’s a little hard to just take your word for it,” Bell-mere shot back.

The pale-haired woman met their stares squarely. “I’m afraid there isn’t much else we can offer.”

“Oh dear.” At the new but familiar voice, the Straw Hats spun around. Their blue-haired friend stood there, gazing upon the situation with mixed interest and concern. “It looks like I’ve returned at a rather complicated moment.”

“Titi!”

The queen smiled broadly at them. At that same moment, a clear voice carried across the waters from the shore. “I’ve come to say goodbye!” Vivi called.

“Vivi has made her decision. So I’ve come to say goodbye in person as well,” Titi explained.

Titi had always carried herself with regal grace, back straight and head held high, but throughout their journey together there had been an invisible burden weighting down her shoulders. Now she looked free, wistful though she was to part ways with her friends here. But she and her daughter were home at last, in their beloved kingdom which was slowly blooming again.

The Straw Hats understood that, gathering around her for a hug. “We’ll miss you, Titi.”

Titi smiled tearfully, returning their embrace tightly. “And I will miss you all as well.”

Titi looked towards the newcomers, acknowledging them with a nod. She addressed her friends.

“Nico Robin put her life at risk lying to Crocodile, pretending that the poneglyph was a recording of Alabasta’s history, so that he wouldn’t be able to reach Pluton. I was with Cobra at that time and witnessed all of that. I’m not saying that she doesn’t have an agenda behind sneaking onto this ship, but she also does not appear to truly be the enemy she seemed at our first encounter.”

At Titi’s words, the animosity in the spirits lessened slightly. They were still wary, and would be for some time, but it was more thoughtful now. They could give them the benefit of doubt.

“Scholars of Ohara… I would like to hear your story someday.”

Olvia inclined her head respectfully in return.

The Going Merry sailed out of Alabastan waters, parting sadly from two of their friends but bringing with them new ones.

Chapter Text

A small child with curled sheep horns clutched a hammer in her hands, helplessly turning it over as she watched her beloved crew fall apart.

“Don’t fight…” the klabautermann mumbled thickly, half in tears. But her voice couldn’t reach them. Her own heart aching at the unfolding events, Banchina drew the child close to her side to try to comfort her. Merry clung back tightly.

The fight was both too long and over almost too fast, leaving the atmosphere in its aftermath heavy and unhappy. The spirit crew stood with Banchina and Merry as they watched the Straw Hats depart the ship, leaving just Usopp behind.

In their wake, the klabautermann disentangled herself from Banchina’s arms to run down to Usopp. Lying there on his back staring up at the cloudy sky by himself, the boy looked so lonely.

“Why do they have to fight…? I don’t want them to be unhappy.” Merry murmured when they joined her, obviously upset.

Banchina knelt down beside her, resting one hand gently on the child’s shoulder and the other over Usopp’s hand. “Sometimes, we have feelings are too big to understand right away. Usopp and Luffy had a lot of emotions to let out – it’s because they love you so much. They, and the others too, they’re all processing it in their own way. Usopp just needs a bit of extra time.” She smiled wistfully. “And even though the outcome is sad, I’m proud that Usopp stood up for something he believes in. Fighting for causes that you hold dear to your heart; facing the meetings and partings of life… it’s all part of growing up.”

Bell-mere hummed in agreement. “We’ve all been there.”

“And well, sometimes boys need a good fight to become better friends!” Hiriluk insisted.

Sora nodded vigorously, her smile soft and reassuring. “Even if they part ways here for the moment, I’m sure it won’t be farewell.”

Banchina wiped away Merry’s tears. “See? Believe that they will come out of this with even stronger bonds than before.”

“…Okay…”

Merry looked at Usopp again, listening to his quiet sobs. A small hand reached out to pat his hair like how Banchina had done for her earlier. “Don’t be sad, Usopp…” they heard her soft voice whisper to him.

They watched with mournful smiles. Merry was without a doubt their family and their home. They would miss sailing on her ship.

Banchina looked up at her friends. “I’ll stay here with Merry and Usopp. But will you let me know if you hear anything from Olvia or Professor Clover?”

The harrowing encounter with Admiral Aokiji on Ring Long Ring Land had unsettled them all, especially their Oharan friends. And now the Ohara group, including Robin, had not been seen since shortly after their arrival. There was a sense of unease clinging to the air, mixing with the tension of the storm building in the horizon.

“Of course.” The others traded determined looks as they discussed how to split up for their search.

They could only hope that the ordeals the Straw Hats would face next would not hurt their crew even more.

Spandam’s facsimile of a smile was grotesque in its mocking. “Let’s make sure you understand properly, Demon Child. After all, that is what you scholar types like, isn’t it? You see, if you refuse to comply, all I need to do is press this little button here, and not just you but your quaint little crew of misfits will be sitting ducks. Poof – everything up in flames,” he gloated, waving the Golden Den Den Mushi in Robin’s face. The CP9 agents watched them with stone faces, ready to step in if she made any wrong moves.

Robin tried to keep her face impassive but Olvia could see the fear behind the valiant mask. Olvia’s hands clenched into fists. Why couldn’t they leave Robin to live her life? Why did she – all of them – have to be persecuted for the blameless sin of pursuing knowledge?

“So what will it be, Nico Robin? Will you come obediently with us to face your crimes, or will you try uselessly to run and drag another crew down with you in the end?”

Robin held her head high. Olvia was so incredibly proud of her, even as her heart broke from the words.

“There is no need for such threats – I will go willingly.”

“I have a wish that can never come true if I stay with you. To fulfil this wish, I don’t care what sacrifices have to be made.”

Chapter Text

Olvia and Professor Clover sat silently in the train headed for Enies Lobby. Ahead of them, Robin’s face was deliberately shadowed by her hood but they knew all her little tells that revealed how afraid she was. There was guilt mixed with the fear too, from the lies she’d had to tell the first true friends she had made in two decades.

Growing up the way she had, Robin had learnt to lie, both to keep herself alive and to protect the ones she loved. Olvia was not a stranger to this. Many years ago, she had pretended she wasn’t Robin’s mother so that the Marines wouldn’t classify her as the daughter of a criminal. But lies were cruel, even when they were made with the best of intentions. Robin’s shocked eyes as they passed each other back then haunted Olvia to this day.

Clover placed a hand on her slumped shoulders in comfort. Olvia gripped his shaking hand back tightly. Robin’s lies concealed an even crueller truth that the Straw Hats would never accept – that she would sacrifice her own freedom and life so that they would be safe. As much as Olvia wished that things could be different, just like Robin, she couldn’t think of any better route. And even if Olvia and Clover did find a way out, they could still do nothing but watch. Only the living had the power to make a difference here.

Robin’s startled intake of breath made them look up sharply. For a brief moment, they witnessed an achingly-beautiful spark of hope on Robin’s face before she quickly suppressed it. They followed her gaze to find a masked long-nosed face in the window. If Olvia still had a beating heart, it would have been racing as Usopp clambered into the carriage and hid under Robin’s cloak.

Banchina nimbly swung in after her son, flashing the Oharans a reassuring smile. A moment later, Sora ran into the carriage from the back of the train, her eyes lighting up at the sight of them. She reeled both Olvia and Clover in for a tight hug, her small frame steady like a rock in a storm. Banchina stepped in to complete the circle, enveloping them with her calm presence. Olvia clung back with desperate hope blossoming in her heart.

Two Straw Hats had come aboard this train to chase after Robin – and where they were, the rest would follow.

The Straw Hats stood in a row on the courthouse’s roof, squaring off against the CP9 and Marines who held Robin. They simultaneously looked so small and larger-than-life – six teens who would stand against the world for a friend. And with them were their unseen loved ones supporting them from the back. There was Bell-mere with her rifle slung over her shoulder next to Nami; Kuina with one hand on her sword next to Zoro; Banchina standing between Luffy and Usopp, eyes fierce and unyielding; Sora with her head lifted high by Sanji; Hiluluk with his arms crossed and baring his teeth in mirror to Chopper. They filled in the gaps between the living members, forming a solid line in defiance to the fate set for their friend. When Usopp raised his Kabuto and set the World Government’s flag on fire, Bell-mere fired a single shot from her shotgun in solidarity.

In that moment, Olvia prayed. To whom she did not know, for she had long-ago lost all belief in gods, but this prayer was uttered with all her heart. Perhaps it was a prayer uttered directly to those 11 people who stood against the world for her daughter.

Please. Set Robin’s heart free. Let her choose her own way.

“I WANT TO LIVE!!!”

Chapter Text

An explosion followed by the ship bobbing violently in the suddenly choppy waves drew everyone to the deck of their new home. Bell-mère leaned over the railing of the observation deck, while Olvia and Sora emerged from where they had been admiring the aquarium bar. Hiriluk peered out owlishly from the library.

“It’s Garp again,” Kuina confirmed, descending from the crow’s nest to join them on the main deck. 

And hadn’t that been a wild ride? Sure, they’d known about Luffy’s relationship with the Hero of the Marines, but they hadn’t expected Garp to just turn up out of the blue like he was going for a grocery run, along with the other big revelation on Luffy’s father. Seriously, Dragon the Revolutionary was Garp’s son? Was anyone in this family normal??

The ship rocked again as several more cannonballs hit the waters around them. The Straw Hats hurried about, working quickly to avoid damages to their new ship.

“Don’t worry, it’ll take a lot more than this to sink this ship,” Tom reassured, chortling.

Bell-mère grinned back. “Won’t expect anything less from your apprentices’ work, Tom-san.”

“Oh my. How lovely.” 

They turned to find Banchina gazing around with interest.

“Welcome back, Banchina!” Sora greeted warmly. They’d all missed their friend. If she was back, then it must mean that Usopp was ready to return to the crew. And sure enough, there was Usopp by the shore, rambling on even as the Straw Hats made a point of ignoring him until he apologized.

“Banchina-san, is that…” Kuina gasped out, leaning over the railing in an attempt to get a better view of the distant figures. The others followed her gaze, spotting a small child clinging to Usopp’s shoulders, mostly hidden from sight aside from a head of fluffy brown hair.

The corners of Banchina’s eyes crinkled with her smile. 

When Luffy pulled Usopp on board, the child who came with him was a dear and familiar one, with bright eyes and curled sheep horns. She dropped down from Usopp’s back to land lightly on the wood of the deck and beamed at the spirit crew with a warmth that felt like home.

After all, if ships had spirits, was it so strange that their spirits could also linger, just as humans’ do?

Sora was the first to react, dashing forward and tackling the little klaubetermann spirit in a tearful hug, the others close on her heels.

“Welcome back, Merry!!!”

Later that day, as they sailed out into the open sea, Merry sat cross-legged on the lion figurehead. Attuned to their energy, she could sense where each crew member was on board. Luffy, Chopper and Usopp were playing a game of tag on the spacious lawn, their laughter carrying clearly in the salty sea air. Sanji had started prepping for dinner, delicious scents wafting up. Zoro was taking a nap after setting up his training room in the crow’s nest, while Nami and Robin were relaxing on the deck chairs. It was fainter, but she was starting to recognize Franky as well, puttering around with his inventions below deck.

In the following weeks, there would be little tells as the crew got used to their new home. It would be seen in the way the boys would duck a little lower than necessary when getting into their hammocks, and the bit of fumbling needed to find the bathroom in the dark. It would be in the way Nami expected her mikan trees to be visible from the front deck, and how Sanji gradually adapted to the extra space in the kitchen as he cooked. Zoro would get lost between the aquarium bar and the men’s quarters every other day, but that was just to be expected of Zoro. 

But eventually, Merry knew, they would become fully comfortable in this new ship. They would come to love Sunny the way they loved Merry.

“We’ll protect this crew together,” Merry said softly to the yet-unformed klaubetermann of the newly-built ship. She smiled widely, hands splayed out on the warm wood, feeling the Thousand Sunny’s wordless agreement. “Through every wave, across a thousand seas.”

Chapter Text

To the Straw Hats, there was one solitary figure standing on board the ship they had encountered in the foggy expanse of the Florian Triangle. The spirit crew, on the other hand, were greeted by a whole pirate crew peering over the railing.

“Took you long enough!” a member of the Rumbar Pirates called out in good-natured heckling. But the teasing belied the overflowing wetness in the crew’s eyes, at the reassurance that their old friend would finally have allies again after so long spent alone. Their faces lit into genuine smiles as Luffy easily invited Brook to join the Straw Hat Pirates.

Hiriluk beamed. “A talking skeleton for a musician! It couldn’t be more perfect for this crew.”

Bell-mère easily hopped over to the Rumbar Pirates’ old ship, grinning at the ghostly crew. “Yo, it’s been a while.”

Yorki gripped her hand tightly, his teary smile clearly conveying his thanks. “You actually made it here.”

Bell-mère’s eyes twinkled. “What can I say? Our captain specialises in doing the impossible.” She swept her arm behind her, at the ship that could light up even the darkest of nights. “Welcome aboard the Thousand Sunny, you lot. We’ve got plenty of space for you and more.”

Brook stood by the railing, staring out over the water as the Thousand Sunny approached the outskirts of the Florian Triangle. It had only been days, but the time before the Straw Hats had found him now felt like a lifetime ago. Part of him still couldn’t quite believe that he was finally leaving this accursed place, even as their surroundings steadily brightened. Smiling shakily, he turned back to look at his new crew, and had the breath stolen from his lungs (even– even though he had no lungs, skull joke!).

For a brief, impossible moment, in the shimmering half-light as the Thousand Sunny broke free of the fog into the clear sunlight outside the Florian Triangle, Brook caught sight of his old crew standing on the deck of his new ship, grinning and chatting among themselves as they tuned their musical instruments. 

There were times, during those long lonely years, when Brook had felt that he could hear his crewmates’ voices in echoes and whispers. He had always thought that it was the solitude getting to him, that it was a hallucination conjured by a mind that had been alone for too long. But perhaps… Perhaps… It hadn’t been a dream. Perhaps, they had truly been there by his side all along. Watching over him, wishing with all their hearts that he could one day find companionship and be free again.

And now there were others interspersed among them as well, individuals who Brook had never met but could recognise from their soft expressions as they gazed upon the young Straw Hats.

The vision lasted only for an instant, but it was enough to burn the image into Brook’s memory. And from the stunned expressions on the other Straw Hats’ faces, Brook thinks that they may have seen it too. 

“G-G-Ghosts?” Usopp yelped out, clutching his chest dramatically as his eyes widened like saucers. But then, in a softer, almost child-like voice, he murmured, “...Mama?” 

Banchina inhaled sharply.

“Did they…?” Sora gasped out, her hands clasped over her face. Opposite her, Sanji’s cigarette was hanging limply from his open mouth. It was like their gazes had met, for that one startling moment.

Nami’s hand was frozen in the air, clearly reaching out towards Bell-mère, her eyes huge and round. But whatever magic had occurred to bridge their two worlds, it was gone as quickly as it came, lasting only that fleeting time between light and darkness. With a soft melancholic smile, Bell-mère brought her hand up to meet her daughter’s outstretched one, but as always, their fingers passed through each others’ without touching. 

Nearby, Luffy was spinning around in circles as if that would let him see them again, eyes bright and curious. “Where did they go?” he exclaimed, bouncing around the deck. “Heyy, ghost people, come back, join our crew!”

The artless exclamation from their captain startled a wet laugh out of Bell-mère. “Already one step ahead of you, Captain,” she replied, even though Luffy wouldn’t be able to hear her. The others traded fond looks in agreement. They’d all long considered themselves part of the crew.

Even though it should have been impossible, Luffy’s bright smile widened, as if he had felt those words with his heart. He spun back around towards their musician. “Hey Brook, sing us a song! We’re celebrating!” Luffy cheered.

Brook beamed through the tears he would have shed if he still had eyes (another skull joke!). He lifted up his violin, setting the bow on the strings. “Yohohoho! Aye, aye, Captain.”

No further prompting was needed for the Rumbar Pirates. There were sobs and laughter as they grabbed their own instruments, harmonising with the lilting tune Brook led them on. As the Thousand Sunny sailed out of the Florian Triangle into the sunshine of the outside world, their shared melodies carried out across the waves. 

Sailing through the storms~

Crossing a thousand seas~

Until the end of our unfulfilled dream~

Fly!