Chapter Text
Hello everyone, here is the next and last chapter!
This is the end, this will be the last chapter of the story
After 10 years, this story is finished, and I love you all for reading this!
But! It isn't over! I will use my One Shot Series for remaining ideas I have or if you have any ideas!
So! I hope you will enjoy this!
Read and relax, for the last time in this story
Whitebeard smiled at his children, Ace now being out of bed and they were ready to leave the hospital. Ace had fully recovered from the birth yesterday, and while he felt it was soon to leave the hospital, the island had, for an hour, turned off the seastone tower, so Ace would heal well and fast, and that did the trick, and Ace was good now. He didn't seem to have any issues at all, which was good. When they got to the boat, they showed Sanetoshi around, not that the baby would know or remember it, but it was good to show him around to his new home. And everyone helped around whenever they could. When Marco and Ace needed a night to just sleep, they took the child for a night, so they could recover from the lack of sleep, and while they would do this every night if they could, Ace and Marco wanted to be there as well.
And that was how it was for the first months, everyone settling, and soon, Saneotshi was crawling, before slowly and unsteady walking, and soon he was half talking. He was saying words mostly, or babbling. So now, Ace was dad, and Marco was Papa. It was perfect. When they docked one time at an island, Ace and Sanetoshi went to a play area while they had a meeting, but after just half an hour, Ace came back and Rakuyo gave a small frown. “Why are you back so early?” Ace hummed. “I am no longer allowed there.” They all frowned, Trevor speaking. “What did you do?” Ace shrugged. “Me? Nothing. This older kid was bullying Sanetoshi, kept pushing him, and others, but took a special un-liking to Sanetoshi. So, I grabbed his hand and said a stern ‘no’. Everyone agreed, besides the father, who happens to be the owner there. I don't want to cause a huge scene in front of my child.” Trevor nodded. “Sounds right.”
Whitebeard decided he would head to this place with Saneotshi, and as soon as they arrived, an older child moved over and pushed Sanetoshi, so Whitebeard walked up to Sanetoshi and gave a small look to the older kid. “That's not very nice, is it?” The child looked at him with big eyes, before he sat down and cried, probably scared of his size, as many were. A man, probably the father, came towards him. “What did you do to my child!?” Whitebeard hummed. “Me? Nothing, he was bullying my grandchild.” He said as he motioned towards Sanetoshi, who was sitting up and dusting himself off. The man shook his head. “Nope, don't believe it. He probably bullied my child!” Whitebeard gave a stern look. “Are you telling me, that my grandson, at 1 and a half years old, bullied your 4 year old?” The man swallowed. “M-maybe not.” It seemed the man might have recognized him. That was good.
He gave a nod. “We will continue our stay here, and I suggest your kid learns to act nicely.” The man nodded as he swallowed. “O-okay.” The captain nodded. “And, my child, my grandchild's dad, is allowed back here.” The man blinked. “But he put his hands o-” Whitebeard gave a glare, making him nod. “O-okay. He is allowed.” That was good, and sent a look at Izou, who went to get Ace.
When Ace came a bit later, he moved up to Sanetoshi with a smile. “Hi there, are you playing nicely?” Sanetoshi gave a small shriek. “Dad!” Ace nodded and lifted the child who ran up to him. “Yes, hi, my little cutie.” Saneotshi chuckled and looked happy, which was good. It was a week later that they were in the galley, and Sanetoshi was eating, and in true fashion, was making a mess.
So Ace moved his hands to Sanetoshi’s, taking them away from the plate. “No!” Said Ace, and Sanetoshi started to cry as he wanted to grab it, creating more of a mess as he half managed and made the liquid drip down on his hands, and Ace tried to grab something to clean it with, when Sanetoshi made more of a mess, and Ace gave an exasperated breath and turned to look at Marco. “Marco! Can you for heaven's sake help me over here!” Marco chuckled and walked over. “Sure, yoi. Sanetoshi, don't do that.” Not that it helped, it just made the child wail louder. As Marco was there, they managed to clean his hands and take everything out of reach from the baby, before he was let down and went to play, and Ace looked at Marco. “You know, you can help before I need to yell at you to help.” Marco hummed. “Thought you had it, yoi.” Ace shook his head. “No, you did not. You need to help me be stern here, not just sit and let me be the mean one.” Marco gave a small look. “I do not let you be the bad guy, yoi.” Ace gave an unimpressed look. “You do.” Marco moved to talk, when Izou stepped in. “Okay, why don't you two step aside and have a proper fight about this? While I handle this mess?” Marco blinked. “We don't nee-” Ace moved and grabbed his arm and headed out of the galley to do just that.
And he had seen it. Marco often let Ace be ‘the bad guy’, and that wasn't good. When they returned an hour later, they seemed calm and he noticed from there on that Marco helped more when Sanetoshi wasn't happy or was doing something he shouldn't. That was good. The next time they docked, a week later, they were on an island, looking around, going to head back to the boat, when Saneotshi seemed to get a burst of energy, and Ace moved and held up a pacifier. “Sanetoshi! Look!” The small child looked, and saw the pacifier in his hand, giving a smile and laugh as he ran for it, towards Ace.
But, when he was close, Ace started to slightly run ahead, just out of reach of the child. “Come on, you need to get your energy out.” Said Ace as he slowly ran, Saneotshi just behind. After some seconds, the child let out some dissatisfied sounds, not reaching up to Ace, and after some more seconds, maybe half a minute, Sanetoshi sat down on the ground and cried, a hand out to Ace, wanting the pacifier, but not wanting to run. Ace gave a small chuckle and walked up to the child, who had lowered its head, and when Ace was in front of him, he crouched down. “Hey, here.” The child lifted its head, and gave a smile as he took the pacifier and put it in his mouth, before moving his arms out to Ace, wanting to be lifted.
Ace did, lifting Sanetoshi over his head, so he sat on his shoulders, making the baby giggle, before he laughed as Ace half ran a bit, sometimes turning in a small circle, making the baby laugh like crazy, a big grin on his face. Marco chuckled. “Sanetoshi, if you smile more now, your pacifier will fall out, yoi.” Not that that stopped the child from laughing and smiling, the pacifier barely not falling out of the laughing child’s mouth. Ace was a really good father, not that he would have ever doubted that. And, Ace was still sort of a child himself. He was just 23. Both Marco and Ace were amazing fathers. And the rest were amazing aunts and uncles. And he had to say he was a good grandfather. He at least felt like that.
---x---
3 years later, on an island, Trent nudged Daniel in the side, moving his head to what he was looking at when the other looked at him. Daniel blinked. “Is that…” He nodded. “Yeah, it’s the Whitebeards, and there is a kid.” They could use this. They needed the money as they didn't have jobs, who needed those? And they liked to get it easily by stealing from travelers or kidnapping for ransom. It was easy money, and the Whitebeards? They had money, he knew that.
He knew, not that it was a secret, the Whitebeards cared for children, at times caring for them in periods if the child, or children, needed to get to a place. And, they did interact with the child, making him sure the kid was with them. Daniel nodded. “Should we do it? Do you think Earl will agree?” He gave a snort. “Of course he will. We can get rich! The Boss won’t mind.” Daniel looked at him. “But it’s a child under the Whitebeards’ care, they will be mad.” He gave a small shrug. “It’s only a random child, they won’t put it in danger, but they won’t kill us for it.” He looked at the small pink haired boy, maybe about 4 years old. “We will take him and then hold him for ransom. Earl won’t disagree.”
He knew the Whitebeards might care a lot for random children they found, and they hadn't been much in the media lately, not that they read it a lot, they liked to just do their own thing. Daniel nodded. “Let’s go and see if we can get the kid then, we need the money.” They still had a small amount left from when they last did this, but needed more. He gave a nod, and they headed towards the bunch of pirates looking at stores. They were just random people, at least to them, so they wouldn't mind them just being around. As they pretended to look at things, being sure to try not to look at the kid for long periods or too often, keeping him in their side vision, they soon saw the kid trailing a bit to the side as something caught his attention. They have a cloth with some knock-out liquid on it. He didn't know the name, just that it worked well and fast.
The second the child was a bit behind a tree from the most open view to the pirates, he moved and grabbed the child, placing the cloth over its mouth, making him go limp. As soon as the kid was out, he quickly moved completely out of view from the pirates, walking back to the hideout, Daniel close behind. That was way easy, and they now needed to get the kid awake and frightened him, and then send a note to the pirates, easy money.
When they got to the hideout, he quickly got to tie the kid to a chair, Daniel getting the other 2 that were here, the Boss and Fred. When the kid was tied, the others came, the Boss having a frown. “Is the kid really from the Whitebeards’ ship?” He gave a nod, being sure the rope around his hands was tightened. “Yeah. We don't know for a hundred percent, but he was with them, close, speaking to a few of them.” The Boss gave a slow nod, frown still present. “I have a small bad feeling, the kid looks familiar, but the money is needed. How long will he be out?” He gave a small shrug. “Not completely sure, but no more than 10 more minutes, maybe only a couple more.” The Boss nodded. “Everyone get ready then.” They quickly got some knives out, turning the light a bit off, ready for the kid to wake.
When he did wake a few minutes later, he only blinked, before looking at them. “Who’re you?” The child was calm, and he wasn't sure if that was good or not. It was usually easier when they panicked. He stood up and kicked the chair he had sat on into the wall, hoping to scare the kid, shattering it, the kid not even flinching, and he walked over and placed the knife to the kid’s cheek. “That's not something you need to know. Now, what’s your name?” The kid didn't react. “I’m not supposed to tell strangers my name alone like this, off the boat.” He gave a growl, not liking the calm attitude, moving the knife to the kid’s hand, holding it out and fingers spread. “Well then, if you're not going to tell, maybe a finger will make the pirates spill as they try and get you back.” The kid still didn't react, just a small look to him. “Dad usually doesn't like it when I’m kidnapped. Neither Papa or the rest, so that sounds like a bad idea. They are still mad at the last ones who kidnapped me.”
Wait, dad and papa? He moved a hand to the kid’s shirt, lifting him up with it, the chair too, going to get answers. He heard Daniel give a small "Wow there,” not liking he did this, having lost his temper once with another victim, and accidentally choked it. The Boss gave him a glare, not happy. What was he so worried about? If the parents also traveled with the pirates, their chances of money are just much higher. “Who’re your parents, brat?” The kid gave a smile, making him want to punch it away.
“Ace and Marco! Dad and Papa!”
Trent felt his insides grow cold, slowly moving the child back down. “M-Marco as in Marco The Phoenix, and Ace as Portgas D ‘Death’ Ace?” It had to be wrong, they were both males, they couldn't have a child, right? Oh God, what if they had adopted! Not only were the two on the Whitebeard ship, both were commanders, the second probably being an assassin person. He had heard the rumors, which hadn't been much the last years, not like it was 5-6 years ago. They were screwed if yes. He could see the rest growing pale too, as if they had seen a ghost or death, the latter probably being true if this was a child to one on the crew, in the family. Everyone knew the golden rule the Whitebeards had; Never mess with the family.
The kid gave a nod. “Yeah. Do you know them? I think Dad is coming back soon from his thing. I’ve missed him.” He looked towards the Boss for help, not sure what to do now. They were screwed. The Boss went over to the kid, moving his dagger away. “We don't know them in real life, but we know of them. Why don't we head back; this little play was fun, right?” The kid gave a small sound, a mix of a hum and sigh. “I didn't like the game. Did Papa or Grandpa Pops tell you to do this?”
Oh God, it was Grandpa Pops, that was Whitebeard, they were dead, he could see his death in front of him. Earl shook his head. “No, this was more of a… secret play, between us. Okay?” The kid tilted his head. “I’m not supposed to lie.” Well damn, they were screwed. Earl shook his head. “Not lie, just not tell right away.” The kid gave a small frown. “That wouldn't be lying, but they will ask and I need to answer.” The kid muttered to himself. Damn, the kid was bright. Earl looked lost, and took a breath. “Let’s just get you back to them, before they come here. And that means we will play another game, this time a hiding game.”
Before the kid could respond to that, Earl moved a cloth to the kid’s head, tying it over his eyes, explaining he was to see if he could tell how many doors they moved through as they moved, before untying the kid and carrying him over his shoulder. Okay, that was a good plan to keep the hideout hidden, in case the kid would remember the way back. As they were a safe distance away from the hideout, the kid was placed on the ground and blindfold removed, the kid saying 5 doors, which at first had him confused, before he remembered the game.
And the kid was dead right, even telling the two doors that were open. Damn, what if the kid had a power? They were even more screwed if he could tell where they were to the pirates. He hoped not, and they quickly moved towards the beach, towards the pirate boat and their doom. Maybe they could get away somehow and not be dead. It was a somewhat long walk, about 10 minutes in the slow pace they had. He was trying to come up with a solution to run and bail, but they were stuck at this island. He could see the others panicking inside too. As they were close to the shore, only a few minutes away, the kid suddenly stopped in front of a window in the market, eyes big. “I want that coat. I need to tell Papa about that coat.” When he looked in the shop window, he saw a white coat with pink buttons, and white fur around the hood, sleeves and bottom.
He looked at the others, before they all ran inside the shop, tripping over each other, Earl lifting the kid to the shopkeeper. “That white coat thing for this child! NOW!” The woman in the shop, knowing they were troublemakers, stammered as she went to try and find it, thankfully coming out a bit later with a white coat, making him give a breath. Maybe this could save them. When the coat was on, fitting well enough, being a tiny bit big, but the kid would grow into it, they paid for it, getting a discount, most likely because she knew who they were and didn't want trouble, before they moved on, the kid seeming to really like the coat, having a smile and giving a small laugh now and then, arms out as he walked and gave a small jump now and then.
When they were in view of the shore and the big ship there, the kid made an excited sound, running, which had him worried he would run off as he saw something, but the kid’s words and what he saw had him freeze. “Papa!” And the kid ran to Marco The Phoenix, the man crouching to hug the kid, a small group of other pirates behind him. “Where have you been, yoi?! You had everyone worried! You know not to waltz off, Sanetoshi.” They at least had a name now, not that it mattered. Just as they were about to try and sneak off before the pirates saw them, the kid, Sanetoshi, pointed at them. “I was with them, and they said we played a game I didn't like.” The Phoenix frowned, sending a glare at them. “Who are they, yoi?” The voice was dark, laced with something, everyone behind him looking at them too. And if he wasn't frozen in fear, he would have run for it, hoping to get away. The kid gave a shrug. “I don't know.” Okay, they were dead. They should have said who they were.
But, as the man frowned more, before anyone could react, the kid moved a step back and held arms out. “Look at the coat! They bought it!” The Phoenix looked at it, also seeming to look the kid over. Thank God the kid wasn't injured. Before the first commander could speak again, glare back at them, the kid grabbed the man’s hand, moving towards the ship. “I want to show Grandpa Pops! Come on, come on!” The Phenix gave a few “okay’s”, being dragged by the kid, and the few split seconds everyone looked at the two, no one looking at them, they bailed, running away and hiding behind a shop, panting, mostly from fear.
That was too close. It was just a miracle they got away. Earl took a deep breath. “Let’s get to the hideout, and hide for- I don't know- when we’re sure they are gone.” That sounded like a good idea, and they quickly headed to the hideout, using only a bit over 8 minutes to get there, glad to not meet or see any of the pirates. “Never,” Started Earl, “Never kidnap anyone without checking with me first. We were just lucky now.” He gave a nod, still in a daze about everything. He would never do anything like this again without checking. As they walked into the main room, Earl, who was in front of him, suddenly stopped, making him walk into the man. He gave a glare to the man who looked scared. “Hey! What gi-” Then he saw what had the man scared.
On a chair inside the main room, sat none other than Portgas D ‘Death’ Ace, Sanetoshi’s father, having a smile. They were screwed.
“Hello to you. I have a couple of questions for you.” The voice was calm, but he knew they were screwed. Daniel moved first, throwing himself on the ground, in a begging manner. “Please! We didn't know he was your kid! Don't kill us!” He and the others soon followed, hoping to not get killed. After a second, the man spoke up again. “Now, why did you decide to take my son?” Earl shook his head. “We didn't know it was your son! We promise! We didn't hurt him at all!” The pirate gave a hum. “I don't like people taking children, and I especially don't like it when it’s my son. There is never an excuse to kidnap a child.” Earl nodded. “We promise to never do it again! Just don't kill us!”
He expected to be killed, but the pirate spoke again, in the still calm voice. “Now, to my second question. Where did you buy the coat for him?” Why did he want to know that? Earl took a breath. “At Madame Psyche’s House.” He heard some movement, the pirate standing up from the chair, making him close his eyes in fear, waiting to be killed.
“Thank you.” And the man just walked past them and to the door, making him blink, looking up at the leaving man, seeing the others doing the same. That was it? They weren't dead? Before he could breathe a relieved sigh, the pirate stopped in the doorway, sending a look at them. “The only reason you are not dead, is because of the coat, and that my son is not injured or scared. But, if you ever kidnap another innocent person, I will know, and you will die a painful death.” And, with a smile, the man left.
When the man was gone, everyone gave breaths of relief, panting as that was just terrifying. He made sure to thank all the Gods that existed for the coat, which saved them.
They made a swear to never kidnap anyone again.
---x---
Ace gave a hum, walking to the shop the guy had mentioned, Madame Psyche's shop, needing to get something.
When he had returned to the boat, to hear Sanetoshi was missing, he had been mad and was about to search the island, when Marco and Sanetoshi came on the ship, Marco being dragged by the kid, mentioning something about showing the coat he had- which was new- to Whitebeard. But, when the kid saw him, he had let go of Marco and ran to give him a hug, glad to see him, before showing off the coat, telling someone had taken him and said they wanted to play a small game, and then they bought the coat. Well, he was not glad someone had kidnapped his son, telling it was a game.
He then heard Dust say had seen someone who looked to be running away from the shore, seeming like the culprits, and had the bird track them, asking Sanetoshi a bit more about the guys, glad he wasn't injured. Before the kid dragged Marco to show the coat to Pops, the man sent him a look, which he nodded too. He would pay these guys a small visit.
As he was sure Sanetoshi was fine, he walked off and asked a bit about the 4 guys who were most likely behind this all, finding out they did this, but didn't injure the kids usually, doing it for money. As he understood where they were headed by Dust, he teleported there and got inside, waiting for them, sending Dust to the ship for now. They weren't dangerous it looked like. But, after a minute, Dust told him Sanetoshi was telling him something, which made him give a small sigh. That kid, he knew Ace would get it. And he would, after dealing with these guys.
After dealing with the men, leaving them alive for now, but going to make sure to keep an eye on them and ask Moira to place someone here for a bit, he headed for the shop they had told they bought the coat in. When he got there and headed inside, the shopkeeper, a young woman, gave him a smile and asked if she could help, making him give a nod. “Yes, do you remember 4 guys and a kid coming in here a bit ago?” The woman nodded. “Yes. Those awful men, I hope the kid is fine. They do this now and then, which is sad.” He gave a nod. “Don't worry. The kid is safe, mine actually, and they won’t do it again, believe me.”
The woman seemed shocked, before giving a breath. “Now, what can I help you with?” He gave a small chuckle. “The kid they had with them, my son, do you remember his size?” The woman nodded, which had him continue. “He said he also saw a pretty pink shirt, matching the buttons to the coat, same with some ear-muffs, are they available in his size?” The woman thought for a second. “I am not sure if we have the right size, give me a minute.”
He gave a nod, and the woman headed off to a back room, returning after a small bit, carrying the two items. “We have them in the same size as the coat, one size too big, but he will grow into them.” He gave a nod, that sounded perfect. “I’ll take them.” The woman gave a nod and moved to write it down. “May I ask how old your son is? And the name? He looked like a smart kid.” He gave a chuckle. “He just turned 4 last month, and his name is Sanetoshi. And yes, he’s smart and he knows exactly how to get what he wants from his fathers.” The woman gave a small laugh, placing the items in a bag. “Children are like that. They have you wrapped around their pinkie at some times. I have two young ones myself.” He gave a nod, and paid the woman. “Here, and thank you. He will love it.” The woman gave a laugh, waving at him. “It is nothing. It will fit him since he has pale skin, especially with those amazing red eyes and pink hair. He was beautiful.” He gave a nod and a chuckle. That was true. After giving a goodbye, he left back to the ship, bag in hand.
When he was on the ship, Sanetoshi met him on the deck by his mark, jumping a bit in place as he was excited. “Did you get it?! Did you get it?!” He gave a nod, showing the bag. “Here.” Sanetoshi gave a small squeak, taking the bag and running off to put the items on, making him give a chuckle. He looked to his left when he heard Marco speak. “What was that, yoi?” He gave a small hum. “You will see.” He said as he walked up to Marco, giving him a kiss. “And hi,” Marco gave a chuckle. “Hi to you too, yoi. Did the ones who decided to ‘play a game’ with our son learn their lesson?” He gave a nod. “Yes.” After a minute, Sanetoshi appeared, holding his arms out and doing a small twirl, showing the clothing off.
It was the white coat with pink buttons, a pink shirt in the same color as the buttons, and ear-muffs that were pink on two hoops that went over his head, and white on the part that was over the ear, aside from the pink edge. It fit Sanetoshi well, especially as he had taken on his white pants and pink belt too, the belt being a somewhat shade darker than the shirt.
He heard Marco give a chuckle. “You look amazing. Did Dad buy that, yoi?” Sanetoshi gave a nod. “Yeah. I saw it in the shop and told Dust to tell Dad I wanted it.” He saw Marco send him a look, an eyebrow lifted, making him give a look back. “As if you wouldn't have bought it.” Marco gave a chuckle. “I didn't say anything, yoi.” He shook his head. “But you were thinking it.” Marco gave a chuckle. “True.” The man then looked and walked to Sanetoshi. “Come on, Sanetoshi. Let’s show Pops this too.” That had the kid excited as he ran towards where the man sat, making him chuckle and follow beside Marco.
---x---
Then time moved by, and when Sanetoshi was 5, they had docked, Whitebeard sat out on deck, and Ace was on the island looking at things, when Ace gave a smile as he came onto the boat, looking at his son. “Sanetoshi, I have a gift.” The boy gasped. “You do!?” Ace nodded, and moved a hand to grab something from his back, and got a bow out, which seemed to be Sanetoshi’s size, but the boy was only 5. It wasn't Ace’s as that was larger. “A bow!? I'm getting a bow!?” Ace nodded. “Yes, you do. Go on, try it out.” Saneotshi squealed as he grabbed it and started to try it out, shooting into the sea. As he did, Marco went up to Ace. “A bow, yoi?” Ace nodded. “He wanted a weapon, a bow would fit him.” That was probably true, and it seemed like Ace didn't want to hand a sword to his son, which he got. He could injure himself if he did, that was harder with a bow. Marco nodded, and Ace headed over to his son and taught him how to use it, how to aim and how to shoot properly. And the child did grab it fast. He was a quick learner. Which again, wasn't a huge surprise, seeing who his parents were.
A year later, they were on an island, Sanetoshi with them as they were searching for someone. A guy on the island, a blacksmith, had asked them to try and find his brother, mostly asking Ace as he was a mercenary. Yes, he wasn't gone nearly as much as before, but still now and then, to keep his reputation. The guy had promised to modify Ace’s scythe to be better if they did this, as he was a weaponsmith. They would recognize the brother as he had a special bracelet, identical to his. As they looked, they were in a sort of cave, when they saw a grate, and behind it, a huge beast.
Whitebeard saw Sanetoshi swallow as he looked at the thing behind the grate, before he moved towards it and looked through it. “It’s a wolf. The arm of the brother is in his mouth, bracelet still on. I guess he died, we should probably head back. I don't want the thing to see me.” That sounded good, but Ace shook his head. “No, we will fight it and get the bracelet.” Whitebeard blinked, same with Sanetoshi, who spoke. “But dad, we don't need to, why-” Ace shook his head. “Because you are frightened of it.” Sanetoshi swallowed, before he looked at him. “Papa! Grandpa Pops! Tell dad we can’t fight it!” Whitebeard wasn't sure what to say, but Ace shook his head, moving to crouch down in front of his son. “No, you are frightened. And it is fine. You need to face your fear. Nothing will happen to you, I will make sure of it.” Marco gave a breath. “Dad is right, Sanetoshi.” Sanetoshi puffed his cheeks up. “But Dad!” Ace gave a small sigh, looking at his son. “Listen, we, you and I, will go fight it.” Sanetoshi gave a small nod. “What if we can’t win?” Ace shook his head. “No, we will win. We are determined.” Sanetoshi gave a small nod. “What if it's determined too?” Ace shook his head. “We are more determined. Believe in yourself, Sanetoshi.” The child nodded, and Ace moved his head to be against Sanetoshi’s, as he often did to make Sanetoshi feel safe. “Get up your courage, and we will go.”
The child nodded, taking a breath, before Ace leaned back and stood up. He then headed to the wall, and gave a look to his child. “Up here. There is a way through the wall it seems like.” Saneotshi nodded and moved over to his father and climbed on his back. “I’m ready.” Ace nodded and looked at them. “We will soon be back.” They nodded, and Ace climbed up the wall, before they got to the top and Saneotshi jumped off, then they headed to the other side of the wall and jumped down, being able to see them through the grate.
The thing, the large wolf, didn't attack them. They did try to just get the arm, but the wolf was having none of it, and it had killed the man it looked like, so it was hostile. They then watched as Ace and Sanetoshi fought, Ace was fighting in a kind manner, letting Sanetoshi try out his bow and attacks, to learn how to fight with it, Ace always having the attention of the wolf so Sanetoshi could fight with shooting. It seemed to still be a semi hard battle, before they managed to fell the beast, and when they had, they grabbed the hand and took the bracelet off. Sanetoshi then jumped in place, before he ran to the grate. “Did you see that!? I did that!” Marco nodded. “You did, son. You were amazing, yoi.” Sanetoshi seemed happy, Ace walked over, patting his son on the shoulder. “You did great. Now, let’s get through here, there is a chain I can break here.” Ace then did something, before he moved to the grate and lifted it, so they could head through it and back to them.
They then headed back to the blacksmith, with news of his brother’s demise, but the blacksmith was glad to see the bracelet, and kept up his promise and modified the scythe to Ace a bit, so he could fight faster with it, also modifying the bow to Sanetoshi, making so it got a blade like edge on the top. “You use this in close combat, okay, kid?” Sanetoshi nodded. “Yes!” Marco then moved over to Sanetoshi. “Why don't you try it out, yoi?” The child nodded and went a bit to the side and tried doing some moves, and while he did, Marco looked at Ace. “Isn't it a bit too early to teach him to fight, yoi? To kill?” Ace sighed. “Marco, he is our son. He will be hunted. He needs to be prepared.”
Marco sighed, and Whitebeard knew Ace was right. Sanetoshi would be hunted. He needed to learn to stand up for himself, even though he was young. Ace then sighed. “He won’t have my life, and he won’t have your life, he will have his life. And we need to prepare him for that.” Ace was right, and he saw Marco nodding. “I know, yoi.” Ace nodded. “I am not foreseeing he will have a hard life, I do not hope for that. But he will have a life and we can’t protect him forever.” That was very true. They had already had some issues, a few thinking Sanetoshi was an easy way to get to them, but most forgot who they were and who Ace was, as he always tracked them down and terrified them. Nothing bad happened to Sanetoshi, and if Ace could help it, nothing would, that Whitebeard was sure of.
Then, half a year later, Whitebeard’s health started to decline fast, and he knew it. He was old now, he didn't function as he used to. So he made a deal with everyone. When he said the word, it was his time. He would get an overdose from Bay, of pain pills, and go out his way. And that time came 2 months later, him telling everyone in the morning. And when the clock hit 6pm, he would get the pills and they would party until his death. And so they did. It was an amazing party, Whitebeard enjoying watching his children and grandchild enjoying themselves. When things just faded to calm black.
---x---
Marco stood out on deck, chatting with Rakuyo and holding Sanetoshi. Yes, he was 7, but he at times liked to be held, and he didn't mind it today, knowing what was coming. And when the clock was a bit past 7pm, he heard it. A bottle falling and shattering on the deck, and they all turned to the sound, which was the bottle to Pops, and they all knew. He was gone, but he had gone happy, a smile still on his face, surrounded by his family. There was silence for a while after that, many crying silently, and they moved the body of Pops’ to the infirmary and covered his body to prepare for the funeral. Which would be tomorrow, they would send him out in a boat and burn it, as one should. As they had, Saneotshi grabbed his hand. “Papa, when will I see Grandpa Pops again?” Marco turned to his child and lifted him. “One day, Sanetoshi, one day.” And hugged him, shredding a tear as he did.
The next day, they had the funeral, and it went by fine. A few, of those close enough and a few Ace got, were there to say goodbye, like Shanks, Rayleigh, Ace’s brothers, and some others. It was what he knew Pops would have liked, and they all shed tears, mostly being in silence, before a few had some words to share, and Marco was one of them, and now, they would go on, together, and then see where the world led them.
---x---
A year later, Ace stood out on deck on his ship, Marco and Sanetoshi by his side. The Whitebeards had split up some months ago, some stayed together and started their own crew, some went to islands, and some went back to their home island. A few had joined him and Marco, like Rakuyo, Namur, Claus, Haruta, and Jozu. Their name was now ‘aide tōtum’, which might sound odd or weird, which many did say, but it meant they would aid those who needed it, and they sailed to help those who needed it. Their flag was a mix of Marco and Ace, Ace’s assassin mark and Marco’s phoenix. It wasn't exactly a replica, so many didn't connect the dots that he was the Ace of Spades, which he still was, although not as much as before. Yes, they were still in a sense pirates, but also not. They were mostly known as mercenaries, and they focused on that, they all did. It was just perfect. Sanetoshi was growing into a strong boy, who knew right from wrong, and Ace would do all he could to keep him safe, but also let him find his own way and path. Many called him insane for having a small boy on his crew, but he was amazing and Ace was a very proud father, and he knew Marco felt the same.
As they were just enjoying a good day, Claus came out with a note, and handed it to him, making him hum. It was a distress call, and he handed it to Marco, who nodded and looked at their now crew/family. “We have another case, yoi.” Everyone nodded and they got to it. It was perfect, it was what they wanted to do and they made a change in the world.
And that's the last chapter to this story, I really hope you enjoyed it
And again, I can not thank you all enough for joining me on this journey of this story, whether you read it at publish date or years later. I love you all! And I really hope you've enjoyed this!
And if you want to, I hope to see you in AoS One Shots! Where I will now post every idea I didn't do in this story, which is many. I just wanted to end this main thing as I wanted Sanetoshi to be a thing
If you have any ideas, don't be afraid to share them!
I hope you enjoyed, and if you want to, I do love feedback, so don't be afraid to leave a review!
If you also want to, I have a Twitter/X account, my name is @Azuruko, and I have a discord, my tag/username is just azuruko, as well as a server (Instant invite: https : / / discord . gg / 6hzMhbR) where everyone is welcomed!