Chapter Text
This is what Sakazuki feared, the consequences of his actions. He knew from the moment his magma started burning Ace’s skin that this was wrong, that this was a stupid idea, that he needed to stop. Sakazuki’s own hubris prevented him from stopping until the job was done. He was down back in the interrogation room, the stench of burnt fabric and flesh still hung in the air. Akainu was in here for one reason and one reason alone, Ace’s beads. When Kuzan yanked him off the brat the cord had snapped and sent bright red beads bouncing across the stone floor. (None of his fellow admirals knew their significance, and Sakazuki would rather keep it that way.)
Sakazuki was fine with Ace never forgiving him, he accepted that when he accepted his task. At the very least Ace wouldn’t be attacked on the spot for bearing a pirate’s mark, and that’s what mattered.
Sakazuki worked in absolute silence as he picked up the brat’s beads, checking the room twice over to make sure he got all of them before making his way back up to the surface. Borsalino pulled him aside when he emerged into the blinding sunlight. “I’d make myself scarce if I were you Sakacchan.” The other Admiral hummed, steering the Mad Dog away from a growing crowd. “Vice Admiral Garp is looking re~ally scary right now, Kuuchan’s still trying to explain but keeping a low profile is getting pre~tty hard when half of Marineford saw you carrying Ace-chan with us and a medic in tow.”
Sakazuki’s already grim expression twisted into something closer to a grimace. “What’s the ‘official’ story Kuzan’s going with?”
“Training accident, of course. Garp is too smart to buy that so Kuuchan’s trying to get him alone to give him the whole story.” ‘Training accidents’ were always a safe excuse, especially with the nature of their Devil Fruits. Plus, it was no secret that Sakazuki took up Ace’s training personally, and he didn’t bother to hide how proud he was of Ace's progression.
Sakazuki scrubbed a hand over his face, feeling the weight of his deeds weigh heavy on his shoulders. “I fucked up Borsalino. Don’t you dare tell Kuzan because I’ll never hear the end of it but he was right, you have far finer control over your fruit than I do and with a steadier hand.” Borsalino let out a very interested hum.
“I can’t guarantee that Kuuchan wo~nt find out that you said he was right, but if I can put my two berries in. Since Ace-chan came here you’ve changed. The old Sakacchan would have ne~ver admitted when he was wrong, a~nd you smile more. A real smile too. Ace-chan is making you more human. I think I like the new Sakacchan.” The older Admiral chimed in, making Sakazuki pause for a moment internally, a stunned expression taking over his face before he forced it back into its usual grimace.
“Shut up and help me get to Sengoku’s office before I get murdered by Garp.”
Sengoku took the news about Ace about as well as everyone else, badly. He wore the same grim expression that Sakazuki did, leveling the man with a look that would make lesser men crumble. “Garp’s going to be on a warpath no matter the circumstance. I suggest you take a tour of our bases in the South Blue.” The Fleet Admiral’s tone brokered no argument, frankly, he wasn’t going to argue. Any updates on Portgas would be relayed to him, as well as when it was safe for him to return. With his orders received, Sakazuki saw no more reason to stay in Marineford, at least for the time being.
___________________________________________
Awareness slowly came to Ace as he woke up, which was shocking since he didn’t expect to wake up. As his vision cleared he noticed a few things:
One. He was in the Medical Bay.
Two. He was hooked up to no less than three machines to make sure he was breathing steadily.
Three. He wasn’t alone.
Ace expected Garp to be there, sitting next to his bed as soon as he realized he was, in fact, going to live. Aokiji being there, however, was unexpected. One of the machines he was hooked to started to beep rapidly, betraying his racing heart.
“Ara ara... Don’t get too worked up, Portgas. I’m just checking up on you.” Aokiji started, holding up a placating hand. “You’ve been asleep for a week. He knows all about what we did, so don’t think you’re being intimidated into keeping quiet.” Kuzan jerked his head towards a still steaming Garp, who was glowering at the icy Admiral. Clearly, Garp was still angry about what happened. Ace opened his mouth to speak but was stopped by Kuzan putting his hand up. “You’re still healing from some pretty gnarly injuries, kid. Try not to talk too much.” Kuzan picked up a chalkboard and chalk from a side table near the door and brought it over, placing it on the bed, followed by a small, velvet pouch on his own little side table. “Saka got you that, he said that you would understand what it means when you open it” Aokiji pointed at the bag, which really wasn't that little.
“We; Sakazuki, Borsalino, and I; knew that what we did was wrong, Portgas. Knew it as soon as we got the order. I’m not making excuses, but it could have definitely gone better. It was either the tattoo or your life and while that may be the stupidest ultimatum I’ve ever had to deal with, but the answer was simple to us. Now, I’m not expecting you to forgive us, I sure as fuck don’t expect you to forgive the Marines, but I do want you to know what we did what we thought was the best for your present and future safety.” Ace bit the inside of his lip hard, while it felt kinda nice to know that they felt bad about what they did, it didn’t help the fact that they did it to begin with. His eyes fell on the velvet bag Kuzan placed on his bedside table, already having a feeling on what was inside. Untying the strings and looking in his suspicions were confirmed, his beads, all gathered from when they snapped off his neck.
“Stupid curry Ossan.” Ace croaked, voice hoarse from disuse. “Where is he?”
“Stop talking and use the chalkboard.” Kuzan chided and kicked the bed, jolting it. “I’m assuming you mean Sakazuki.” Ace nodded. “Until we’re sure that he-” Kuzan nodded his head towards Garp, “-won't do something dumb like try and kill an active-duty admiral, Saka is touring about some of the Marine bases in the Blues.” Garp stayed suspiciously silent, glaring at Kuzan the whole time. “He’ll be glad to hear that you’re awake and that you got your gift. I’ll be checking up on you again later Portgas. Vice Admiral Garp.” The Admiral dipped his head in a silent farewell before leaving the two, Garp’s scowl not leaving his face until he was sure there were no Admirals around.
Ace felt a gentle knock of knuckles against the top of his skull, “Don’t you go scaring your old Jichan like that ever again. I don’t think my heart can take it.” Garp rasped, sounding like he was holding back sobs. “Those damn fools, I saw that Sakazuki carrying you and I thought the worst. I don’t think I’ve even seen the man so frazzled. Peh. He deserves it for causing this.” Hearing that it was Sakazuki that carried him to the infirmary made his stomach twist in knots. The asshole had the gall, the audacity to pin him down and burn Oyaji’s mark off and he just expected him to forgive him if he grabbed one of his most cherished possessions and made sure he didn’t… die…
Ace threw his head back and covered his eyes with his arm. “Shit.”