Red Cherish

by VirtualNerdie

Summary:

But still, that damn redhead wouldn't stop worrying him! Damn it! Aarrghhh! How did he survive with such a lazy nature all this time anyway?!
AND! That face was a mistake! Why did he have to look so pretty while grinning sleepily at him-?!

"Ace..."

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! YOU'RE NOT PRETTY, DAMN IT!"

"... I asked for food, not compliments. But, thank you. You're handsome too."

His face turned bright red.

So, to summarize, Portgas D. Ace was on his way to find Marshal D. Teach. But, somehow suddenly hampered by the presence of the Slacker Cale Henituse who did not stop worrying him.

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PS. Posted on Wattpad under the account name: @virtual-nerdie
PPS. DM me via : @heefa171hf (twitter/X)
@nerdie_girl (Discord)
Translation to Português by : HaizenK4gura (Ao3)

Notes:

• A translation of Red Cherish 🇧🇷 by HaizenK4gura

Finally~!
This fic has found about 3 Beta Readers who are willing to edit it! (❤´艸｀)
Thank you for wanting to help make this fic more worthy and enjoyable to read! 🥺🤧🙏💛🌻🐻🤎✨

Chapter 1: PROLOGUE

Notes:

GEAR 5 LUFFY IS GETTING CLOSER!

Lmao, I can't stop myself from updating this story 😭🤣🙏
The idea has been haunting me for the past two weeks? Hope you guys like the story (✿◡‿◡)✨

Forgive me if my writing is too messy? I edited it myself without a Beta-Reader 🥺🙏
Happy reading, guys~! 🌊🤍✨

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PS. Beta Reader by : Yuna aka @RyongKhalei

 

Meeting his younger brother, Monkey D. Luffy, after two years of separation filled Portgas D. Ace's heart with happiness, affection and love. His usually sharp eyes unconsciously softened. Just thinking about Luffy brought his previous mood back.

 

Which became one of the tactics of the Shirohige crew to calm him down whenever he was about to be fully consumed by emotion or explode with anger.

 

The smile did not fade, especially when seeing the Vivre Card in his hand, causing the man to chuckle even more.

 

Anchored on the next island after Alabasta, more precisely Mock Town on Jaya Island, the starving Ace opened the door of the nearest bar and ordered a lot of food as usual. Not forgetting the complement, a mug of beer on his left side.

 

He filled himself up for almost an hour, ignoring the shocked stares of other customers at the sight of his portion of food. Ace's eyes then accidentally caught a group of men crowding around a table not far from him.

 

"-Beautiful~ Why are you here all alone-?"

 

"-play with us-"

 

"-Whoah, she's so pretty-!"

 

"-you see that? That's an Adam's apple, isn't it-?"

 

"-guy-?"

 

His eyebrows twitched, while the hero-complex in him roared to help the person being disturbed. Ace snorted, his mood for this meal was ruined just like that. Can't he eat in peace and quiet without the slightest crime, whatever it is, ruining his day?

 

There isn't even a picture of Luffy to placate his anger!

 

"-let's take him away-"

 

"-as a slave-"

 

"-we'll be rich-"

 

Ace stopped the perverted man's hand before it reached the figure sleeping on the table. The corner of his lips twitched, holding back annoyance and disbelief. This red-haired man... How could he be so open and vulnerable?!

 

Who would dare to fall asleep in a bar full of pirates?!

 

Does this man not have an ounce of self-preservation?!

 

"Hey! What the hell are you doing! Let go-!" Without hesitation, Ace summoned fire out of his hand that was still holding the other man, making the damn pervert scream in terror, reflexively letting go while jumping up and down ridiculously.

 

"H-he's the F-F-Fist-!"

 

"His b-bounty-!" Black eyes sharpened, daring the other man to continue, which was met with a terrified shriek and a quick escape.

 

Snorting, Ace's eyes now turned to the other figure who was still sleeping soundly.

 

Even the earlier commotion didn't disturb his sleep? Wow, that's a better record than the time he fell asleep in the middle of a battle due to his narcolepsy.

 

"Oi, red head bastard. Wake up," Ace commanded, already kindly waking up the other so they wouldn't be disturbed again for falling asleep.

 

The long-haired redhead woke up slowly. One of his soft-looking hands had moved to rub his eyes. There was a strange little murmur, before the redhead stretched his arms up.

 

It was as if he had just woken up in the morning on his soft bed, wtf.

 

"Hey, don't you have-" Instantly, Ace's tongue stopped his words when the redhead's face turned towards him.

 

Although his eyes still looked droopy from sleepiness, it didn't cover the jewel-like sheen that was reddish-brown in color. Which seemed to glow in the pool of tears. His skin was alabaster pale, contrasting with the bright red hair, matching his eyebrows as well as his delicate eyelashes. A small nose and thin lips with a light pout.

 

... beautiful?

 

Shit.

 

Shit.

 

SHIT.

 

SHIT!

 

As if not hearing Ace's heartbeat that suddenly sounded so fast and loud, the red-haired youth smiled a polite, sleepy little smile. While tilting his head cutely, a few gaping observers took a deep breath.

 

"Thank you for helping me earlier, Pirate-san." His voice...

 

...

 

.... could ekismo's masculine sound so soft and sound as if it was laced with chocolate?

 

(/PLAK.)

 

Ace slapped himself mentally.

 

Waking up from his strange reverie, Ace, who didn't realize how red his cheeks were now could only clear his throat. Re-finding his voice that had momentarily disappeared somewhere.

 

He averted his eyes. Feeling unable to stare at this strange beauty in front of him.

 

"Y-your welcome. I-it's also your fault! Why are you sleeping in a pirate bar, man?! If you want to sleep well, f-find a hote-!"

 

OI.

 

Did he just speak at length and stutter?

 

The redhead seemed to consider Ace's words before humming.

 

"I don't have any money." The spontaneous answer made the D. descendant's eyebrows twitch.

 

"But-" a pale, frail hand moved towards his pocket, pulling out a round object half the size of a palm that glittered with a familiar yellow light...

 

"-I have this? However, everyone only accepts Berry..." The redhead gave a small smile. Dare Ace say, mischief shone indulgently in his eyes like a jewel.

 

"What about this? I am poor?"

 

... with gold on your hand?

 

YOU'RE POOR?

 

exCuSe mE WhAt tHe fUcK-?

 

Stunned, he heard the red-haired man chuckle. His heart skipped a beat while his eyebrows twitched in annoyance.

 

"...You can change it to Berry, you know?" The black-haired man explained. Successfully making his voice sound skeptical and empty.

 

The redhead hummed for a moment, before shrugging his shoulders unconcernedly.

 

"I'm too lazy."

 

Twitch.

 

That beautiful, yet somewhat felt like a  scam, face looked up. Staring at Ace as if asking for his sympathy with a sad frown on his face.

 

"Can you do me a favor, Pirate-san?"

 

Twitch.

 

Reluctant and wanting to get things over with quickly so he could sleep, Ace nodded.

 

The redhead smiled widely, so sweet and bright. Yet at the same time, it evoked a sense of alarm and a sudden beat in his heart that betrayed that feeling.

 

Shit.

 

What was going on with him?

 

"Thank you umm?"

 

"-Ace." For some reason, the smile became even sweeter.

 

Twitch.

 

"Thank you, Ace-san." The man with reddish-brown eyes then got up from his seat. The crew member of Shirohige blinked, realizing that the man in front of him only reached his nose. Requiring that face to look up in order to look directly into Ace's eyes.

 

Huh... cute-

 

A gentle and smooth hand with no visible marks or scars, as if he had never worked in his life, stretched out.

 

The smile is still on his face, but now it looks more radiant.

 

(-which he unconsciously misses-)

 

"My name is Cale."

 

He accepted the hand.

 

Little did Ace know, this man would be the cause of his rapid aging due to stress.

 

(-and the feeling of happiness in his heart-NO. D-damnit....)

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[A few weeks later...]

 

And this time, he found that slacker bastard up a tree!

 

Looking very comfortable lying face down on the cold branches, and even snoring lightly!

 

He.Doesn't.Want.to.Worry!

 

Okay?

 

Even though he was on his way to catch Teach! He shouldn’t be distracted by anything and focus on his mission. Even the calls of Marco and the rest of the Shirohige crew were ignored.

 

But still, that damn redhead wouldn't stop worrying him!

 

Time and time again Ace tried to ignore it. And they always meet at weird times! Like... like... like when this redhead was particularly troublesome and problematic!

 

By his laziness!

 

Damn it! How did he survive with such a lazy nature all this time anyway?!

 

Seemingly aware of his presence, one of those jeweled reddish-brown eyes blinked at him. He began to tilt his head on the arm cushion, making his reddish bangs fall down to frame the pretty-handsome face of the young man in front of him.

 

....

 

AND!

 

That face was a mistake! Why did he have to look so pretty while grinning sleepily at him-?!

 

"Ace..."

 

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! YOU'RE NOT PRETTY, DAMN IT!"

 

Silence engulfed them.

 

Realizing what had been said, Ace trembled where he stood. Hoping the ground would drown him now. Rather than suffer the blatant teasing of his Shirohige family if they found out!

 

"...I asked for food, not compliments. But, thank you. You're handsome too."

 

His face turned bright red.

 

SHIT!

 

Portgas D. Ace didn't sign up to fall in love.

 

And his worst case is with a slacker human named Cale Henituse!

 

Ace's frustrated screams went hand in hand with Cale's snickers.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Thanks for visiting this fic! (❁´◡`❁)✨
I hope Ace and Cale's character won't be too weird (OOC) to read, lol
It was fun to write Cale who likes to tease Ace ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)✨

 

PS. Another fic will be updated in the near future.

Chapter 2: #1 - The Annoying Slacker

Summary:

Ace who was beginning to be unable to leave Cale alone.

Notes:

Thank you in advance for your enthusiasm in the Prologue of this story! 🥺🤧🙏
200+ Kudos, 700+ Hits and 35+ Bookmarks?! Even your comments are so sweet and generous! (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)
I'm glad that many people liked the... rare and first ever for Ace x Cale pairing? Lol 😭🤣🙏
Thanks again for visiting this fic! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
I hope you like this chapter 🌻

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PS. Beta Reader by : Yuna aka @RyongKhalei

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

After a long time exploring the Grand Line and the New World, Ace found himself surprised again. The reason was not of the new islands he visited, or anything else. Instead, the reason he was surprised was now in front of him.

 

It was the red-haired bastard, who introduced himself as Cale.

 

More precisely, at the pile of gold coins that came out of a small bag. Ace's black eyes widened with his mouth gaping. He even lowered his face, trying to peer from underneath the small bag that was still constantly spitting out gold coins. Not even having time to sympathize with the bank employee that had turned to stone.

 

Cale, who has had enough, closed the bag again. That damn pretty face then smiled and turned to look at Ace. It was annoying as hell but Ace couldn't stop the heat that appeared on his cheeks.

 

"Is this enough, Ace-ssi?" asked the red-haired youth. His voice sounded innocent.

 

Snorting, the D. descendant now stared at the clerk's bright face with greedy eyes looking at the gold coins. His hand then slammed down on the table. Not forgetting to take out the fire with a cold, threatening look.

 

"Don't even think of pulling one over us. Count according to the market price or I'll fuckin' burn everything." Realizing that he was talking to a pirate with the highest bounty in Mock Town, the bank employee nodded fearfully.

 

There was applause at his side, Ace saw the shorter man looking impressed with his reddish-brown eyes widening comically. Ugh-Ace immediately turned his face away. Why did he think it was funny anyway!

 

Geez, Cale was a stranger... but how could he affect Ace like this? Usually he exchanges fists! Then beer and pirate songs! N-not blushing like this, DAMN IT!

 

"500 m-million Berry..." Ace watched with a satisfied face. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned next to the bank clerk's counter. His eyes could not escape how Cale's eyes sparkled brightly looking at the pile of money in front of him.

 

There was a hum coming from the red-haired youth. His hands deftly put all the money back into the small bag. Ace's relaxed face puckered.

 

Seriously, what kind of bag can hold so much stuff and still look small?

 

"Oi." Cale did not respond, completely ignoring Ace's call.

 

"OI." Still no answer. Restraining himself to keep from punching something, Ace inhaled and exhaled.

 

"...Cale." The redhead smiled then turned his head with a grin.

 

"Yes, Ace-ssi?"

 

....

 

.... This damn redhead happily responded to his call. Though the bastard already knew Ace was calling him but... but-!

 

"That thing. Where did you get it?" Cale's reddish-brown eyes fell on the small bag in his hand. A very useful item, btw. Because Ace could store all his belongings without the worry and concern of it being left behind or even destroyed in battle.

 

Long enough to think of the answer, Cale looked back at him.

 

"If you want one-" a wide smile returned.

 

"-but no one sells bags like this anymore." That innocent face that oh my god, Ace wanted to pinch. But he found himself unable to get angry for some reason.

 

It was still annoying.

 

"This bag is especially only for my use." Ace gave a small grumble. It took extra patience and calmness to talk to this Cale. They had just met but Ace was already emotional.

 

"But, if you want to borrow it, you can." A black bead peeked out from the corner of the eye. At Cale who was now grinning at him. Already ready to put all the money into it.

 

"Really-?"

 

"100 berries, one item :)"

 

.....

 

This damn stingy cheating pretty bastard-

******

Finally.

 

After an hour of torture for Ace's emotions, he was free of the annoying red-haired human. Ace didn't even wave goodbye as they took opposite paths.

 

It was already night and his Log Pose had also not fully adjusted to the magnetism of Jaya Island yet. This fact made the D.'s descendant grimace. He had hoped not to meet the redhead again but instead they were stuck in the same town.

 

Sighing, the 19-year-old walked towards the nearest hotel. From the rumors he heard along the way, there was only one hotel to avoid. Because there was a pirate group claiming a place there.

 

Snorting, all Ace needs to do is avoid anything problematic and leave this island as soon as possible-

 

-a flash of familiar red hair entered his sight.

 

Ace froze, realizing that Cale was entering the Tropical Hotel, where the aforementioned pirate crew was staying.

 

That fuckin' trouble magnet-!

 

But, what does that have to do with Ace?

 

It's not Ace's job to care about strangers, right?

 

After all, he had already helped Cale turn his gold into berries. His business with Cale should be over.

 

... right?

 

(-next time he realized, everything about Cale was a must for Ace to know-)

 

"Arrghh! So annoying!", yelled the Shirohige 2nd division captain in frustration. Footsteps betrayed his thoughts, walking towards the hotel Cale had entered.

 

Worry swam in his mind, hearing the commotion from inside and the screaming. Something had happened-!

 

"HEY-!"

 

-BRAK!

 

The front door of the hotel was forcefully smashed open by Ace. Black eyes widened when they saw one of the bastard pirates had grabbed Cale by the collar. The pirate had a lustful face with his mouth curved in a disgusting smile.

 

Meanwhile, Cale looked so helpless. Although his expression is flat, but his weak body shape as well as his very beautiful visuals made the man look vulnerable. Especially when the top of the white shirt he wears is not fully buttoned up, revealing the curve of a very sexy shoulder-

 

"ARGH!" cried Ace with a flushed face. Hands slapping his cheeks until they turned red making some of the pirates sweatdrop.

 

"BASTARDS! LET HIM FUCKIN' GO, YOU MOTHERFUCKERS-!?" Flames erupted like a Super Saiyan behind Ace (however, not burning clothes or belongings), enough to intimidate everyone.

 

"E-excuse us-!"

 

"S-shit! He's Fire Fist A-ace! You idiot!"

 

"Fuck you, how do I know-!"

 

Cale was released and because of the frightened bastard, the red-haired man had fallen down.

 

"Umh-!"

 

Silence.

 

All movement stopped. Suddenly focused on the redhead who had fallen in a position that was so scandalous. In addition to the expression of pain, the face was reddened with tears, oh my god-

 

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING, ASSHOLES?! GO THE FUCK AWAY OR GET BEAT?!"

 

Ace's rage could make the room shake, lmao. Mumbling to himself, the Shirohige pirate walked over to Cale. Furious and wanting to strangle the other man, but instead he carried the redhead over his shoulder.

 

"Ace-ssi?" The black-haired man's eyes were fierce and glaring, making Cale shut up instantly.

 

Without further ado, Portgas D. Ace walked out of the Tropical hotel with troublemaker Cale Henituse on his shoulder. Not forgetting the fiery backdrop and-music? Where is the music? Please reader insert appropriate music, onegaishimasu-

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"Something wrong with your brain!? Why are you always acting like that, huh?!"

 

Cale, who was organizing his things on the bedside table (Ace booked a room at another hotel), blinked sleepily at him.

 

....

 

Is that redhead not even scared or commenting? Why is his attitude so relaxed!

 

"How have you survived all this time with that damn lazy attitude?!" The owner of reddish-brown eyes had the courage to smile lazily -looking so pretty, damn-

 

Without answering, Cale moved onto the bed. One leg was raised up, supporting the chin on the knee and two hands hugged it gracefully. The moonlight coming through the window made Cale's frame shine even more. It looked soft and fragile, calling for anyone to protect the form of innocence in front of him.

 

BADUMB.

 

The heartbeat quickened as the stranger he had only known for three hours smiled back at him. Bringing many unspoken feelings within Ace.

 

Strange but so addictive.

 

"Thank you for helping me again, Ace-ssi."

 

Ace snorted.

 

Heat took over his cheeks so he turned his gaze away from Cale. Losing the voice to scold the other man for being so careless.

 

"N-next time, check your su-surroundings f-first. D-don't let others to-" Oh my. To stutter like a fuckin' idiot-

 

"-huh. I hope we don't freaking meet again," Ace continued with a different topic. Giving his strongest expression of dislike.

 

"Take care of yourself, Cale." The redhead nodded -very dubiously-, with a smile always not fading on his face.

 

Ace walked out of the room, stabilizing his clothes and bag. Covered the top of his face with a hat, then left.

 

This.... will be the last time, okay?

 

Underline that.

 

Ace wouldn't care about the slacker redhead anymore-

******

"WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU OUT DRESSED LIKE THAT?!" Ace raged as he saw the damn red haired walking leisurely in the city market.

 

But, that was not the main focus!

 

It was his shoulders! HIS DAMN SHOULDERS-!

 

"SHIT!" Portgas growled, pulling at the open collar. Revealing the sight of a shoulder with pale alabaster skin that shone like a pearl and was a feast for the eyes-stop! STOP FUCKIN' ADMIRING HIM-!

 

And Cale, this bastard, still had time to look at Ace with a puzzled look. However, a second later, he broke into a small smile. Ugh. So freaking b-bright, man.

 

"Ace-ssi. We meet again, ne?" Ace flushed bright red. He remembered well his words last night which contradicted his actions now.

 

"F-forget it. Now! Look at yourself! Are you deliberately exposing your shitty skin like this, huh?! Do you freakin' want to be attacked again by a depraved bastard-?!"

 

"-don't want to-"

 

"-then wear other fuckin' clothes! Not see-through white like this-!"

 

"-I like this outfit-?"

 

"-I DON'T LIKE IT!"

 

The argument came to a halt as Ace gasped to himself. Two hands were also still grasping Cale's shoulders.

 

Ya lord, never mind, he had already made a fool of himself. His pride was completely tarnished now. BUT, still! If Cale ended up being raped in front of his eyes, Ace could not forgive himself!

 

"Follow me." Without waiting for Cale's reply, Ace immediately dragged the smaller man to the nearest clothing store. Although Mock was a small town, it still had stores that were well-equipped.

 

"Put this on." Cale looked reluctant when Ace handed him a thick black robe. Reddish brows furrowed in dislike with a small frown.

 

"Don't want it. It's hot. Sticky."

 

Ace clicked his tongue.

 

"You think you have a choice here?" Cale's eyebrows raised, questioning Ace's actions from his gaze.

 

Ignoring him, Ace finally chose a brown robe with a reddish hue that was thinner than before. His eyes glanced at Cale, who made no move to pay. The taller man sighed, repeatedly telling himself. For the sake of covering up that damn skin-

 

(-for his sanity-)

 

"Here." The cloak was handed over and Ace could finally part ways quietly.

 

Cale received it with a calm face, eyes resting on the robe with an unfamiliar expression. Patting the robe once, the smaller man looked at Ace and gave a small smile.

 

"Thank you, Ace-ssi." The others nodded.

 

"Yeah. You should fuckin' thank me," grumbled Ace. Taking a step away from the redhead.

 

At a glance, he could feel Cale's gaze behind him. Trying to ignore it, Ace ran away from the shop.

 

He wasn't running from Cale, okay?

 

Ace was just buying food for himself-!

******

"Hm hmm~"

 

Ace sat down across from Cale. His shoulders dropped forward with a moody atmosphere.

 

Just now he said he won't see him again, but he really met this damn pretty red head again!

 

Aargh! Why is he so hard to avoid?! Why is this Mock Town so fuckin' small anyway?!

 

"You..." Cale blinked innocently. The chewing of the meat stopped so that his cheeks were puffy with food. Ugh. It was like something shot into his heart. Why-

 

"Why aren't you eating, Ace-ssi? Aren't you hungry already?" His own big appetite had weirdly all of a sudden vanished. Leaving three plates filled with mountains of meat with a glass of beer.

 

Cale on the other hand had a plate of meat, noodles with pasta sauce on top, warm soup, grilled fish and a glass of cold water.

 

If you're asking why Ace had sat down to eat with Cale?

 

Simple.

 

When he was looking for a place to eat, the only place worth eating was the bar. When he saw Cale already sitting in the corner, waving at him with an annoying smile, Ace tried to leave and find somewhere else. However, he ended up coming back slamming the door with his face bright red.

 

"Don't you usually eat a lot?" Cale asked with a calm voice. Gracefully eating his meat.

 

"And you also seem to eat a lot." The man with reddish-brown eyes nodded seriously.

 

"Recharging energy."

 

An answer that made Ace laugh sarcastically.

 

What kind of energy wasn't even used in public.

 

Snorting, Ace ate his own meal. The silence that prevailed made Ace feel awkward. His eyes then darted to Log Pose. Nodding mentally as he saw that there were only a few hours left before his Log Pose was finished.

 

When he had eaten everything, Ace wordlessly began to move away.

 

However, he was stopped by Cale's hand holding him back. The simple, yet warm touch on his cheek made Ace glare at the connection between them.

 

"What?"

 

"Sit down first," Cale pleaded calmly and seriously. Unfazed by Ace's intimidating form.

 

"Your hands." The redhead instructed again, asking for one of Ace's hands to be stretched forward. Reluctantly, the 19-year-old sat down and followed Cale's will.

 

Eyes watched sharply and widened as Cale took out his magic bag. Giving him a long look before dropping one... pie? on top of his hand.

 

Looking back at Cale, with a puzzled face, he paused to see the satisfied smile on the beautiful face in front of him.

 

"Apple pie for helping me."

 

Ace was silent for a long time. The cake in his hand suddenly looked very nice and appetizing. Eating it seemed so unfortunate? What was wrong with him...

 

"...okay." Under Cale's burdening gaze, Ace ate it.

 

Sweet apple flavor, rich buttery crust, and even warm? It was delicious.

 

The D. descendant's eyes widened.

 

"It's delicious, isn't it?" Cale asked. Reddish-brown eyes curved in a knowing smile.

 

"That pie is special for you. It's not sold anywhere."

 

.... not good.

 

It's not good to sit with Cale.

 

Bad for his heart.

 

So, Ace quickly ate the pie. Ignoring the sad feeling that the pie was gone in an instant. Shaking his head, his eyes almost glared at Cale.

 

"T-then, we'll part ways here. I-I'll be leaving this island soon. So-" Why was he telling Cale this?

 

Without waiting for a reply, Ace left immediately. Eyes staring at Log Pose again.

 

Okay. He could wander around for two hours.

 

He could do it.

 

Then leave Jaya Island and chase Teach as usual! Voila! No human named Cale to bother him-!

*******

"AREN'T YOU THE ONE WHO DESTROYED MY HOTEL?!"

 

Ace rubbed his face.

 

Why of all places, was the commotion happening at the harbor?

 

Especially since the one at the center of the commotion was Cale!

 

Like deja vu, the same scene repeated itself. Only with a new person. Tall, dark-skinned with red tattoos and messy yellow hair. An arrogant face but eyes glinting lustfully at the redhead. Ace's hands clenched into fists at that look.

 

"As I remember-" face tilted in confusion, full of innocence.

 

"-nothing was destroyed?"

 

Ace almost whistled at Cale's bold tone. Okay, he was somewhat impressed at the redhead's actions? But it didn't rule out the possibility that Cale could be a murder victim-

 

Black eyes widened as Cale smiled mockingly.

 

"Maybe your eyes are seeing things wrong? I can recommend an eye doctor for you." Then nodded seriously. Face contorted in sympathy.

 

"Poor thing."

 

... wow.

 

Instantly Cale was replaced with the frame of a gentle young man with sharp and cold thorns. There was a strangely strong and threatening aura emanating from the redhead.

 

.... WOW.

 

"YOU-! D-DON'T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MY BOUNTY IS, HUH?!" Cale shook his head with a flat look.

 

Ace almost laughed at how thick the veins on the yellow-haired pirate's forehead were.

 

Cale was really good at making people angry. Even him :)

 

"MY BOUNTY IS 55 MILLION BERRIES-!"

 

"Pfftt-" The leather-haired pirate subordinate glared in surprise when he heard the laughter coming from Cale. His body trembled as if it was very funny.

 

"And you're proud?" Uh oh. Izo would definitely like Cale from his sardonic tone. His pretty face would also definitely make Izo side completely with Cale.

 

"That Ace-ssi over there has a higher bounty than you, you know?" ... Why is my name being mentioned?

 

The red haired then pointed at Ace, who was hiding behind the crowd with a sweet smile.

 

"550 million berries :D"

 

Ace... didn't know how to react. Should he be angry that trouble was being thrown at him? Or laugh at this funny situation? Or even throw a tantrum?

 

"Aloha, asshole."

 

Apparently, Ace's reaction was to go with the flow with a threatening smile.

 

The crowd parted, letting the Fire Fist Ace into the center of the debate. Snorting as the redhead chuckled at him.

 

Really calm huh? Fearless?

 

"How about it, man? My bounty beats yours. Shall we fight if you don't fuckin' believe me?" Ace's smile was menacing now. It quivered then when he felt Cale slowly walking behind him.

 

"C-cih! You’ll fucking see, bastard! W-when my bounty goes up, I'll BEAT you all!"

 

Feeling overwhelmed by the drastic comparison, the pirate with a per on his leg left quickly from the spot. Along with the frightened subordinates, shouting after their boss.

 

After a peaceful atmosphere with some people starting to return to work at the harbor, Ace turned to face Cale. The reddish-brown-eyed youth had already put on his usual calm face.

 

"Looks like trouble really likes to come your way, huh?" Ace snickered, shaking his head in disbelief.

 

"Are you leaving?" Cale asked out of turn from their discussion. Ace glanced at his already full Log Pose, a very good coincidence.

 

"Yes. After this, we'll be separated." Ace's black eyes peered, expecting an expression like reluctant or unwillingness-eh, why would he expect that anyway?

 

"Well, it's a bit unfortunate. But-" Cale extended his hand, smiling a small smile that did not reach his eyes.

 

"- I hope you have a safe journey, Ace-ssi."

 

The black-haired man nodded. Patting Cale's shoulder twice before walking to his own small ship.

 

His striker was a waterproof raft and shaped like a half crescent moon. The Striker itself was powered by Ace's Mera Mera no Mi power from the front seat which was connected to the engines on the sides and back of the ship. He used the small ship to sail the seas in his search for Teach.

 

Activating his fire, Ace had already darted some distance away from the harbor. However, he somehow slowed down, taking a quick glance behind him.

 

Cale was still standing at the end of the pier.

 

The blowing hair sent reddish locks flying gently, framing a face that had a nostalgic expression. There was no smile, so Cale looked like a cold beauty, who seemed unreal-

 

"GRRR-"

 

-huh? Why... why the fuck did a Sea King appear beside Cale-?

 

Ace was petrified, watching as the ocean's fiercest predator suddenly appeared not far from Cale. A majestic form with sharp teeth and a pair of terrifying slitted eyes. And worse, the powerful creature was staring at Cale.

 

"Cale...?" Why the heck didn't you dodge?!

 

The Sea King, still with a terrifying growl, walked up to the redhead who still did not budge. THAT DAMN BASTARD-!

 

"CALE! RUN AWAY, YOU DAMN UNLUCKY BASTARD! ARRGHH!"

 

Turning Striker around, Ace used his full strength to attack the Sea King. The man with Shirohige's tattoos on his back jumped up, united the Haki in his hands and the power of Mera Mera no Mi, and attacked the Sea King's face.

 

Waiting in anticipation that the Sea King would fight back, it instead whined and returned to the sea.

 

.... huh?

 

What the hell is going on again?

 

"Ace-ssi? Why are you still here? Not leaving?" Cale asked, breaking Ace's shock. Black eyes glanced at the innocent face opposite him, somehow looking very annoyed?

 

"It's because of you, damn it!" Ace growled. Jumping from Striker to the side of the redhead who blinked at him in confusion.

 

"Me?"

 

"Yes! Why the fuck didn't you run when there was a Sea King earlier, huh?!"

 

"-yah, because that Sea King is-"

 

"-DO YOU NOT HAVE AN OUNCE OF SENSE OF SELF-PRESERVATION-?!"

 

"-I have-"

 

"-DON'T ANSWER, FUCKING-!"

 

"-okay. I'll shut up-"

 

"-ARGH!" Ace shouted in frustration while ruffling his hair. Cale also took the order seriously. Not speaking, his eyes looked expressionlessly blank at Ace.

 

Glancing at the Striker that could only be used for one person for now, Ace faced Cale again. Now with more subdued emotions.

 

"How did you get here, huh? We're going to the next island and split up there. It's not safe here for slacker bastards like you-" Ace hissed, hand flicking the redhead's forehead, making the smaller man wince. The hand moved to stroke the small bump on the forehead, there was a small frown on the calm face.

 

"I... got here by myself?"

 

"Huh? What nonsense are you talking about? Ship. I asked where your ship is?" Cale seemed to think for a moment, then shook his head.

 

"There is no ship."

 

.... hah?

 

"Are you a native of this town?" The owner of reddish-brown eyes shook his head again. So? How did this redhead come? From the sky? A stray angel-? Ugh.

 

"Haaaaahhhhhh...."

 

A long sigh escaped Ace, who realized that Cale was more than just trouble. All the redhead had was his body and his strange little bag! No weapons and no ship! Maybe even a place to live? Then his head too, was that part of body okay-?

 

"You." The dark haired man pointed, face contorted in displeasure.

 

"Come with me to the next island."

 

Cale looked behind him, at his Striker with an unsure face.

 

"But, isn't that little ship for one person, Ace-ssi?"

 

"Coming or fuckin' not?"

 

"Coming."

 

Ace snorted at Cale's quick decision.

 

Surely this red-haired man had lived a very guarded life before. Needing someone by his side so as not to get into trouble. Or even keeping him alive? Because of that kind of lifestyle, creating this kind of slacker?

 

Before Striker was launched, Ace had asked Deuce to modify it. Maybe for some time it could only be used for one person. However, the latest modification widened the Striker with the addition of a seat in front of Ace. The channel for channeling his power would also be more covered.

 

Bringing the Striker near the dock, Ace looked up. Eyes looking at Cale then the seat in front of him. Instructing with eyes.

 

"Sit."

 

Cale nodded, walking to the side of the pier and struggling to reach the front of the Striker without falling. Ace almost laughed at the image. Cale looked like a cat trembling with the fear of getting wet.

 

"Tsk. You're really troublesome." The bigger hand grabbed Cale's hand. It easily pulled the other’s slender body into its arms.

 

For a moment, Ace was silent. Feeling the unique scent emanating from Cale as well as the warmth that came with it. His embrace also felt like home, the hometown where he and Luffy and Sabo had enjoyed their time together in the past.

 

"Ace-ssi?" Cale looked up, bringing their faces very close to each other. The jet black bead like an ember collided with the reddish brown bead like a gem. The hand on Cale's waist tightened, feeling very fitting and right-

 

"S-sit here." Realizing how long they had been staring at each other, Ace gently released the embrace and sat Cale on the seat in front of him.

 

"Hold on. I'll drive my Striker fast."

 

Without waiting for a reply, Ace activated the fire, and the advanced raft sped away from Jaya Island.

 

For a moment, Ace peered at the redhead. Expecting a scream of fear or a tense body. Instead, he heard laughter.

 

Blending with the swish of the water in the sea, the sun shining brightly above it, Cale's laughter blended with the wind. The reddish hair was in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean, bright and shimmering, fluttering beautifully.

 

"Ace-ssi," Cale called, still in a laughing voice. Face turned, looking up to see Ace. Reddish-brown eyes shone so bright and beautiful. Curved by smiles and warmth.

 

"Thank you."

 

The sincere whisper was as smooth as the heartbeat camouflaged by the waves.

 

For the first time Ace felt this strange, loose freedom. It was completely different from being with Luffy or Shirohige's crew. Yet, so coveted and so sorely missed.

 

Ace unconsciously grinned. Crossing both hands in front of his chest then bending down so that their faces were slightly close together.

 

"Not for free, got it?"

 

Both of them grinned at each other. Until Cake raised his hand in the shape of 👌

 

"100 percent discount?"

 

Surprisingly, Ace burst out laughing.

 

For now, somehow the ocean felt so free. And it all came from the form of the fiery twilight-haired youth in front of him-

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"CALE-?!"

 

"-WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GOING?! SHIT-!"

 

"-OI! DID YOU SEE A PRETTY RED-HAIRED BASTARD-?!"

 

"-STOP-! SHIT SHIT SHIT!"

 

"-HEY BASTARD, DON'T FUCKING' TOUCH HIM-!"

 

-forget it.

 

Since when did Ace feel free if the source of his current problem was Cale?

 

GODDAMNIT!

 

Free Ace from this pretty annoying slacker bastard!

 

He must go after Teach-!

 

"-NO! CALE-! FUCK!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMAKE :
[Behind the Scenes with Cale]

 

Cale. You really played a prank on that kid, huh? Chuckled one of his ancient powers as the others burst out laughing. Realizing that Cale was currently being carried like a sack by this black-haired young man.

 

No, it's not. Looks like Ace-ssi here is looking at it from a different angle. Cale replied lazily, letting his body relax. When else can you be like this? No need to walk and get served right away like this?

 

A subtle grin was created on the pretty face. If Raon was here, the little dragon would exclaim 'human! Are we going to loot someone?'

 

Poor young man.

 

Well, the situation was actually in Cale's control. He could threaten the hotel with just Dominating Aura, but-

 

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING, BASTARDS?! GO THE FUCK AWAY OR GET BEAT?!"

 

-well, he seemed like a good man. The ancient power within him nodded in agreement.

 

Ever since he fell into this world, Cale had met a variety of people. From normal to strange. A few of them had good hearts, while others became cowards because of the evil pirates. One of them was in Mock Town.

 

So, it was people like Ace that Cale valued (+to utilize) his friendship.

 

Cale had also been kind enough to share Raon's favorite treat, Apple Pie, to Ace✨

 

So -

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- Portgas D. Ace, huh?

 

Good young man~

 

Uh um. Good~

 

Cale gave the man who was driving the Striker a bright smile. Hands supporting the chin, tilting the head with eyes sparkling warmly (+anticipation).

 

Will Portgas D. Ace be able to escape the charm (+menace) of Cale Henituse?

 

Let's watch their story together in this story~

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

How is the story going so far? Exciting? (ﾉ✿◡‿◡)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Honestly, as I was typing this chapter, I couldn't stop smiling to myself, lmao 😭🤣
Ace is so adorable. The way he's so tsundere but loves the feeling 😂😂😂

For a while, there was no serious conflict. The story will be enjoyable and full of Ace's frustration (+gay's panic attack) by Cale's behavior ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Hopefully both characters are not too OOC ψ(._. )>

Also, if there are any wrong terms or OP names in this fic, feel free to let me know! 🙏🌻

Chapter 3: #2 - How Warm, Your Fire

Summary:

His hand wrapped around Ace's hand.

Then, there was a small smile on Cale's face as warmth wrapped around their clasped hands.

"How warm your fire is, Ace-ya."

Notes:

... okay, first, thank you for the kudos, bookmarks and hits. Your comments also colored this fic! ( _🙏_ )🌻✨
Happy reading, guys 🍓

Note :
Paragraphs with marks (...) indicate what happens in the future.

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PS. Beta Reader by : Yuna aka @RyongKhalei

 

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

A smile was etched on the face of the Shirohige crew’s 2nd division captain. He was now wearing his cloak, making sure the crew crest tattoo on his back was covered. And not forgetting to correct the position of his hat and the bag on his shoulder.

 

It had been almost a year and a half since he had set foot on Water Seven.

 

Realizing that it was getting late (they rode Striker for one day and two nights), Ace's eyes turned to his passenger. Cale had been very quiet in the last few seconds. His face was haggard and pale, but had lost none of its beauty.

 

"...um, Cale?" The red-haired man looked up. A flat expression on his face, but with tired eyes.

 

"Hm?"

 

"It won't be long before w-we arrive there," Ace said, somewhat stuttering. Couldn't help but worry for Cale.

 

Well... how could he not? From the view of ordinary people, sitting in the same place for two nights, only eating and drinking and being exposed to strong winds because Ace was carrying Striker at high speed?

 

No wonder Cale looked lethargic, waiting patiently for the right moment to sleep instead of falling down into the middle of the ocean.

 

Afraid that Ace would find him troublesome or worse yet, stop in the middle of the cold and frigid ocean, Cale simply nodded.

 

Ace sighed. Cursing himself for being a fool for forgetting that Cale was just a civilian. Didn't have the resilience of someone who could use Haki or have the Mera Mera no Mi. Even without these two powers, Ace was still stronger than the average man. While Cale? The wind alone seemed to be able to carry that man into the winds, drifting away like paper.

 

Nearly approaching Water Seven, Ace breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the familiar train station.

 

The lights shone brightly around the station, making it a beacon of light amidst the darkness of the sea.

 

And as usual, a middle-aged woman with bushy greenish hair sat on a chair near the station. Reading something in her newspaper with a bottle of wine in her hand.

 

When they arrived, Ace flashed a smile.

 

"Kokoro-san." The woman that was called stood up from her seat, with her usual friendly grin.

 

"Ah, Ace, right? It's been a while since you've been to Water Seven! Where's your crew, huh?" The black-haired youth laughed nervously, scratching his neck awkwardly.

 

"Ahaha, right now, I'm traveling alone, Kokoro-san." Her grin widened.

 

"Oh really? So, who is this beautiful young man you're carrying if you're alone, hm?" Glancing at Cale who was blinking sleepily at them, Ace shook his head frantically while his face flushed lightly.

 

"Cale's just hi-hitching a ride, Kokoro-san! I-I'm dropping him off at Water Seven!" This woman's annoying grin was still in place, yet to fade.

 

"Rest here for a while. Apparently, your passenger is tired of sitting all day on that small ship." Embarrassed and feeling guilty, Ace drove Striker to the side of the station building, on the tracks of the Puffing Tom water train.

 

"Cale."

 

Bored reddish-brown eyes glanced at Ace's hand briefly, sighed and tried to get up. The red-haired man trembled, feeling numbness in his legs, and pain.

 

Feeling sorry, Ace extended his hand which Cale gladly accepted. While his left hand grasped Cale's left hand, his right hand moved to the side of the red-haired man's waist. Guiding the jelly-like trembling body up.

 

"Chimney! Gonbe! Come out and bring a chair!" Coming out of the small room of the station building, a small child with the same hair as the blue-furred rabbit came with two chairs that fortunately had backrests.

 

"Here, Obaa-chan!"

 

Cale gave a haggard smile full of gratitude, but did not lose his beauty. So the little girl gaped wide-eyed at the red-haired man.

 

"Whoah, you're the most beautiful person Chimney has ever met, aren't he, Gonbe? Ne, ne, what's your name, Stranger-san? You're so beautiful! Is your red hair real-?!" Ace laughed out loud seeing Cale looking distressed at being asked so many questions by a child.

 

"Chimney, leave our guest alone. He's already exhausted." Kokoro said, earning a quiet whimper from the little girl.

 

Cale said nothing. Completely exhausted. However, he gave an apologetic smile and patted the little girl's head twice. Earning a gracious smile from the little Chimney.

 

Ace blushed a little at the sight. Because the look in Cale's eyes was completely different. There was a special light when giving that 'smile' to a child.

 

His eyes... shone brightly.

 

"E-khem!" The black-haired man flinched in surprise. Soon pouting in embarrassment at Kokoro who chuckled and drank her sake.

 

"So, what's the need for the Fire Fist Ace to come here, hm? Any interesting news you're looking for in Water Seven?" Ugh. That was almost a correct guess. Ace smiled flatly, averting his gaze.

 

"No, Kokoro-san. I just happened to go to Water Seven, as well as taking Cale there."

 

"Why there?" Finally, after almost four hours of silence, Cale asked Ace. He turned his head, almost choking at the sight of Chimney on his lap with the blue rabbit on his head.

 

"Well... because it's pretty safe there?" Ace replied, tilting his head with a wry smile. Suddenly remembering all the trouble he had in Mock Town.

 

"Since when is it safe when it comes to pirates, huh?"

 

"Kokoro-san...."

 

The woman laughed.

 

"Water Seven is the best shipbuilding place. They're friendly. And it has a good security system these days, thanks to Iceberg-san's leadership. Isn't that a good choice? Instead of Mock Town-"

 

"-every second he's in trouble," Ace sneered, rewarded with another of Cale's annoying smiles.

 

"Jinjja? I'm troublesome?" If it wasn't for Kokoro and her grandson, Ace might have exploded at this question.

 

In the end he didn't answer, drinking the drink Chimney had given him. Neither did Cale, who was still chatting with the girl.

 

Ace contemplated the scene. Didn't expect Cale to be really good at hanging out with small children or even taking care of them.

 

(-Ace couldn't believe it. Luffy who was so stubborn, would obey Cale-???)

 

"In that case, may Water Seven be the right choice for this young man," Kokoro observed with a casual grin. Ace chuckled and nodded excitedly. Can't wait to part ways with Cale and finally, voila-! The quest for Teach goes off without a hitch!

 

"Are we going again?" Cale asked suddenly. Dare Ace say he heard a whining tone from there? Wha-?

 

"Yeah, not far off." Ace started to stand up, grinning at the redhead's reluctant face.

 

"It's okay, Cale-chan! Chimney and Gonbe will meet you in the town! So that Cale-chan won't be alone there!" The reluctant face was immediately carved with a small smile. Making the corners of Ace's eyebrows twitch.

 

"Thank you, little Chimney, rabbit Gonbe."

 

"Hehe!" Cale was hugged tightly by the little girl and the blue rabbit.

 

In just 15 minutes, the child was already close to Cale. Hmm... Ace was also close-

 

Huh.... What-why is he thinking like this-?! They aren't-

 

"Ace-ssi?"

 

"-CLOSE!!!" Everyone was surprised at Ace's voice. The young man flushed bright red and snorted. Turning around in a stomping manner.

 

"Geez..." laughed Kokoro amusedly.

 

Ace jumped on top of Striker, still flushed but out of habit, still extended a hand towards Cale. The red-haired man blinked for a moment, then chuckled.

 

"What?" Ace snapped. Cale shook his head, still with a small smile.

 

The reddish-blue-eyed man then sat on his chair and waved lightly to Kokoro, Chimney and Gonbe.

 

Silence engulfed them.

 

It made the night breeze feel cooler than usual, the water was calm, and the moonlight softened the scenery. Ace's grayish eyes glanced at Cale. Frowning at the redhead's clothes that still looked thin. At the way Cale sat hugging himself, could he be cold-?

 

Huh. Why would Ace care? He was already kind enough to escort Cale to a safer place.

 

This frail man could at least keep himself warm, right?

 

(-Ace don't stop worrying about him! Cale always seeks warmth from him-)

 

"Whoa... "

 

The passenger's amazed voice broke the mulling of the D. descendant. He followed the direction of Cale's eyes and immediately smiled when he saw the view of Water Seven at night.

 

Water Seven, although small, looked as grand as Ace remembered. The shining lights, which made the fountains that it was adorned on sparkle, had brightened up the surrounding scenery. It looked extraordinarily beautiful and stole every breath of the observer.

 

Then his eyes looked back at Cale, able to feel his breath being inexplicably stolen for the umpteenth time.

 

The color of Water Seven's lights made Cale's jeweled eyes sparkle even more like stars. The wind blew his reddish hair and the moonlight softened his features. Cale almost seemed unreal, yet he sat in front of him. 

 

His cheeks... so soft? Ace... he wanted to touch that cheek-? Wha-

 

"Ace-ssi?"

 

"W-WHAT?!"

 

Cale blinked at the unusually vicious reply. But maintained his small-business smile. Where Ace was already blushing himself with an inexplicably annoyed look.

 

"Do you know where the most expensive hotel is?"

 

... I thought you were enjoying the view-?

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[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

"Right here."

 

After putting Striker in a safe place, Ace moved straight to a comfortable hotel close to the Galley-La Company. The best shipbuilding union in Water Seven with good security.

 

Definitely the right choice, so Ace didn't have to worry about Cale getting into any trouble, right?

 

Ha ha... ha.

 

"Okay. Thank you, Ace-ssi. For the ride and the recommendation. You really are a kind-hearted young man." Cale's smile widened. It seemed sincere for a moment, before falling into annoyance.

 

"Yeah, yeah. I'll go first, okay? We're really separated now, you hear? Hm?"

 

"Yes, Sir."

 

"D-don't get into trouble, got it?"

 

"Got it."

 

"Don't get close to weird people!" Cale's eyes looked Ace up and down then nodded.

 

"Okay."

 

"If you get into trouble, I-I can't really help you, you know, huh?!"

 

Raising one eyebrow, still smiling, Cale nodded.

 

"Arasso." Ace squinted. What are you talking about-

 

"A-and then-!"

 

"Ace-ssi." He froze when Cale suddenly grabbed his arm. Wha-????

 

Flushing and feeling heat on his cheeks, Ace saw Cale looking at him calmly. His eyes blinked softly at him, very vulnerable. With a body frame that could not be covered by the damn robe-

 

"Done, hm?"

 

Imaginary hot steam escaped from the black-haired head at the sound of the other man's almost pleading voice? ... save Ace...

 

"Done."

 

Cale breathed a sigh of relief, flashed one last smile, then patted Ace's shoulder twice.

 

"Kajja, I'm going to go upstairs and fall asleep. We're really separating."

 

Okay. Sounds good...

 

Ace's eyes watched blankly as Cale's back moved away and then disappeared behind the door.

 

... why did he feel empty?

 

Staring at the arm, where Cale's last trace was, Ace clenched his fist.

 

Trying to push away this strange feeling, because now was not the right time.

 

He had rebelled against the rules of Shirohige's crew, defying his brothers and sisters and even Oyaji to find Teach. Ace couldn't forgive himself for letting that bastard get away and taking Thatch's life.

 

Time to get to work.

 

*******

 

It had been a day since Portgas D. Ace had gotten separated from Cale Henituse.

 

He had also been traveling around looking for information with Teach. From what he gathered, Teach was currently recruiting a crew. The Portgas' brow furrowed at the thought of this information, was Teach going to create his own pirate crew?

 

Heh. A sardonic grin was etched on his face. With his vicious and greedy nature, Teach certainly wanted to be his own pirate captain. But... but, was it necessary to kill Thatch?

 

Ace's hands clenched into tight fists.

 

Feeling like his time was being wasted on useless information, Ace walked down the streets around the city center. There was an apple in his hand and Ace ate it casually. Occasionally his eyes glanced around, at the vendor using Yagara, a seahorse, across the water-red hair caught his eye.

 

"Cale?"

 

Ace gaped as the young man he recognized was sitting casually on two Yagara. The riding seat looked comfortable and more spacious than most other Yagara.

 

As if sensing Ace, the ruddy head turned.

 

"Pffft-" coughed on the apple, Ace almost laughed at Cale's expression.

 

The man sat back with his legs crossed. In one hand was a piece of strawberry shortcake, while the other held a fork. However, that wasn't what caught his attention.

 

Cale's hand moved to lower the love-shaped glasses from his eyes.

 

Raising one eyebrow, he smiled at Ace. His hand waved briefly with the shape of his lips saying 'Adios~'.

 

...

 

Ace was stunned for a moment. Gaping as Cale flicked his red hair at him, refocusing on eating his cake while enjoying the view ahead.

 

"HAH."

 

The black-haired youth covered his mouth. Preventing any self-threatening smiles or laughter from escaping him.

 

Cale was showing his weird side.

 

And somehow... fell funny for him?

 

"How can that bastard possibly relax now, huh?" Ace's laughter suddenly stopped.

 

Eh?

 

One moment.

 

"His two hands are holding plates and fork, aren't they?"

 

And Cale was alone.

 

So, no one was driving the Yagara?

 

"Cale?" called Ace starting to run towards the path the redhead was traveling.

 

"CALE?" Channeling more power, Ace created a whirlwind around while chasing after Cale.

 

His eyes then found the young man he was looking for.

 

"DAMMIT, CALE-?!"

 

The young man with reddish-brown eyes turned around innocently, still having his glasses on his face.

 

"-DON'T LOOK BACK! LOOK FORWARD, OI, FORWARD!!!" shouted Ace in panic and frustration. His eyes nearly popped out as Cale's Yagara walked straight into another Yagara. Did Cale not see the panicked faces of the other Yagara riders, huh?!

 

"BASTARD, GET OUT! TURN! AAAAARRGHH-!" His heart dropped into his gut as Cale's Yagara smoothly dodged and turned to disappear behind the wall.

 

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GOING?! HOI! SHIT-!"

 

Frustration almost exploded his anger. Moreover, Cale was still relaxing with his cake! With Yagara not being driven! That bastard!

 

"CALE-?!"

 

"CALEEEEEEEE-!!!"

 

"OI! BASTARD-!"

 

Ace's shouts filled the town for the next 15 minutes, searching for the wayward redhead who had disappeared somewhere with his Yagara. God knows how that slacker bastard got into trouble!

 

Ace shouldn't have taken his eyes off Cale !

 

"OI! DID YOU SEE THAT PRETTY RED-HAIRED BASTARD-?!"

 

He asked the same question to every Yagara vendor and random people around the streets. Then finally after searching for about 30 minutes, he found the silhouette of a certain redhead again, inhaling and shouting-

 

"CALE!!!"

 

The person he called out to gasped, turning his head right and left still with the Yagara casually swimming away.

 

"-STOP! SHIT SHIT SHIIITT-!"

 

As if finally feeling sorry for Ace who had been wandering around like a madman for an hour, Cale's Yagara swam to the side of the road. Without thinking, Ace immediately approached Cale. Grabbing the other man's shoulder angrily before softening again.

 

"You bastard, Cale! Why didn't you fucking stop when I called you, huh?! Don't you know you're not driving that damn Yagara?!" His eyes then looked at the seahorse in question. Patting his face realizing that-

 

"WHERE'S THE HELL IS STEERING ROPE!?" Then looked back at Cale, almost pitiable with mixed emotions and worry.

 

"Where the fuck did you rent this shitty Yagara? Did you get scammed, huh?! That motherfucker, giving Cale a Yagara that isn't-"

 

"Ace-ssi."

 

"-controlled! You'll fuckin' drown, damn it!" I'm a Devil Fruit user! I Can't-"

 

"Ace-ssi."

 

"-fuckin' swim! How ridiculous would it be if we both drowned then without anyone helping, you dipshit-!"

 

"Ace-ssi!"

 

A touch on the hand made Ace stop babbling. Panting for a moment, blushing but not denying the touch. It was as if the hand gradually eased his anger and worry.

 

Cale on the other hand looked a little guilty, but it soon disappeared in his calm expression. Now smiling a little.

 

"It's okay, Ace-ssi. I won't intentionally harm myself-" the black-haired youth snorted.

 

"-this Yagaras is nice. They're smart, too." Smart your ass. The two aquatic animals gave a happy squeal while the others snorted. As if Ace was being silly.

 

"You look tired, Ace-ssi."

 

"Because of who, huh?!" Cale's eyebrows shot up and the youth with freckles around his cheeks blushed bright red.

 

Still with his hands together, Ace squatted down. Covering his face with his other hand, hoping Cale couldn't see how embarrassed he was right now.

 

He was screaming like crazy when Cale himself was actually fine! Almost reminded Ace of Dadan.

 

"Pft-"

 

And a chuckle sounded.

 

Ace looked up, about to sneer or be annoyed by the mockery, but then faltered.

 

Cale laughed behind their hands that were still touching. There was an amused twinkle in his eyes, while a smile made that beautiful face look even brighter. With his red hair framing his beauty, it flowed sweetly and gave a soft touch to his arm.

 

Uh oh.

 

"I'm sorry, Ace-ssi. But, thank you for worrying."

 

The laughter stopped, now carving a friendly smile. The hand ties were released, leaving Ace still stunned with a flushed face but a blank stare. His lips were also gaping in disbelief, beginning to tremble.

 

"Ace-ssi? Are you-"

 

"No." The man who was called out immediately stood up straight. Limping turned his head to the left side and walked funny like a robot.

 

"I-I'm going to go find something to eat-"

 

"Oh? Do you want to join, Ace-ssi-?"

 

"-NO!"

 

Or would he lose his sanity? Hell nawh.

 

Ace better get back separated from Cale soon!

 

"I-I'll be on my own!"

 

In the blink of an eye, Portgas D. Ace disappeared.

 

Leaving behind Cale Henituse who blinked his eyes confusedly twice. Then shrugged unconcernedly and went back to running his Yagara.

 

However, an amused smile was still plastered on the redhead's face.

 

.
.
.

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Idiot!

 

Why did he run away like that? With that humiliating walk too?! Screaming silently, Ace squatted back down in the middle of the street. Covering his face with both hands, still blushing furiously.

 

Unbelievable!

 

He lost with just a touch and a laugh from Cale Henituse!

 

A weak youth who was even defeated by the wind!

 

And yet... his hair looked so pretty in the wind...?

 

/SLAP.

 

Pedestrians and vendors were startled as the young pirate slapped his cheek so hard that it was reddened by handprints and smoke.

 

"HUSH! FUCKIN' THROW AWAY THE THOUGHT OF THE DEVIL-!"

 

Hands fanned themselves quickly, before returning to walking away as far as he could. Eyes then glanced at Log Pose, crying silently that he would have to wait another five days before he could get out of Water Seven.

 

"Well, I'd better cheer myself up here!"

 

********

 

Ace sat on the curb with his legs dangling into the water. He then lifted his right leg up, supporting the hand there that held a glass of beer.

 

The young man of undisclosed birth allowed himself to enjoy the silence of the crowd. The lights of the city, the noise of pirates feasting, the sound of engines and chainsaws, the music and the reflection of the moon, lights and stars in the water.

 

So peaceful.

 

Rather than the atmosphere in the New World.

 

However, at times like this, Ace reminisced about his childhood with Luffy and Sabo.

 

Sabo.

 

His brother who was already in the sky now, watching them with a determination that lingered in Ace's heart.

 

"Ne, Sabo," Ace murmured thoughtfully.

 

"What should I call this feeling, huh?"

 

If Sabo was here, he would've laughed at him. Luffy, on the other hand, would probably think in confusion, before asking for meat.

 

Don't ask the crew, they would tease Ace to no end before he finished his story.

 

"Che. I bet you're laughing at me instead, aren't you?" Ace snorted, downing his beer in one gulp.

 

Laughing at himself, the young man got up from his seat. Instead of exhausting himself, Ace would rather get something to eat and then go back to sleep.

 

And he didn't anticipate the scene after he turned his head to stare at the crowd.

 

The world was momentarily silent.

 

There was only Ace and the red-haired figure not 10 meters away from him.

 

As if sensing his presence, Cale turned his head. Locking their gazes in a heartbeat that made Ace's cheeks warm.

 

The crowd passed by but Cale seemed untouched by them. Standing in the middle, still staring at Ace with his beautiful reddish brown bead.

 

However, that gaze stopped when a man with long blonde hair and tanned skin took Cale's eyes away from him.

 

For a moment, the new man looked familiar, but that was not the case! Especially when the man's large body blocked Cale from his view!

 

"HEY BASTARD, DON'T FUCKING' TOUCH HIM-!"

 

Ace cut through the crowd forcefully, approached Cale and immediately brought the smaller man behind his body. Then turned his head and was surprised to see a familiar figure looking at him with the same look.

 

"Paulie-san?"

 

"Ace?"

 

The ferocious growl instantly vanished at the sight of one of his unexpected acquaintances. When he stopped by Water Seven with his old crew, the pirate Spade, who wouldn't recognize a member of the Galley-La Company? Moreover, Deuce and Paulie were close because they shared opinions on Striker creation.

 

"You came here? Why didn't you call me, huh?" Paulie asked grumbling. The cigar that was usually on his lips was somehow absent.

 

"Well, I'm not here for long and don't have anything too important to do."

 

The two shook hands with a friendly grin.

 

"Do you know Cale, Ace? I see you seem protective-"

 

"-not protective." Ace's frown, flushed lightly again. Paulie returned the grin.

 

"Too bad I know this slacker bastard," grumbled the freckled youth as he began to take Cale out from under his body.

 

The redhead stared at the two uninterestedly with a candy bar in his hand. Geez, this brat. Doesn't he have anything better to do than eat?

 

Please look at yourself, sir.

 

"That's good then! You'll have to take good care of him, huh?" Hearing this, Ace felt his eye twitch.

 

"What's the matter, Paulie-san?" The taller man sighed, tapping his forehead with a frustrated expression.

 

"Cale's presence is making the others unfocused!" Paulie growled, now starting to blush just like Ace.

 

"Huh?" The two turned their heads, seeing Cale tilting his head in confusion with his lips chewing on a candy bar.

 

Gosh.

 

"THIS! This Cale! Just like this, many of my workers are not focused! They've even gotten minor injuries while working!"

 

"Eh?! How come, Paulie-san?!" Ace was shocked. Galley-La Company's elite workers could fail to focus because of Cale?!

 

"Damn. What the heck have you done, Cale?" hissed Ace looking ready to rant again, getting annoyed seeing Cale innocently shaking his head.

 

"Nothing? I just accidentally walked into the study and sat there? They're good at making ships and it's interesting to watch?"

 

Silence.

 

Paulie sighed loudly.

 

"That's exactly why! You... y-you-!" His hand trembled as he pointed at Cale.

 

"Y-you're too pretty! It makes the others look at you!"

 

.....

 

Deeply ashamed of himself, at the same time relieved to air his grievances (for job that went well!) then snorted.

 

"Please take care of him, Ace. Don't let Cale come while we're working-" faintly, they could hear a small protest. In the corner of Ace's eye, he caught a few workers hiding not far from them, staring adoringly at Cale.

 

Twitch.

 

"If you want, just come when we're partying. You hear that, Cale?" The redhead blinked calmly for a moment before nodding.

 

"Free?"

 

Paulie burst out laughing. Several workers also subconsciously showed themselves and nodded hastily. Muttering to each other in agreement and teasing Cale.

 

"Of course it's free for you, dearest!"

 

"Your presence alone is a blessing!"

 

"Come next time, darling!"

 

"We'll party hard! Drinking and eating are free for you!"

 

"I'll give you money-!"

 

Ace reflexively grasped Cale's shoulder as the man moved at the last sentence.

 

"Cale....."

 

Paulie laughed amusedly as Ace turned back to him. Holding his shoulders, the dark-haired man stared at the man in front of him with a dark face.

 

"Don't be tempted by their advances!" Cale looked reluctant.

 

"Drink for free? Free food? Money? Man, who would say no?"

 

"I can give it all to you! Don't follow them!"

 

Paulie's whistle made Ace blush furiously, but the man did not waver. A sharp glance at Cale was so determined that the red-haired youth gave in.

 

"Okay. Free food and drink. And money to my pocket," grinned Cale. Sending a regretful smile at the whining of the resigned workers. Moreover, some of them shivered at the dark glint from the corner of Ace's eyes. Not to forget the fire burning on his back.

 

"But seriously, Ace. Come visit us! I'm sure Pakku will be happy to see you. Bring along Striker for repairs as well. We'll open the door." Paulie's eyes then flickered to Cale, smiling kindly.

 

"Of course, Cale will be welcome too." And his subordinates cheered.

 

"Okay, Paulie-san. I'll be there sometime. Thank you for the invitation." Raising his hat with a wide smile, it soon faded as he tried to lead Cale away from the crowd. Towards a different hotel.

 

"But, the direction of my hotel-?"

 

"No. It's full of Galley-La Company workers."

 

"I already paid in full there-"

 

"I'll pay in full at this hotel." Their footsteps halted, Ace turned with a frown even as his face turned bright red.

 

"You just need to enjoy it." The gray eyes looked at Cale sharply.

 

"Okay?"

 

Cale was stunned for a moment. Like a daze, the red-haired man gave a small nod. Letting himself be dragged along by Ace.

 

Throughout the journey, the link of their hands did not come off.

 

And Ace had never felt that someone's grip could be this warm.

 

.
.
.

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

"Damn. What have I done?" Ace whispered to himself with a look of disbelief.

 

He was too stupid last night! Following his fucking instincts and letting Cale tear apart his heart and mind like this!

 

As a result, he couldn't just part with Cale! Gosh.

 

Ace had promised to give him food, water and... money!

 

"Shit..."

 

Listen. When it came to money, Ace had no problem. He had plenty of money, okay? The problem was, he tied Cale to it! While on a mission to find Teach!

 

Cursing himself, Ace walked a little further away from Cale. They were currently looking for who knows what redhead. After oversleeping, showering, eating, then getting out of the hotel. Getting some fresh air while spending money.

 

Damn.

 

The money...

 

"Ace-ssi?"

 

"Hm?" Cale pointed at something. There was a wide, annoying smile on his face.

 

"Please buy that." Unable to find himself angry, Ace snorted and complied.

 

"This too." Clothes? Okay.

 

"This one look good?" Watch? Hm. Fine.

 

"What are you wearing?" Log Pose?

 

"Do you want one?"

 

"Sure." Log Pose, got it.

 

"Buy this too. The Grand Line's weather is extreme. It's better to be prepared or not." Robes. 4 pairs ready.

 

"Here." Scarf? Just take it.

 

"This too." 4 pans of cake? Hmmm.

 

"This looks aesthetic." Teacup? Do you want to drink tea?

 

"Coffee too." Well, fine.

 

"My supply is almost gone." A box of tea? Check-

 

Wait wait WAIT!

 

Why is Ace shopping here?! Let alone holding all of Cale's groceries, when his hellish magic bag can freakin' hold everything?! Hellow-?!

 

"What's this?" The tantrum subsided at Cale's other question.

 

"Den Den Mushi. We use it to communicate." Cale's face contorted strangely. Ace grinned ignorantly at that face.

 

"You want one?"

 

"No."

 

"But you can contact someone from any distance! As long as there's a number and a Den Den Mushi center, it's fine. It doesn't stick to your hands!" On a whim, Ace raised one baby Den Den Mushi towards Cale, who immediately dodged. Making the taller man laugh with satisfaction.

 

"Oh mA gOsh~ a Cale Henituse afraid of sticky snails, hum?" The redhead looked offended.

 

"I'm not."

 

And before Ace could attack him, Cale was already walking away. Leaving the dark haired one with his heavy baggage.

 

"Hey! Cale! Shia (Shit)! Don't go too far-!"

 

Ace's heart dropped as Cale suddenly stopped and jerked inexplicably. What? Did something happen? Why the heck did Cale suddenly stop?!

 

"Cale-chan!"

 

Chimney?

 

The little green-haired girl giggled sweetly, hugging Cale tightly along with her pet rabbit who was jumping up and down happily.

 

"Ace-chan!" The little girl's greeting was still just as cheerful when she saw Ace approaching them.

 

"Where's your Obaa-chan, huh?" Chimney pointed randomly behind her.

 

"Buying sake! We're visiting here for a while!" She exclaimed sweetly, making Cale smile a little.

 

"Really?"

 

"Hu um! Cale-chan! Come over here! Chimney found a flower that's the same color as your hair! It's so pretty, isn't it, Gonbe?!" Ace grinned amusedly at the sight of the redhead being dragged by a child to a nearby flower shop.

 

He then saw the child talk cheerfully to the shopkeeper for a moment, then walk back towards them.

 

"Cale-chan! Here, here!" Chimney forced Cale to crouch down. Ace watched as his hand pulled out a familiar flower, which sent a strange sense of longing into his heart.

 

"Red hibiscus flower suits Cale-chan perfectly! There are roses too, but they're too expensive! But this flower suits Cale-chan better!" The little girl with greenish hair in an upward braid placed the flower on the side of Cale's right ear. It made the right side of his face stand out clearly, shining more by the reflection of the water light.

 

"Hurraayy! Cale-chan is getting prettier!"

 

"Pretty, pretty!"

 

Ace was stunned.

 

His eyes gazed wide at the gently smiling Cale. With a rosy hue so sweet on his cheeks. Coupled with the flowers and the way his red hair fluttered gently in the wind.

 

His heart was beating very fast.

 

("-said that my mother used this flower as an accessory. But, as far as I know, the flower was a gift from her husband-" )

 

Especially when those warm reddish-brown eyes were now turned towards him.

 

Damn.

 

Could Cale hear how loud his heart was beating right now?

 

But, like he understood, Cale just gave him his trademark small smile. Before refocusing on Chimney who was dragging him back.

 

Leaving Ace who was still trapped in his landscape.

 

"Ace-ssi?" The voice was small, but clearly heard so their gazes met again. Apparently they were already 5 meters away from each other.

 

"Ace-chan!? Come quickly! Don't miss it!"

 

Snorting with a flushed face but neither bluffing nor raging, Ace walked towards them.

 

Letting himself get lost in the strange yet warm feeling at the same time.

 

.
.
.

 

 [Portgas D. Ace]

 

"Oi, Cale."

 

The dark-haired man almost had a heart attack when he saw that Cale was not in the room when he delivered their food.

 

Apparently the red-haired man was on the balcony of the room. Standing with his back to him. Seemingly enjoying the view with a calm dreamy gaze.

 

Gray eyes glanced at how thin the clothes Cale was wearing were, snorting in annoyance.

 

"Cale."

 

The red-haired man turned his head with one eyebrow raised in question.

 

"Put your robe on. The night wind here is cold." Cale nodded, but did not walk from his place. He was too lazy to move. Already comfortable with his position, no matter how the body was already shaking from the cold.

 

This unlucky bastard.

 

Really lazy, isn't he?

 

Ace with a flat face extended a hand. And was responded to with a confused expression.

 

"Your hand." Unsure and almost risk averse, Cale placed his smaller hand on top of Ace's.

 

Division Captain Shirohige grasped the hand for a moment, before innocently igniting his Mera Mera no Mi flame. Grinning mischievously as he left Cale's hand with the flame.

 

Relax, the fire didn't burn, it just gave-

 

Cale was already as still as a statue. Experiencing a mental shock that his body was rigid, staring at him with his hand burnt by the flames. His eyes widened blankly with an increasingly pale face.

 

""My hand is burning...?"

 

"NO!"

 

Ace panicked, guilt-ridden at the sight of Cale's fear.

 

How stupid of him! Of course the crew's reaction was not the same as that of Cale, who was just an ordinary person!

 

"I'm sorry, okay? Hm? I'm sorry! My fire didn't burn you! It looks like it's burning but it's not! It only gives off warmth like this! N-not burn-! Aaarrghhh! I'm sorry, ne?!"

 

The fire in Cale's hand died out and the young man immediately took his hand away. It made Ace's heart feel like it was stabbed by a blatant rejection.

 

"F-forgive me, okay? My fi-fire didn't burn you. I-it's just looking like that, look at this-"

 

Ace took out a piece of fire from his right hand. The flame was medium, not too big or small, fluttering gently with a golden-red glow as well as warmth.

 

The gray eyes then looked expectantly at Cale. The regretful and apologetic look on his face made the other man melt.

 

Cale extended both of his hands under Ace's. Touching the back with a serious face that gradually softened itself.

 

His hand wrapped around Ace's hand. Then raised it so that it was level with their chins. The taller man's eyes widened as he saw the face of the reddish-brown-eyed figure that seemed to glow with fire.

 

Then, there was a small smile on Cale's face as warmth wrapped around their clasped hands.

 

"How warm your fire is, Ace-ya."

 

Cale whispered softly.

 

But it made Ace's heart beat very hard.

 

As well as tears that reminisced inexplicably.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(-Ace had never felt so valued. Not even by his Fire power.

 

However, Cale can embraced it-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINI OMAKE :

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

Cale was severely reprimanded by his Ancient Power -more precisely Super Rock- while pranking Ace. His panicked screams echoed through the city hallways, frantically searching for Cale and worrying about who knows why. The seahorse Cale had hired was smart.

 

Cale. That poor young man! It's not good to make someone anxious! Super Rock exclaimed in an admonishing voice.

 

Oh my! How funny! He's worried about uri Cale! Glutton laughed. Then hummed happily as Cale ate his cake.

 

BUAHAHAHA! I CAN FEEL THE FIRE FREAKING OUT!

 

WE HAVE TO XXXX HIM! THEN XXXX AND XXXX AFTER THAT AND THEN-

 

SHUT UP YOU TWO!

 

P-please be quiet everyone...

 

Cale smiled a little when everyone was silent. Feeling guilty by Crybaby who was usually silent, started to raise her voice out of discomfort.

 

Finally he gave in to his desire to relax, pulling over to the side of the road. Blinking at Ace's worried babbling then the way the young man was angry and mumbling to himself.

 

"-you look tired, Ace-ssi."

 

"Because of who, huh?!" Cale's eyebrows rose at the sight of the young man with freckles around his cheeks blushing bright red.

 

Aigooo, this brat.

 

Not even hyungnim or Eruhaben-nim reacted like this. What would he be called if he was in Kim Rok Soo's world?

 

Tsun... tsunde something-

 

Tsundere?

 

Hum. It fits perfectly.

 

And Cale chuckled. Quite lost in thought, not realizing that Ace had fallen silent while gaping. His face was also bright red. Did this young man have a fever? But the clothes he was wearing were quite revealing?

 

"I'm sorry, Ace-ssi. But, thank you for worrying."

 

The bond of their hands -so warm- was broken and Cale regretted it somewhat.

 

"Ace-ssi? Are you-"

 

"No." The younger man in front of him immediately stood up straight. Then turned his head to the left side with a limping movement and started walking with stiff steps.

 

"I-I'm going to go find something to eat-"

 

"Oh? Do you want to join, Ace-ssi-?"

 

"-NO!" Cale blinked at the usual vicious reaction.

 

"I-I'll be on my own!"

 

Before he could say anything, Ace had already gone missing.

 

Geez, what a shy kid, ain’t he?  The Thief laughed, almost out loud.

 

Our Cale charms are a little hard to resist, right guys?  Giggled Glutton.

 

Maybe that young man can help us, Cale?  Everyone gave an affirmative hum to Super Rock's suggestion.

 

"Maybe? Who knows?" Cale smiled broadly, eating back the cake in a relaxed and cheerful manner.

 

Well.

 

Free food?

 

Free drinks?

 

Also free money? Without working hard?

 

Then Portgas D. Ace would not be separated from Cale Henituse.

 

The red-haired man's smile widened even more when he saw the warm flames in Ace's hand, which was wrapped around his.

 

Good boy.

 

Anyone who gave Cale something for free was a good boy.

 

(-Ace was so warm. Like a warming machine in winter. But this one is free and belongs to Cale.)

 

.
.
.

 

[Shirohige Crew's POV]

 

"Marco! Oiii! Look at this!"

 

A random blond-haired man turned his head in annoyance.

 

"Better you call out for something good than useless information-"

 

"Ace! This news is about Ace!" Dark eyes widened from his reading glasses. The supply list immediately left his hand. He snatched the newspaper from Haruta.

 

Namur, Vista, Jozu and Izo who were not far from them were immediately interested in picking up the news from one of their stubborn crew.

 

And in one of the headlines, at the top right corner of the second page, it was written there,

 

WHO IS THE BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD WITH THE FIRE FIST ACE?!

 

As well as a small headline,

 

IS SHE HIS LOVER?!

 

Haruta started laughing out loud.

 

"ACE! THAT BASTARD! HE'S ON A FUCKING DATE!"

 

"WHAT?!"

 

"NANI ?!"

 

"WHO?!"

 

"Whoah, from the back she looks pretty-?"

 

"Damn, why isn't it colored?"

 

"It's said to be a redhead, you damn fool-"

 

"OUR CAPTAIN HAS A LOVER?!"

 

"WHERE, WHERE?"

 

"WOOOWWW!"

 

"Our Ace has grown up!" Namur burst out laughing, Vista and Jozu joining him.

 

"Huh, is she really a girl or..?" Izo muttered, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

 

Marco on the other hand grinned at the news. His eyes looked at Ace's silhouette with amusement. Could imagine the boy's red face when he was cheered by the crew. Even more so Oyaji.

 

"Well, you owe us an explanation, yoi."

 

.
.
.

 

[Mugiwara Crew's POV]

 

"HEH!? Ace was here!"

 

Luffy gaped at the story of one of the waiters at the Tropical hotel. Beside him Nami and Ussop as well as Chopper above their head had the same incredulous expression.

 

"Yes! Ace-san saved us, hm though it was actually the one with Ace-san who saved us!" Zoro's eyebrows raised in interest.

 

"Who?" Robin asked sweetly, equally interested.

 

"Cale-san! Looks like Ace-san's girlfriend. I saw him carrying Cale-san over his shoulder, looking worried that she was being stalked!"

 

"So romantic, isn't it?!" Whispered the female employee squealing happily.

 

"Yes! Very protective too!"

 

"Kyaakk~!"

 

"Ace-san already has a girlfriend?! That easy?!" Sanji screeched furiously inexplicably with a face full of spiteful envy.

 

"What's a girlfriend?" Asked Luffy innocently, making Nami pat her face in frustration.

 

"Girlfriend or lover is, like two people who like each other decide to be together," Robin explained kindly and gently, still getting Luffy's confused expression. Chopper on the other hand was already blushing with Ussop.

 

"Oh? Like Ussop and Kaya?" Zoro chirped, earning a panicked shout of 'OI!' from the other snipers.

 

"SHUT UP! NO TALKING ABOUT LOVERS HERE! DAMN! NAMI-SHWAANN, ROBIN-CHWAANN~!"

 

"Hooo-!" Luffy exulted, clapping his clenched right hand over his left palm.

 

"Like Shanks and Makino?! They stick to each other sometimes-!"

 

"Luffy!" shrieked Nami and Chopper turned bright red.

 

"It's like that," Robin said sweetly.

 

"Don't encourage him, Robin!"

 

"Hooooo~ so, Ace already has a girlfriend?! I want to get to know her! What's her name? How is she? What's she like? Is she a pirate? Strong? I want to fight with her! I like strong people, so this lover or anything must be strong too, right?!"

 

"Luffy..."

 

"I want to meet Ace's loveeeeeeeer!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS :

I'm in love with my edit 😭🥺🤧❤✨

So adorable! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)🍓✨

 

(If anyone knows the artist of this beautiful fanart, please let me know so I can add credit or ask for their permission! Thanks guys><)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

As I'm typing this, I'm vibing to that Indian song, the one about Humnava Mere? Lol 🤣😭❤️🍓✨️
Feels like Ace and Cale are dating here huhuhuhu ❤️🍓✨️

This is no longer edited, so if there are any mistakes or anything, just tell me minna-san, chingudeull ✍(◔◡◔)

Also, what do you think? About Cale's family, should be added to the OP world or not? 🤔
And I'm sorry if Cale isn't chaotic enough here, the next chapter will be more chaotic eheheh ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

(Lmao, Cale is mistaken for a 'she'.)

Chapter 4: #3 - Trouble is A Friend

Summary:

Unable to hold it in anymore, Ace joined in the laughter.

Until it felt like all his burdens disappeared with the clouds.

.
.
.

Blood?

Ace's heart dropped as he saw Cale's frail body collapsed.

"... Cale?"

Notes:

Okay, first of all, I apologize for being so-UGH :)
I decided to take a hiatus, but because I missed you guys so much, I published this fic :)
You know what? I can't think of this cute couple alone! 😭(;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)`(*>﹏<*)′

So, thank you to my dear readers for visiting this fic and liking it! I got so much love! The previous chapter was also filled with so many sweet comments huhuhu! 😭😭😭😭🌹🌹🌹🌹✨✨✨
I'll reply to all your messages when I finish presenting my final research at uni!

Happy reading, guys! 🥺🤧🍓❤✨
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PS. Beta Reader by : Yuna aka @RyongKhalei

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Finally.

 

A quiet morning, with no worries.

 

It felt like it had been weeks since he had slept so soundly. Without having to worry about anything, especially about the red-haired man that Portgas D. Ace had finally become responsible for.

 

For a moment, the young handsome face flushed. Imagining the Shirohige crew's reaction about Cale. Then, the innocent Luffy and even the annoying Garp-jiji. Snorting, Ace quickly pushed those thoughts away and walked back into the room.

 

His eyes glanced at the mattress to the left, a lump of blankets containing a man who was fast asleep.

 

Quietly, Ace walked over. The taller man sat on the edge of the other bed (the hotel provided two beds in one room), watching with his chin propped up.

 

Cale looked very peaceful in his sleep. Unlike the original who was calm as well, but with a sly and witty yet troubled mind that was well hidden behind his innocent expression. Even so, one fact that Ace discovered, about Cale being so fond of children was rather surprising.

 

Did Cale have a sibling? Or a child to foster? Because that guy seemed to be good at handling them.

 

Another fact is, Cale is smart-no, this beautiful bastard is scary when negotiating. The young man will stare at you like he's going to devour you until he gets the price he wants.

 

Then, about loot. There was a special meaning to this word because it was able to make Cale smile so wide, almost grinning like a villain just by thinking about it. Ace, at that moment was convinced that Cale was scarier than a pirate if they were in a loot battle.

 

The rest of the time, this guy just loved to sleep and be lazy! And today was the second day that the man hadn't moved from his bed (except to use the bathroom)!

 

Just to get a glass of water on the bedside table, Cale told Ace to, you know?! What level of laziness is that?!

 

Ace rubbed his face tiredly. Questioning whether the decision to take care of Cale was right or wrong.

 

Glancing at the Pose Log, which showed one more day of stay in Water Seven, Ace felt a little bored. The information he wanted had reached a dead end. Then, there was no strong figure to fight on this island. Whereas normally, he would spar with the crew or even his subordinates in Shirohige-

 

"Hmm..." almost having a mild heart attack, Ace turned his head alertly. However, he immediately regretted his actions.

 

Cale's face scrunched up in an adorable frown. His eyebrows furrowed lightly with eyes that were forced to try to open. A small pout appeared on his face. The delicate and delicate hands curled up on his chest, grabbing the blanket and holding it to his chin tightly like a baby.

 

.....

 

Imaginary smoke vapor escaped from Ace's reddened head.

 

A hand covered his mouth, trying to calm himself down even though his mind was now screaming.

 

It felt like he was about to melt away.

 

"Ace...?" His voice. Ugh.

 

He'll go crazy.

 

No fellow man should be able to make Ace react like this!

 

Trying to compose himself, hiding a shaky smile behind the hands propped up on his knees, Ace faced Cale. Frozen at the sight of a pair of wide, glassy reddish-brown eyes looking at him pleadingly.

 

"I-yes? Wha-what do you need?" Damn it. He stammered again, didn't he!?

 

"I'm..." the red-haired man looked very sad and in pain for some reason. Making Ace forget his embarrassment, he immediately became worried.

 

"...very hungry :("

 

....

 

....

 

Is it legal to strangle someone?

 

Trembling with anger, rage and frustration, Ace sighed. Relaxing himself but failing miserably. Because now his hand pinched Cale's cheek mercilessly.

 

"How lazy is this guy hm, to go to bed hungry and then tell this mighty Ace to get his food?!"

 

"A-appoo..." Cale tried to release the pinch while giving a small whine.

 

Snorting, Ace released the pinch. The man then stood up from his seat.

 

"What do you want?" Looking more excited -a calm face with blinks around the eyes-, Cale mentioned the food he wanted.

 

Pancakes. Strawberry shortcake. Cheesecake. Mango juice. Dessert Waffle. Apple Pie. Berry Pie-!

 

"STOP STOP STOPPP!!!"

 

"Mwoya?" And Cale dared to look offended?!

 

"That's not breakfast food!" Eyebrows raised. So?

 

"Start the day by eating healthy food!"

 

"...okay. Then."

 

Grilled meat. BBQ. Braised meat. Grilled fish. Fried fish. Boiled fish. Snacks-

 

"What are you, eating that much food with your little stomach?" Speechless Ace at the menu Cale requested. Seeing that the redhead remained adamant on his will, the other black-haired man sighed.

 

Despite such a frail body, Cale was still a man, huh?

 

"Then, wait on the balcony." The younger-looking man nodded. There was a small smile on his sleepy face. His eyes were calm, yet sparkled like gems as he gazed at the warm Ace.

 

"Ace-ya is the best~"

 

......

 

//BLUSH

 

Ugh. It looks like... Cale will make Ace's face a permanent tomato.

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

The food came as ordered.

 

Ace smiled kindly at the waiter who delivered the food to their room. Not missing their surprised look at the portion that was double of Cale's order. Because what? Well, Ace needed to eat too.

 

And the portion itself was enough to feed 15+ people.

 

"Wow..." sighed Cale looking at his pile of food.

 

"Yeah, wow. Now, eat," ordered Ace. Sitting across from the other man, he grunted.

 

They ate breakfast in peace.

 

Ace who ate voraciously as usual, filled his mouth with everything on the menu, making both sides of his cheeks bulge. While Cale ate leisurely, calmly at a steady pace. However, he finished his plate within 5 minutes.

 

"Pffttt-"

 

Hearing the laughter, Ace looked up. Blushing in embarrassment and annoyed inexplicably because Cale without anything, laughed at him.

 

"What?"

 

Cale pointed at his cheek, with his head tilted playfully.

 

Damn.

 

Can that guy stop being so fucking adorable for once?!

 

"Your cheeks are like squirrels," Cale said cheerfully, making Ace's face turn even redder. But managed to control his annoyed expression.

 

Not responding to the red-haired man, Ace resumed eating-

 

-BUK.

 

.....

 

A moment of solemn silence.

 

"Ace?"

 

Cale's eyes blinked twice. So surprised that the young man in front of him suddenly dropped his head down, right onto his meat soup. Still with two hands holding the spoon and chicken.

 

Geez this kid.

 

Cale got up from his seat, walked to Ace's left side and shook the dark-haired man's shoulder lightly.

 

"Ace-ya? Are you asleep?" Asked the redhead in astonishment.

 

And sure enough, Cale's question was immediately answered by Ace's snoring voice.

 

Narcolepsy, huh?

 

Poor young man! Imagine swimming and drowning because of that?! Sad Super Rock with a sympathetic tone.

 

Oh my gosh, isn't that funny? KKKKKKK The Cheapskate laughed out loud with Crazy Kid by his side.

 

XXXX fistfighting and you get hit for falling asleep? AHAHAHAHHA

 

Hey! Your jokes are too cruel! It must be very painful for him?! Suddenly the two ancient powers looked down regretfully (not really) as Crybaby raised her voice.

 

They were still laughing while Thief's snort with mocking smiles.

 

Put him to bed, Cale. Poor guy... Glutton muttered with the sound of chewing in his mind. Occasionally mentioning how delicious the food Cale had eaten earlier was. Btw, how the ancient power ate food, Cale did not know.

 

Sighing, Cale used the power of wind to lift Ace up. He let go of the food in his hand then smiled slightly when he saw the other youth's dirty face. Still not disturbed from his sleep.

 

Painstakingly and tenderly, Cale cleaned Ace's handsome face.

 

"Aigoo, young people these days~" Cale grumbled, bringing the young man to his bed. Laying him down gently, coughing slightly as the effects of using his power still had a great impact.

 

Don't push yourself too hard, Cale

 

Hm um, I won't, Super Rock.

 

For his safe future investment here, it's okay to have a little pain like this.

 

Ace was also already willing to be Cale's guardian during his time in this world. The young man was also strong and respected by many just by his nickname. Very suitable to be Cale's protective shield. Steady indeed.

 

After making sure Ace was comfortable, Cale sat back in the chair and continued his breakfast.

 

Occasionally smiling at the view of the city and reminiscing a little.

 

If only the kids and Choi Han were here... it might be more exciting and fun.

 

If they found out you fell from the sky... The Thief snorted suddenly, to the laughter of the others.

 

AAHHH! Then our Cale fell on a cloud, and said "are we in heaven?" AWOWKWOWKWOK IT'S SO FUCKIN' FUNNY exclaimed The Cheapskate starting to laugh out loud.

 

AND URI CALE CONTINUED HIS XXXX SLEEP! HAHAHAHHA

 

Cale's face flushed lightly. Slightly annoyed at the other's response but not in denial.

 

Cale fell from the sky.

 

Really from the sky.

 

Imagine. When he expected to face White Star's bastard face, Cale instead found himself suddenly in the sky in the blink of an eye.

 

Want to panic? Done.

 

Cale was frozen like a statue, unable to even summon his ancient powers.

 

Then he fell into a pile of clouds.

 

"Why can't we carry those clouds, btw?" pouted Cale to another laugh.

 

YOU WANT TO CARRY THAT CLOUD? HAHAHAHHA

 

"Obviously. Because it's cottony soft and makes a great bed," Cale protested as he finished his sixth plate and asked if Glutton was full.

 

But, the people there are very friendly to our Cale, aren't they? Glutton exclaimed sweetly, making a nom nom sound as Cale ate the next plate.

 

Yes. They also gave out a lot of souvenirs. Super Rock's smile.

 

E-even offered Cale to live there... because Cale is so beautiful l-like an angel...

 

Aaawww, you're so sweet, Crybaby!

 

Hey, do you guys still remember that annoying Buddha-faced bastard?

 

YES, YES, THAT FUCKING ASSHOLE XXXX DARED TO TRY TO PROPOSE TO OUR CALE-!!!

 

Cale snorted.

 

Recalling the moments when he fell on Skypeia. The first of many islands in the world.

 

Skypeia was also a bit behind the times, as its inhabitants lived above the clouds. So after a week of being there, Cale had the courage to leave. This trip was also supported by various reasons... the main one being that the asshole leader was trying to make him his consort.

 

He reached the nearest island, Jaya Island, and stopped at Mock Town. He stayed there and found out a lot of information. Like emm.. Gold Roger, Pirates, One Piece, World Government, Marine, World Nobles, Red Line, New World and so on.

 

It turned out that he fell into a very troublesome world.

 

Tsk tsk tsk.

 

Finishing his 9th plate, Cale stood up from his seat. Cleaning up his plate perfectly then walked over to check on Ace's condition.

 

The other man was still asleep from Narcolepsy.

 

He then remembered that there was only one day left before he could get off the island... why not? Explore and look for more gold or other information?

 

Cale smiled widely.

 

"I'll be going for a while, Ace-ya."

 

Feeling like he was having a nightmare, the sleeping man's forehead wrinkled, making Cale chuckle a little.

 

"Sleep well and finish your food later, okay?"

 

.
.
.

 

[1 hour 30 minutes later]

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

"-NOOOOOOO!"

 

One of the Captains of the Shirohige pirate division woke up with a loud scream. Eyes filled with terror. The fear in his dream that Cale was eaten by an octopus because Ace could not swim to him.

 

Covered in sweat, Ace turned his head left and right. Surprised to see that he was already in bed. Wha-

 

"Wha-what!? Did I fall asleep again?!" Hysterical the other man, somewhat restrained and immediately blushing in embarrassment for acting so silly in front of Cale.

 

His eyes widened-!

 

"CALE?!"

 

There was no one Ace wanted to see on the balcony where they were eating. Cale's seat left a pile of plates and a clean mat with no food waste. Which was different from Ace's. Just as he was about to panic because the redhead disappeared, there was a small note on his chair.

 

I went out for a while to look for gold.

Help me later if I'm in trouble

 

Okay, Ace-ya?

 

.....

 

"SHIT!"

 

Not forgetting to grab a piece of meat to devour, Ace stood at the boundary of the balcony and jumped freely from rooftop to rooftop of the townspeople's houses.

 

Stopping at one of the highest rooftops, Ace tried to calm himself down. The habit of impulsive reactions sometimes made Ace look like a fool. Even though he could sense Cale's presence with Kenbunshoku Haki, which was very basic!

 

Chuckling to himself, Ace immediately activated the intended haki with eyes that scanned the city of Water Seven. Of all the forms of haki energy he saw, there was only one that was the most different from anything Ace had ever seen.

 

The haki energy was... golden in color with ripples that were so warm and... protective ?

 

For a moment, the D. descendant was stunned. Staring wide-eyed to sense the strange haki energy more clearly. Sharpening his sense of sight, from wall to penetrated wall, the form took over the features of someone Ace knew.

 

... Cale ?

 

Wasn't the red-haired man just an ordinary civilian? Well, all civilians had their own haki energy but the majority had the same shape and color. Only haki users had some different energies but, this Cale's even... didn't feel like haki ?

 

The more he thought about it, the more confused this Ace became. Instead of thinking of an answer that did not exist yet, the Shirohige commander went to pick up the unruly Cale.

 

His originally relaxed face became sullen when he realized that Cale's hangout was the Galley-La Company's workplace, Dock One to be precise.

 

...Was Cale not satisfied with Ace's gift?

 

Even though he had promised not to go to Galley-La Company :/

 

Not immediately announcing his presence, Ace expertly concealed his presence. The black-haired man stood at the gate of the workplace, crossing his arms in front of his chest and leaning against it. Not forgetting the frown still constantly adorning the young handsome face.

 

The redhead he was looking for seemed to be talking to Paulie near a truss that was being built. Cale's face was calm as usual, but his eyes had a sharp look. The face Ace recognized as Cale's discussion or negotiation face. He learned it while following Cale shopping at the market.

 

Paulie seemed to contemplate what Cale had said before smiling resignedly and nodding. Receiving a big smile of approval from the jeweled reddish-brown-eyed beauty.

 

Ace became even more annoyed when he saw him.

 

Why was Cale smiling like that?!

 

Just about to grumble inwardly, sure enough, the effect made several workers leave their work to talk to Cale.

 

His jet-black eyes widened as they dragged Cale to sit at a table very close together-

 

"Ace?"

 

-ah.

 

He unconsciously moved quickly to prevent and immediately sat beside Cale. Staring intently at the damn man who was about to touch his shoulders with Cale's.

 

Blushing but not melting, Ace's eyes now turned to stare at the redhead who still looked confused.

 

"I'm not in trouble yet?" Cale protested with furrowed brows.

 

"Ho? What am I witnessing is just the opposite?" Ace grumbled while crossing his arms in front of his chest.

 

The workers around began to carry piles of cards, glasses, and so many bottles of beer and other alcohol.

 

"I was just invited to drink?" Cale retorted, smiling automatically as he accepted a glass from one of the workers.

 

"This early in the morning? You want to get drunk?" Ace reluctantly accepted the proffered glass. Realizing that Paulie was already sitting next to him with a teasing grin. How annoying.

 

"I don't get drunk easily, Ace-ya." About to say something, Cale gave a silent instruction, smiling with a sweet curved eye.

 

....

 

"Shhh."

 

Stifling a pounding heart, Ace was hypnotized as the finger that had been on his lips now pointed at the pile of cards and money around the worker.

 

"Card bets like this are not to be missed, Ace-ya."

 

Like a snap of the fingers, the taller man came to his senses. He looked around, at the workers who seemed very excited and boisterous. Unaware of the great disaster that was about to come their way.

 

"Ace? Why are you making that face?" Paulie's friendly laughter was so innocent.

 

Suddenly, Ace felt sorry for everyone.

 

He patted the man's shoulder while giving him a thumbs-up and a Buddhist smile.

 

"Be strong, bro."

 

******

 

The umpteenth groan greeted Ace who watched the scene with amused eyes. Lips also twitched with laughter at some of the hilarious scribbles that filled the poor player's face. Even someone like Paulie could not escape this disaster.

 

And when it was Ace's turn to lose, Cale turned towards him with a marker in his hand. An adorable mischievous little smile like a cat watching its prey play.

 

Then that expression immediately disappeared when he said,

 

"Submit to my will, Portgas D. Ace. It is now time for you to accept this divine scribble as a form of forgiveness for your defeat."

 

..... how could Cale say that with a flat face and voice?

 

"Ppfftttt-!!!"

 

"HAHAHAHAHAHAH."

 

"SO FUNNY SHIT, KEKEKEKEKEK."

 

Successfully eliciting laughter from all around them. Ace did too but tried his best to hold it in. The young man then relaxed his face and matched Cale's expression and flat voice.

 

"If the divine scribble makes Portgas D. Ace's defeat acceptable, then this self gladly accepts."

 

Ace gently lowered his face until it was level with Cale's. Without realizing the closeness of their faces, Ace could see how lithe the red-haired man's eyes were in front of him, blinking twice as if caught by the faint rosy hue on his pale alabaster cheeks.

 

... so cute.

 

Cale slowly began to cup the black-haired man's face and gave his scribbles. The two seemed to fall into an intimate silence as Ace's deep gaze unconsciously traced every movement and inch of the beautiful face in front of him.

 

"I'm done," muttered the owner of the reddish brown bead. It caused laughter all around because Ace now had a super large moustache streak above his lips.

 

"Damn."

 

Black eyes blinked resignedly at Cale's handiwork.

 

The scribbles on this face... reminded Ace of a certain man.

 

"Are you okay, Ace?" Noticing the younger man's silence, Cale asked calmly but had a hint of worry in his eyes.

 

Not wanting Cale to see this side of him, Ace immediately snorted in a pretend annoyed manner.

 

"You make me look like an old man." The smaller youth gave a small grin.

 

"I only represent your soul, Ace-ya."

 

"What a bastard."

 

"Paulie-san!"

 

Everyone automatically turned to the source of the voice. The newcomers were Ace's old acquaintances, such as Kaku, Rob Lucci and Blueno. The three of them greeted casually.

 

"Ace? You're Ace, right?" Exclaimed the straw-haired man, Kaku with a welcoming smile. Ace gave a manly grin.

 

"Yeah, what's up, bro."

 

"It's been a while since we've seen you, Ace-san. How are you doing so far?" Lucci asked, while Blueno pulled out a chair to sit together.

 

"Good news, Lucci-san. Still very busy as usual?"

 

"Kalifa's not here. The absence of Iceberg-san's assistant shows just how busy our days are," Kaku sighed with his shoulders pretending to droop.

 

"Doesn't that mean you're getting successful, huh? Busywork like this brings money," snorted Ace with a dismissive wave of his hand. Earning a chuckle from Blueno.

 

"It's obvious, Ace-san. We're prestigious Galley-La workers."

 

"Don't boast with that graffiti face, man. You look ridiculous."

 

"Ack, shut up!" Paulie's exasperation made everyone chuckle in amusement.

 

Sensing something was wrong, Ace turned his head and saw Cale had a flat face but with a cold glint in his eyes. Ace's attention made the three newcomers realize the redhead's presence.

 

"Who is this pretty guy, Ace-san?" Cale maintained his flat, unfriendly (?) face. Ace suddenly pouted with dislike as everyone paid attention to Cale. Even more so when it made the red-haired master look displeased.

 

Maintaining a friendly grin, Ace pointed at Cale.

 

"This is my traveling partner, Cale." The shorter man bowed politely but still did not give a smile.

 

"Greetings."

 

"Cale, these are the elite workers of Galley-La. One level with Paulie-san. This is Kaku, then this is Rob Lucci and the other is Blueno. Ah, there's another one who's usually with them, the assistant mayor of water seven, Kalifa." Everyone greeted in character, earning Cale a small smile in return.

 

Just about to say something, Cale cut them off.

 

"Ace, let's go." The master who was asked looked at the other man in confusion.

 

"Where to?"

 

"To find something to eat. I'm starving."

 

And the chance to get the crowd away from around Cale? LETSGOOOO-ekhem *cough.

 

Smiling cheerfully, Ace nodded and hurried to his feet. Not forgetting to carefully collect all the money Cale had won. The redhead chuckled at the younger man's actions, the coldness in his eyes melting somewhat.

 

"Here." Cale received the pile of berries with a happy aura around him, leaving some mesmerized by the red-haired man's change in demeanor.

 

"Thanks, Ace-ya."

 

Well, did you see that? A wide, sincere smile reserved for Ace alone?

 

He snorted smugly at the Galley-La workers, making Paulie chuckle at his side.

 

Immediately without saying goodbye to the three newcomers, Cale walked away. Ace waved, immediately following the shorter youth.

 

(Cale stared over his shoulder. His gaze was sharp and piercing at the three people behind him.

 

Then gave a mocking smile. Satisfied to see them react like trapped rats.)

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

"What was that about, Cale?" The pale-skinned man looked up from the ice cream in front of him. His eyes blinked in question, while eating the cold dessert.

 

"Well, with Kaku, Lucci-san and Blueno? You don't seem to like them?" Ace asked, hand on chin with spoon hanging from mouth.

 

Cale stopped his meal for a moment before shrugging indifferently.

 

"I don't like their aura," replied Cale casually, seemingly talking about the weather. Hearing this answer, black eyes flickered with interest.

 

Ho?

 

Cale had never shown his disliking side so blatantly like this.

 

"Why?" Reddish-brown eyes with a jeweled luster stared at Ace intently. They pierced straight into his soul and were full of judgment. Subconsciously making the Shirohige commander gulp nervously.

 

"Tell Paulie-ssi to be careful with them."

 

Cale broke their eye contact and continued eating his ice cream.

 

Ace frowned.

 

What did Cale mean by saying something like that? Did the man in front of him see or realize something that Ace did not know? He was about to ask, but was silenced when the red-haired youth stared at the Water Seven waterway. More like a blank, dreamy gaze that turned into a small smile.

 

There was a warm twinkle in his eyes, as if a sweet memory crossed his mind. So as to be able to create a shady atmosphere that is so pleasing to the eye.

 

Portgas D. Ace found himself stunned for the umpteenth time.

 

With a rhythmic rapid heartbeat. Delivering flavors until his fingertips were tingling and his mind was writhing with steam.

 

Cale... so beautiful.

 

"-ce? Your ice cream is melting." The young man who was drowning in hue stammered in realization. With a troubled heart, he looked at his ice cream, then at Cale's dazed face and erratic heartbeat.

 

"A-ah, yes..."

 

Imaginary hot vapor escaped like smoke above Ace's head who was now looking down.

 

He didn't know why he was felt... angry.

 

It was just that Cale looked so ugh-damn, so FREAKIN' BEAUTIFUL! And Ace just wanted to go AAARRGH-

 

"Ace... your hands are on fire."

 

Coming back to his senses, the young man glanced at the hand that was tightly holding the ice cream cup as it gave off the power of fire. Making the ice cream now completely liquid like water. It was even boiling, anyway.

 

Urghhh.

 

"Ace? Are you oka-?"

 

Cale blinked in surprise as the dark-haired man rose from his chair suddenly. Face was still downcast before looking up with a deep blush. Not to forget the look of annoyance, irritation, and total embarrassment etched on his face. Eyebrows furrowed and lips pouted downwards.

 

"Omo, are you feeling hot-?"

 

"I-I'm going to get another ice cream. Do you want another cake-?" Before Cale could answer, the black-eyed man immediately ran away from the table. Leaving Cale dumbfounded.

 

It only lasted for three seconds before he resumed eating his ice cream again.

 

Also waiting for the cake that Ace was going to buy.

 

His face is like a tomato, kekekekek

 

B-stop mocking him...

 

So cute...

 

A smile was attached to Cale's face.

 

It was cute, Ace's embarrassed blushing face.

 

Moreover, the young man didn't explode or growl as usual when embarrassed. It was like he managed to make a wild cat tame.

 

Just as he was about to take another bite, there was a sudden presence beside him.

 

Reddish-brown eyes turned, blinking once at the strange man's appearance. Upswept black hair, a bandage on his forehead and round sunglasses. Then... clothes... a black semi-cauldron with a star on the navel... and legs covered in... nets (?).

 

.... protect your eyes, Cale.

 

"Are you Portgas D. Ace's partner?" Cale did not answer. His silent statement was recognized as an answer.

 

The big man then grinned. Without a signal, he immediately carried Cale on his shoulder and shouted-

 

"GOMORRAH!"

 

An enormous Yagara, its skin colored pink and maroon, emerged from under the waterway. It startled some of the other drivers.

 

"Ah! It's Zambai!"

 

"That bastard is acting up again!"

 

"Be careful, Franky Family is here-!"

 

The man who kidnapped him, Zambai, then nimbly -despite his fat body- jumped onto the Yagara named Gomorrah.

 

Feeling that the situation he was in was more interesting, Cale scanned the surroundings. His gaze quickly met Ace's widened eyes.

 

Ah... he forgot about that young man.

 

Those black pupils shrank with annoyance and anger. Veins were created around his forehead and chin as well as his hands. Making the cake plate crumble in his grip.

 

"CALE-!"

 

Reddish-brown eyes stared at Ace absent-mindedly.

 

Why did he look so angry?

 

"IF YOU WANT YOUR LOVER TO SURVIVE, PAY YOUR BOUNTY PRICE, PORTGAS D. ACE!!!"

 

Huh... quite a dramatic declaration.

 

As well as a stupid provocation.

 

Eldest Henituse was confident that Ace could easily defeat this kidnapper.

 

The redhead touched his head, thinking, not even noticing that his face was so close to the kidnapper's fiberglass katana. Signal to Ace that the strange man was threatening Cale's life!

 

THAT DIPSHIT-

 

"THIS EARLY!!! NORTHEAST OF WATER SEVEN, BRING ALL YOUR DAMN MONEY! HAHAHAHA!"

 

Cale was about to wave a hand, intending to convey that he would wait for Ace to pick him up later. Not falling for this nonsense.

 

However, since this huge Yagara was running so fast, in Ace's eyes, Cale looked like he was asking for help with his hand outstretched.

 

"SHIT! LET GO OF CALE, YOU BASTARD!!!"

 

"UAAAARRRGGGGGHHHH!!!"

 

******

 

The kidnapper, Zambai, broke out in a cold sweat at the rage-filled, vengeful war cry.

 

... He did the right thing, didn't he ? (No) Taking this Ace lover hostage with the intention of threatening him in order to get money? After all, this lover -surprisingly a man- being the weakness of a pirate like Portgas D. Ace was the key to fighting a strong man.

 

Anyways, why was this man so fucking calm ?

 

"My waist hurts, Kidnapper-ssi."

 

Taking a small peek, he blushed lightly as the red-haired man's face took on a pouting look. Moreover, the eyes framed by reddish luscious lashes, were curved with a wistful look.

 

"Sit me down. I won't run away." Still looking unconvinced, Cale clicked his tongue.

 

"My waist hurts and I'm a very weak person." Zambai sweatdropped.

 

"What if I break my waist? This body hasn't even reached old age yet." Sighing, he sat the redhead in front of Yagara's wheel. Not forgetting to quickly tie the beauty's hands to keep him from moving around.

 

"Don't tie it too tight. My hands hurt."

 

....

 

"Are you even real, huh? At least act like a kidnapped prisoner." Zambai was met with a bored look. The young man snorted and averted his gaze. More interested in the surrounding scenery than shouting in tears.

 

By the time they arrived at the base, Zambai and Gomorrah were already greeted by two women with uniquely square-trimmed hair.

 

"Mozu, Kiwi."

 

"Aaahhh! Zambai! Is this the pirate's girlfriend?!" Exclaimed the woman in the pink tank-top, Mozu with sparkling eyes towards the red-haired youth. The two were immediately stunned with a small 'whoah' murmur.

 

Yeah, whoah indeed.

 

How can a man have a prettier face than a woman?

 

"Well, it's no wonder that powerful pirates can turn to this face," Kiwi muttered. She trembled slightly as she touched the face that was so unreal in front of her.

 

"Where's Franky?" Mozu snorted.

 

"Still dealing with broker." Zambai nodded, then turned to Cale who was still looking around with an interested gaze.

 

"Hey, you." Jewel-like reddish-brown eyes blinked in question. The head was tilted slightly playfully, creating an alluring sight.

 

"Obey us if you don't want to get hurt."

 

Mozu and Kiwi were about to protest at the cold exclamation. Especially at this most amazing man they had ever seen-!

 

"Okay."

 

Huh...?

 

Cale blinked at them.

 

Why look so surprised ?

 

Suddenly awkward by the redhead's calm reply, Zambai cleared his throat.

 

"Mozu, Kiwi, you guys keep an eye on this guy. I have to prepare a lot of things to welcome our 'money'." Hearing the word 'money', Cale's eyebrows rose with an interested twinkle in his eyes. So, they wanted to take Bounty Ace's worth of money in return for Cale?

 

..... he suddenly hoped that the young man would come with the wad of money. So that in the end, the money would belong to Cale, hehehe.

 

They dragged Cale into a unique house with bright colors, some pincers (?) as decoration, a crescent shape on the roof, a windmill tower, and had a panel that said 'Franky House' in the middle above the entrance.

 

And the architecture inside the house seemed neater than Cale expected? Chess-patterned floors, patterned walls, and a red-curtained stage in the center of the room. Surrounding the stage, there were many wooden boxes arranged in a disorderly manner, encircling the entire room.

 

It was beyond reason.

 

Blinking lazily, he could feel many gazes through wall after wall.

 

Apparently this 'Franky' had a subordinate who was... unusual.

 

Cale was then seated on a chair right in the center of the room. The ties on his hands were untied, before Mozu led him behind the chair to be tied back up by Kiwi.

 

"We're sorry," said the woman in the greenish-yellow tank-top, Kiwi. There was an apologetic smile on her face.

 

"We did this to survive." By taking someone captive? Okay.

 

"That's fine," Cale said. Earning many surprised looks from his silent observers.

 

"Survival is the best."

 

Seriously, Cale? You're saying this while you yourself are being kidnapped? Super Rock sighed tiredly. Cale had been getting more and more violent since he fell into this world. It was more like his wild attitude was now coming out freely, a menace that was masked by his beautiful noble face.

 

Cale's words suddenly made the two women in Franky's group feel even more guilty.

 

It felt like they were holding an angel captive!

 

(Yep. The death angel.)

 

Cale did not respond, only giving a lethargic nod.

 

He hadn't even finished eating the ice cream. He had paid so much for it, and it had ended up in vain!

 

I AGREE! ANYONE WHO WASTES FOOD IS A CRIMINAL!!! Glutton growled furiously in his mind.

 

Are you in pain, Cale? You seem to have a bruise on your hand... sad Crybaby, healing the light bruise on the redhead's wrist.

 

HAH! If they dare to attack Cale... (some were suddenly startled when they heard a lightning strike in the daytime).

 

I WILL XXXX THEM THEN MUTILATEXXX THEM, DROWNXXX THEM-!!!

 

Vaguely, Cale could feel Thief chuckling coldly, creepily along with the Chaos duo. These elders were sometimes very protective of him.

 

Let's see how Ace acts.

 

Everyone buzzed in agreement.

 

"Boss!"

 

"Welcome, boss!"

 

"-how are you, boss!"

 

"We did it !"

 

Cale's reverie vanished as the voices of his silent observers chimed in. Cale's attention, from Mozu and Kiwi who were making proud faces, turned to the wow newcomer-the tallest human he had seen besides that annoying Buddha.

 

Upright blue hair, sunglasses, neatly set teeth, pointed chin, garishly patterned hawaiian shirt and... underwear-

 

AAAAKKHHHH THE HOLY EYES OF CALE ARE XXXX DESECRATED!!!!

 

"AAOWW!!! Good job, minna! Gooddddd joobbbbbsss!!!"

 

Cale mentally giggled as the man posed obliquely with two arms together. Causing a stir among his subordinates. What the-?

 

Then everyone fell silent as the strange man walked up to Cale. With two other strange men with pink hair and bald patches. The redhead was unable to explain any further.

 

"Where is Zambai?"

 

"Taking care of Sodom and Gomorrah."

 

"Hoo..."

 

Such a large hand moved to lift his sunglass, scanning Cale up and down with eyes that were... surprisingly cute?

 

"So, this man is that pirrrrate's gurrlfriend?" The two women standing on each side of Cale nodded.

 

Hands took turns to stroke his uniquely pointed chin.

 

"Well, he looks weak," grumbled the leader, whom Cale assumed to be 'Franky'.

 

"I am weak, Franky-ssi." Eyes blinked in surprise.

 

"You know about me?" Before Cale could answer, the light blue-haired man snorted arrogantly.

 

"HAH! I KNEW IT! Even a weakling like you! Know me!!!" Ending with giving Cale a thumbs up, as well as a big friendly smile.

 

Huh.

 

Despite his intimidating form, Cale did not feel any bad vibes from this man. Unlike the three newcomers Ace had introduced him to, making Cale's instincts scream for caution.

 

Reddish brown eyes blinked for a moment. A very good idea flashed through his brain briefly. Making him grin wickedly mentally.

 

"Franky-ssi," Cale called out.

 

"What need does a weakling like you have forrrr ttthis sssuuupppeerr Frranky?" The red-haired youth smiled so wide and sweet.

 

"Do you need money?"

 

At this question, the friendly aura around him disappeared, replaced by an unfriendly cold flat stare.

 

"I can teach you how to earn money easily." Cale was still smiling sweetly. Reddish-brown eyes blinked full of well-hidden sadistic joy.

 

"Come closer."

 

Franky cautiously crouched down, facing Cale with a big frown on his face. Garnett eyes scanned the room, then were curved by a secretive smile.

 

"It's also a secret for all of you," he whispered softly, droning like a siren leading them to a moneyed ruin.

 

( "Franky!!! You'rre a genius!!! How did you think of a strategy like this?! We can get rich with this loot!"

 

"This is easy for a suuuuuppppeeerrr hentai like me, Nnami! I'm Cale's besstt student! My money Masterrr! )

 

.
.
.

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

AAAARRRGGHHHHH!!!

 

HOW COULD CALE BE KIDNAPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY LIKE THIS?!

 

The haki energy that overflowed with rage had a huge effect. Some of the surrounding civilians tried to stay away, terrified as they felt the predatory instinct that stalked prey emanating from the young black-haired man's body.

 

Ace must not act rashly!

 

Cale... was a civilian. Putting aside the strange haki he possessed, Cale was so weak and fragile! Plus his lazy attitude didn't help!

 

Ace might be able to quickly retrieve Cale, but there was also the possibility of Cale getting injured in the process.

 

Hands ruffled his hair in frustration.

 

Throwing away all negative thoughts, jet-black eyes sparkled with determination. He would use Haoshoku Haki to immobilize his opponent. Portgas D. Ace practiced his haki for two years not without reason.

 

Now or never, Ace would save Cale!

 

*******

 

[15 minutes later]

 

Using Kenbunshoku Haki, as well as minimal information such as the east coast of Water Seven brought Ace in front of a strange house with the words 'Franky House'. The young man could feel it, Cale's aura emanating warmly in the room.

 

Sharpening his haki instincts, he penetrated the walls and saw that there were many energy barriers around Cale.

 

Ace gasped.

 

Was Cale surrounded?! And being tortured at the same time?!

 

"Unforgivable," muttered D.'s descendant with coldly eyes.

 

Activating the Busoshoku Haki in the right hand that flashed like iron, not forgetting to coat it with Mera Mera no Mi, in one fell swoop of the foot and the power gathered at one point, Ace smashed through the front door with ease.

 

"CALE!"

 

Damn smoke, why is it blocking his view anyway!

 

"DON'T TOUCH CALE, YOU BASTARDS!"

 

Growling, he blew away the billowing smoke with his wind-generating fire fist.

 

The sight that greeted him was the strange men in black cauldron costumes surrounding Cale. Some of them brandished swords, but there were those who were still indifferent to his presence.

 

"Damn it. Get out of the way, asshole," Ace hissed, punching one by one the strange men surrounding Cale.

 

"Aackkk-!"

 

"My ass!"

 

"Boss! He's coming!"

 

"Booooossssss !!!!"

 

Ace's footsteps stopped.

 

Eyes blinked repeatedly, confirming whether the scene in front of him was real or not.

 

There was a strange blue-haired man in a tacky hawaiian shirt crouched down with a pile of papers in front of him. His face looked very serious listening to Cale who was explaining something with a calm face.

 

What... the heck is going on?

 

"Ah, Ace-ya."

 

Cale's attention was suddenly drawn towards him. Including the big-handed blue hair and the two square-haired women on each side of Cale.

 

"Cale...? W-what's going on? I thought you were being kidnapped...?" Ace asked incredulously. Cale glanced at the man in front of him before nodding casually.

 

"I was kidnapped."

 

Huh?

 

Ngang? Ngong? Huh? 

 

"So?" The black-haired man went limp instantly. The power that was originally eager to destroy everything, suddenly deflated like a balloon losing air.

 

"Aouw! How rrrude of me!" Smiled the blue-haired freak, standing up from his squat along with the strange costumed subordinates who ran behind... their boss?

 

A pointy-chinned face smiled with gleaming teeth. Ugh, what was Ace watching?

 

"I am Franky! And Master Cale has been kind enough to share his sssuuuppppeeerrr knowledge with this hentai student!"

 

Hentai? Pervert?

 

Ace's eyes then shifted to Franky's underwear... AH-!

 

"YOUR EYES, CALE!" Ace quickly jumped in and tightly closed Cale's beautiful, doe-like eyes. Not willing to be desecrated by such ungodly things!

 

"Fuck you! At least put your pants on, asshole! You're destroying Cale's eyes!" Before he knew it, Ace's sanity was broken when he saw Cale still tied with his hands behind the chair.

 

How many hours have passed?! (30 minutes, Sir)

 

Cale's hands must be bruised!

 

"Ace?"

 

Flames emerged from Ace's hands, spreading and only burning the rope binding Cale without hurting him.

 

"If Cale is your Master... "

 

All but Franky cowered in fear as hot breath vapor escaped Ace's mouth who turned his head with a dark look.

 

"WHY DID YOU FUCKING TIE HIM UP SO TIGHT LIKE THAT, DAMN IT?!"

 

"I-I tied it gently..." weakly protested the patch-haired woman in the pink dress.

 

"But! You still tied him up!"

 

"Ace..."

 

Ace's gaze then fell on Cale's kidnapper, the damn black cauldron-!

 

"YOU'RE THE ONE WHO THREATENED CALE WITH YOUR KATANAS TOO?! HE'S JUST A CIVILIAN-!!!"

 

"Ace... calm down, hm?"

 

"-YOU ALSO HURT HIM WITH THAT PAINFUL CAULDRON COSTUME LOOK-!"

 

"Ace, stop it."

 

"ESPECIALLY YOU BLUE HAIR! PUT YOUR PANTS ON IF YOU WANT TO ATTRACT WOMEN-!"

 

"Ace!"

 

"WHAT?!"

 

The dark haired man was choking from shouting out his frustration and annoyance. He turned around, seeing that Cale had put on a pitiable face.

 

Ugh. Not this shit again.

 

"Let's just go, hm? It's getting late."

 

"But-"

 

"I want to sleep."

 

"But-!"

 

Reddish-brown eyes narrowed in annoyance. There was a small frown on the face when his wishes were not met. What a selfish pretty bastard.

 

"... Alright," Ace reluctantly started to get ready to take the redhead in his arms. However,

 

Why did his nose itch so much? Why was there gunpowder here too?

 

"ACHOO-!!!"

 

An unbearable sneeze made Mera Mero ni Mi's fire suddenly go out of control. The flame emerged from the nothingness adjacent to the oil source, making several boxes start to burn.

 

"Hey hey hey-!"

 

"Our firecracker box-!!!"

 

"RUUUNN-!!!"

 

"AOUW! YOU BURRRNED OURR FIRRRECRRRACKERRRS!"

 

"ACHOO-!" The second sneeze produced fire from his own mouth, shocking the Franky Family and of course Cale himself who gaped in surprise.

 

The panicked cries all around, the water being splashed from various directions, as well as the ominous gunpowder threatening his nose!

 

"Cale!"

 

Seeing that the firecrackers were about to explode simultaneously, he quickly carried Cale with one arm. Making the other youth's arm wrap around his shoulder while the legs galloped faster to produce smoke.

 

Running with all his might out of the door, followed by several small firecrackers and-

 

TWOARRR-!!!

 

The wind that was created sent them flying higher, due to Ace's footsteps.

 

"Ppfftt-!"

 

The wind fluttered, under the shade of the twilight, the red hair shimmered beautifully.

 

As Ace turned his head, it was as if time slowed down on its own to capture the moment.

 

"Hahahaha!"

 

Set against the sea that Ace had dreamed of, Cale laughed so beautifully. Arching his eyes closed along with a beautiful wide smile on his face. Cheeks blushed sweetly, shaded by the light that softened his features. The eyes that peeked out briefly revealed a sparkling crackle of fire that was so warm, like a jewel.

 

Cale seemed to be free in his laughter, with two arms around Ace's shoulders.

 

So captivating.

 

Unable to hold it in anymore, Ace joined in the laughter.

 

Until it felt like all his burdens disappeared with the clouds.

 

.
.
.

 

"...shut up, Cale."

 

"Pffft-! Don't you realize? That when you sneeze, you produce fire!"

 

"Uurrghhh, shut you're fuckin' mouth up!!!"

 

"Very funny! Hahaha!"

 

"OII!!!"

 

"That was so fast and weird! Oh my God, for goodness sake, that was the weirdest experience I've ever had in this world."

 

"Cale..."

 

"Ace-ya, you're the best."

 

"Are you mocking me?"

 

"No, I'm not.... Pfftt-"

 

"Cale-!"

 

.....

 

.....

 

"What about Franky's house? You blew it up."

 

"Hush, shut up. You're ruining the atmosphere."

 

"...but, they exploded because you sneezed..."

 

"ARGGHHH, I'LL FUCKIN' HANDLE IT, OKAY?"

 

"Pfftt. Okay."

 

Damn. The way Cale laughed... so cute, please.

 

.
.
.

 

[A few days later]

[Third Person's POV]

 

"So this is what you talked to Paulie-san about?" The black-haired youth grumbled, tracing every inch of the new ship that Cale had ordered from Paulie especially for their trip together.

 

"Yeah. My butt hurts sitting on your ship." Annoyed, Ace crossed his arms in front of his chest while furrowing his brows.

 

"Well, Striker was designed specifically for one person," Ace muttered sullenly.

 

"I don't want to come on your ship."

 

Sighing at Cale's stubbornness, the young man nodded.

 

"Alright, alright. So, did you pay for it?" The redhead just smiled, not intending to answer. Making the other man twitch to refrain from pinching that cheek.

 

"Paulie-san," called Ace. Making the blonde-haired man walk over to him.

 

"How's it going so far? Good?"

 

"Good. For a small ship that has a bedroom and a toilet, it's good," Ace replied casually, then took out a paper.

 

"This is a check from Shirohige's crew. Just use this to pay for the price of the ship."

 

When Cale looked at him with a sparkling gaze, making Ace's nose rise even higher.

 

"Okay, Ace-sama! Thank you so much for doing business with us!"

 

"Eiiyy, stop it. You're making me feel amused-!"

 

"What about Striker-?"

 

The two of them then began to talk about business matters and ship rights as well as the certificate indicating that their ship was classified as a trading type.

 

"Everything ready?"

 

"Already-"

 

"Caleeeee~!"

 

"Don't forget ussss~!"

 

"Come play here again once in a while-! Hiks~"

 

"MY SSSUUPPEERRR MASTERRR !"

 

"Huwaaaa-!!!"

 

"SAYONARAAA-!!"

 

A vein of annoyance appeared on the forehead when hearing the annoying exclamations following each other. Escorting Cale's departure with disgusting sobs.

 

Not waiting long, he immediately hugged Cale's waist and jumped into the ship. Not forgetting to give them a deathly glare as a parting gift.

 

"Get in. We'll be leaving soon."

 

Cale nodded in compliance, went inside the only room on the ship, the bedroom to organize all his belongings (namely blankets and pillows, while everything else was in his space bag) and then went out.

 

Just as he was about to wave goodbye to the people escorting him away, there was the sound of a bomb whistling and falling not far from them.

 

"Uhm..."

 

Cale... you've really attracted a lot of trouble since you fell into this world... sighed Super Rock wearily.

 

Meanwhile, Ace clucked his tongue at the sight of the Marine insignia on the dozens of ships that began to approach Water Seven's dock. Damn, why are there so many of them?! Just to catch Ace?! And... suddenly???

 

"Go inside, Cale!" The red haired man glanced at the other young man taking a stand. Supplying his fire energy to the ship's propulsion device. Making the modest-sized ship move quickly towards the Government ship.

 

Why are they here anyway? Is it because of the rumors in the newspaper?

 

Cale watched the events unfold with great interest and scrutiny.

 

Hearing Ace shout something, his hand shimmered black and was coated in a huge flame. Punching the air and making the flames lightning fast hit one of the ships.

 

Hmmm... there were about 15 ships?

 

Then, Ace's hand also glowed black like iron. Was that the core power of this world?

 

Cale... now was not the time to think about that! Anxious Super Rock wanted to pinch that brat one.

 

Aih, leave it alone, old man! After all, that power looks really interesting! The Cheapskate chuckled madly.

 

Okay. That's right. There's still time to think about that. Now was the time to survive. Moreover, they were fighting the minions of the World Government and Cale did not like being the center of attention. He quickly took out the maroon robe from his spatial bag and put it on.

 

Brown eyes analyzed from Ace's strength as well as the timing of the attack, the young man would be overwhelmed. Especially in the position of having to protect Cale.

 

Should he help him?

 

Don't push yourself, Cale.  

 

"I won't."

 

A small grin appeared on Cale's face.

 

Well, it had been a long time since he had gone crazy... so, why not ?

 

This world is really ruining uri Cale... *sweatdrop

 

******

 

"Shit!" Growled the Commander as one of the bastard Marines' bullets almost hit both of their ships.

 

This ship is precious, damn it!

 

Cale designed it specifically for their trip-! (.. what about Teach-?)

 

By his count, he had only destroyed about 9 ships. That leaves 6 more-!

 

And when Ace attacked the 10th ship, he didn't anticipate two ships moving towards the back of his ship. Intending to surround their small ship!

 

"SURRENDER, PORTGAS D. ACE!"

 

Growling in response, Ace then tried to change the direction of his fire towards the other two ships. However, the sound of violent thunder rang out from the clear ceiling. Everyone suddenly fell silent and stopped attacking. Including Ace himself who was watching the sky with a confused face.

 

Water Seven's dock belonged to the neutral zone, having entered an island. The Grand Line's extreme weather should not affect it.

 

"Lightning?"

 

The sky, which had been very clear, suddenly clouded over with a stormy wind that came from nowhere. And before he could react to the natural phenomenon, Ace gasp when he saw a large wave suddenly appear behind the Marine ship.

 

Tsunami ?!

 

"Cale!"

 

He immediately ran to the red-haired youth and was about to hug him before realizing that the wave seemed to be... moving towards the Marine ship?

 

... what the fuck is going on ?

 

Ah yes! Cale!

 

"Cale! Take cover because I'm going to-huh?"

 

The sight that greeted him left Ace stunned.

 

The pale-skinned man was covered by a maroon hooded cloak with one hand raised towards the enemy ship. Only red hair was visible from the gap in the hood. As he waved his hand to the left, a huge wave followed. Wiping out all the Marine ships and sinking them in an instant.

 

"Fyuh, that's enough," sighed the red-haired man that surprised Ace so much, clapping his hands together as if shaking off dust.

 

The young man gaped shamelessly. Hands pointed at Cale with a face of disbelief.

 

"What...? You? Power?"

 

The hidden reddish-brown-eyed man glanced left, right, as if to make sure it was safe, before removing his hood.

 

"You..."

 

"*cough, *cough-urgh-!"

 

...

 

Blood ?

 

Ace froze.

 

So shocked was he when he saw the pale face and choked voice that could not speak. His eyes quickly traced how the pale skin had turned eerily white, in stark contrast to the blood coming out of his mouth.

 

Ace's heart dropped as he saw Cale's frail body collapsed.

 

"... Cale?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINI OMAKE :

[Sengoku's POV]

 

Twitch.

 

"Hmm~ hmm~"

 

Twitch. Twitch.

 

"How beautiful this world~"

 

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch!

 

"HA HA HA-!!"

 

"GET OUT OF MY ROOM, GARP! YOU'RE DISTURBING ME!" The Marine Fleet Admiral's anger could not be contained by the behavior of this one old man.

 

His attitude became even worse after the newspaper contained one of his naughty pirate grandsons, Portgas D. Ace, rumored to be in a relationship.

 

"Aaawwww, can't you let this grandpa enjoy his grandson's love story?! MY ACE IS ALREADY A MANLY MAN-!"

 

This shit again.

 

"I need to meet this daughter-in-law of mine, Sengoku! And see if she's a match for a D.!"

 

"It's certain that Ace's girlfriend is very beautiful, isn't it?!"

 

"Oh no, Luffy already has a sister-in-law!"

 

"SEND TROOPS AND CAPTURE ACE'S GIRLFRIEND, WE HAVE TO GET HER INTO THE MARINES!"

 

"REHABILITATION TO BECOME A MARINE, LOVERS' EDITION! HAHAHAH!! FINALLY!!!"

 

Garp had decorated Sengoku's brain with his annoying exclamations about his grandson's love story over and over again. Until it formed like a broken record in his mind.

 

"Ha ha ha, how's the latest, Garp?" Sengoku's eyes looked at the other admiral, Tsuru with a betrayed look.

 

"Don't provoke him, Tsuru!"

 

Immediately without further ado, Garp opened a book. In the book were pieces of newsprint containing news about his grandchildren.

 

"Specifically in the chapter of my grandson's romance, it begins with a meeting by the author of destiny-"

 

"-oh her hair is as red as a rose-"

 

"-beautiful face like a goddess of the ocean-"

 

....

 

Sengoku wants to retire soon.

 

Fuck

 

.
.
.

 

[Mugirawa's POV]

 

"YOU MET ACE'S LOVER?!!"

 

Luffy exclaimed with a surprised face that was soon replaced with a smile so bright.

 

"Ho, yes! That meeting of ourrs, it was ssoo ssuuuuppppeèrrrrrr! Ace's lover is verry strrong, Luffy bro!"

 

"I KNEW! Ace's lover must be strong! Ace likes strong people! Does she like meat?!"

 

"Does everyone have to like meat?" Nami grumbled on their green grass deck. She was still admiring their new ship, Thousand Sunny, which was equipped with all kinds of cool features.

 

"He loves to eat!" Luffy was even more enthusiastic about this answer.

 

"He?"

 

"Yes! He!"

 

"He likes alcohol? Sleep?" Zoro asked again, slinking out of nowhere after disappearing lost in his own ship.

 

"Likes! Cale is very alcohol resistant, Zoro bro! Also, because he likes to sleep, this sssuuupeeer Frrraaanky created a sleep room for Cale!"

 

"Ara ? That cozy room?" Robin smiled sweetly. Recalling the moment she saw a special room near the aquarium filled with various blankets and pillows. The walls were painted a soothing light blue and filled with soft furniture inside.

 

"YES! Cale intends to visit us!"

 

"Really? Whoah, I'm looking forward to it," Ussop said casually.

 

"Does Ace's boyfriends get hurt often?" Asked Chopper anxiously. Franky made a thinking sound for a moment before chuckling nervously.

 

"Well, our meetings have been epic, but, Ace bro is verrrrry patient. Cale often gets hurt by trrrrouble."

 

....

 

"I'm not even surprised that this Cale is a D.," Sanji said, bringing two desserts for their female crew.

 

"Aaaawwwwww I'm getting impatient to meet Cale!"

 

.
.
.

 

[A little while later...]

 

After being shocked by the news that one of the famous rising pirates, Portgas D. Ace, had a girlfriend. The news came back with the news along with a poster.

 

About a young figure who carries the power of the ocean through his frail, pale hands. With a peek of blood-red hair and a red cape fluttering majestically.

 

They named this person Red Riding Hood.

 

And a bounty for 100 million Berry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINI OMAKE :

[Sengoku's POV]

 

Twitch.

 

"Hmm~ hmm~"

 

Twitch. Twitch.

 

"How beautiful this world~"

 

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch!

 

"HA HA HA-!!"

 

"GET OUT OF MY ROOM, GARP! YOU'RE DISTURBING ME!" The Marine Fleet Admiral's anger could not be contained by the behavior of this one old man.

 

His attitude became even worse after the newspaper contained one of his naughty pirate grandsons, Portgas D. Ace, rumored to be in a relationship.

 

"Aaawwww, can't you let this grandpa enjoy his grandson's love story?! MY ACE IS ALREADY A MANLY MAN-!"

 

This shit again.

 

"I need to meet this daughter-in-law of mine, Sengoku! And see if she's a match for a D.!"

 

"It's certain that Ace's girlfriend is very beautiful, isn't it?!"

 

"Oh no, Luffy already has a sister-in-law!"

 

"SEND TROOPS AND CAPTURE ACE'S GIRLFRIEND, WE HAVE TO GET HER INTO THE MARINES!"

 

"REHABILITATION TO BECOME A MARINE, LOVER'S EDITION! HAHAHAH!! FINALLY!!!"

 

Garp had decorated Sengoku's brain with his annoying exclamations about his grandson's love story over and over again. Until it formed like a broken record in his mind.

 

"Ha ha ha, how's the latest, Garp?" Sengoku's eyes looked at the other admiral, Tsuru with a betrayed look.

 

"Don't provoke him, Tsuru!"

 

Immediately without further ado, Garp opened a book. In the book were pieces of newsprint containing news about his grandchildren.

 

"Specifically in the chapter of my grandson's romance, it begins with a meeting by the author of destiny-"

 

"-oh her hair is as red as a rose-"

 

"-beautiful face like a goddess of the ocean-"

 

....

 

Sengoku wants to retire soon.

 

Fuck

 

.
.
.

 

[Mugirawa's POV]

 

"YOU MET ACE'S LOVER?!!"

 

Luffy exclaimed with a surprised face that was soon replaced with a smile so bright.

 

"Ho, yes! That meeting of ourrs, it was ssoo ssuuuuppppeèrrrrrr! Ace's lover is verry strrong, Luffy bro!"

 

"I KNEW! Ace's lover must be strong! Ace likes strong people! Does she like meat?!"

 

"Does everyone have to like meat?" Nami grumbled on their green grass deck. She was still admiring their new ship, Thousand Sunny, which was equipped with all kinds of cool features.

 

"He loves to eat!" Luffy was even more enthusiastic about this answer.

 

"He?"

 

"Yes! He!"

 

"He likes alcohol? Sleep?" Zoro asked again, slinking out of nowhere after disappearing lost in his own ship.

 

"Likes! Cale is very alcohol resistant, Zoro bro! Also, because he likes to sleep, this sssuuupeeer Frrraaanky created a sleep room for Cale!"

 

"Ara ? That cozy room?" Robin smiled sweetly. Recalling the moment she saw a special room near the aquarium filled with various blankets and pillows. The walls were painted a soothing light blue and filled with soft furniture inside.

 

"YES! Cale intends to visit us!"

 

"Really? Whoah, I'm looking forward to it," Ussop said casually.

 

"Does Ace's boyfriends get hurt often?" Asked Chopper anxiously. Franky made a thinking sound for a moment before chuckling nervously.

 

"Well, our meetings have been epic, but, Ace bro is verrrrry patient. Cale often gets hurt by trrrrouble."

 

....

 

"I'm not even surprised that this Cale is a D.," Sanji said, bringing two desserts for their female crew.

 

"Aaaawwwwww I'm getting impatient to meet Cale!"

 

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[A little while later...]

 

After being shocked by the news that one of the famous rising pirates, Portgas D. Ace, had a girlfriend. The news came back with the news along with a poster.

 

About a young figure who carries the power of the ocean through his frail, pale hands. With a peek of blood-red hair and a red cape fluttering majestically.

 

They named this person Red Riding Hood.

 

And a bounty for 100 million Berry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Well... I just realized I didn't include Cale's family scene :D
Well, the point is, they'll still be watching from afar!
Even if they were in the OP world, it would be very difficult to go to Cale, because as you know, the magnetism of each island and the extreme weather of the Grand Line/New World can be confusing.. right? Hehe <( _ _ )>

Ace, when someone touch Cale in dis fic, be like :

Chapter 5: #4 - This World Sucks but, Hey! Gold!

Summary:

"This... is where the zombies live?"

".... I think so."

....

....

"Portgas D. Ace."

"I swear, I don't even fuckin' know how we got stuck here!?"

Notes:

HI HI HIIII ✨👄✨✌
I, presents you this, the most mind refreshing fic compared to other fics hahaha
Hope you like this chapter xixixi *(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭*ଘ🙏🍓❤✨
Thank you for all the KUDOS, COMMENT, BOOKMARKS, HITS and SUBSCRIBE, guys! (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)(´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
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(Word: 9.8k include OMAKE)
RE-NOTE : Finally guys! This fic has new Beta Reader!!! I call her Lune, soo wu must give our thank you for her who's willing to make this fic more comfortable to read! 🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏🍓🍓🍓✨✨✨

[Previous Chapter...]

"You..."

"Uhuk, uhuk-urgh-!"

...

Blood?

Ace froze.

"...Cale?"

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.
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[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

The blood reminded Ace of Thatch again.

As Teach mercilessly stabbed Shirohige's much-loved chef, snatched Yami Yami no Mi's fruit and disappeared to escape the ship. There was a disgusting laugh on his face, while his eyes stared apathetically at Thatch in pain.

The blood...

"C-cale..."

 

Ace struggled to breathe as if his breath was cruelly choked out of him. His vision blurred, occasionally coughing, but he forced himself to keep breathing and moving forward. Faintly, the sound of a wet cough pierced the darkness of his vision. He saw the red-haired man struggling to hold back the blood coming out of his mouth.

"Urgh-! Shit-"

If the situation wasn't like this, perhaps Ace would have laughed in disbelief that Cale was capable of such harsh words...

"Cale..." Called Ace with a dazed look on his face. Realization came back to him, ignoring the dizziness of fleeting panic, he moved closer to the younger man.

"Cale! Which part is hurting?!" worried the black-haired man. Trembling hands opened his outer robe to clean the blood from Cale's mouth and neck. Ace's breath caught in his throat, seeing how the redhead looked so pale, sweating profusely and trembling. His heart broke seeing the red-haired man so helpless against the effects of his power.

.... for protecting Ace... Cale became like this....

He really is a demon child-

"I'm... it's okay," the mumbling stopped his dark inner voice. Ace, who had been filled with worry, pain and regret, was now wracked with anger and pain.

"How come you're okay!? YOU'RE INJURED BECAUSE YOU PROTECTED ME!" growled the young D. with a face full of pain, as if holding back tears. His gray eyes were now glazed over with trembling, clenched lips.

"..‘Right...I told you...to protect.." As Cale's coughing subsided, Ace looked down. Not wanting the other youth to see his face or his eyes that were holding back tears. The weak side of Portgas D. Ace that no one knew about.

The day he ran away after Thatch died, Shirohige's crew only saw his angry, vengeful side towards Teach.

Luffy and Sabo saw the same side of him, anger and tears and relief as they decided to be together, regardless of his birthplace.

Then Luffy, so innocent at the time, secured in his arms as Ace held back the tears of Sabo's departure. All in order to look strong for his little brother.

But now ?

Ace found himself crying.

He did not know why, as if the part of his heart, that he had locked up tightly for so many years, collapsed upon hearing that Cale said 'fine'.

"But, I'm really fine, Ace-ya." The young man who was still looking down shook his head.

"DON'T FUCKIN' PRETEND TO BE STRONG, DAMN IT!" Hands clenched tightly.

Even though Cale was weaker than him! Even though he didn't know about the other youth's power to control the sea water, still! It had the effect of making Cale cough up blood!

"This blood is dirty blood..."

"EVEN SO, YOUR GODDAMN INTERNAL ORGANS MUST BE INJURED!" Dirty blood WHAT?! Cale was such an unlucky bastard! That guy already knew his condition and he was still trying to calm Ace down!?

"I always cough up blood when I overuse my powers..."

"B-BUT-!"

 

"Portgas D. Ace."

 

 

The black-haired man froze.

He could feel a hand grabbing his hat, which covered the view with his shadowy bangs, moving it to the back of his neck. Then there was a sighing sound, making Ace flinch.

"Look at me."

Reluctantly, the taller man complied, but did not look up immediately. His lips were still pouting in a downward curve, while his eyes were glazed over with tears. There was no expression other than anger, regret, worry and pain on that handsome face.

(-at first glance, his face looks like an abandoned puppy. Those damn puppy eyes-!)

"Aish, look at me, you brat." About to protest at Cale's call that did not match his appearance, Ace looked up. He was again stunned when he saw the face of another young man who already looked more... healthy ? His skin that was originally very pale, as if bloodless was now starting to regain its color. Although still stained with blood, Cale looked better than before.

"Do I look like someone who's about to die?" annoyed Cale, forehead crinkled playfully with a light pout. Ace, still stunned immediately shook his head absentmindedly.

"I'm fine, Ace. Damnit, this is why I'm too lazy to use my powers-" Cale muttered, suddenly grumbling to himself. Especially when there was a rumble out of nowhere, which Ace realized came from Cale's stomach. Making the red-haired man's face flatten, though with a blush on his cheeks.

"Aish."

After making sure that Ace saw his fine condition? Cale sat in the middle of their ship, took out his magic bag and produced a pile of his favorite Apple pies on one plate.

eh?

Ehh?

Wha-?

"Listen, Ace." Stiff, the other man who was stunned immediately sat on the seiza model with two hands clenched on his knees.

"I'm so weak." Cale pointed at himself, while eating the apple pie. Making his cheeks puff out funny like a squirrel. Urghh-this is not the fucking time for you to admire him, Ace!

"I have power. But as you can see, the impact is the cleansing of the dirty blood caused by my power." Finishing the first slice, Cale hummed happily. Ace still couldn't control his confused, stunned, hah? huh? expression.

What is actually happening now?

"Even if it does lead to good ends, tasting blood in your own mouth is still bad." Ace nodded quickly and awkwardly.

"Ce-certainly not good! Especially if your gums bleed from-"

"Eww, stop it. I'm eating." Ace closed his mouth tightly. Inevitably, even though he was still confused by the strange turn of events, still his mind became more relieved. That... Cale was still okay...

"Therefore, you must protect me." Cale nodded in agreement at his own final decision.

Normally, Ace, who heard those words from Cale in the past, would being embarrassed with his stammering words. He was on a mission to find Teach to get his revenge, but Cale just showed up and decided to slow down Ace's journey with his dangerous lazy nature.

However, now-?

"Sure, I'll protect you, Cale."

Until Ace could find a suitable place for Cale to live, he would be responsible for protecting the red-haired man. Following Ace's quest to find Teach would be dangerous for Cale, especially after learning about his condition.

 

"Good." Cale nodded again, praising. The young man took out another apple pie and gave it to Ace.

"Eat this. A gift from me."

Dazed, Ace received the apple pie still in astonishment.

"After all-" gray eyes blinked softly. Glancing at Cale who was smiling at him.

"-we're in a state of urgency. It's only natural that I protect you as well."

Natural....

.. to protect Ace ?

His heart trembled at the thought of those simple words. That for Cale, it was 'natural' to 'protect' Ace. Something that was still very foreign in his life even though he was now surrounded by Shirohige's crew as family and Luffy as his younger brother. But–

There was a sense of warmth that surrounded his feelings.

Strange.

Very strange.

Why is Ace so happy to hear those words- ?

Not long after, hot steam came and went like imaginary smoke above Ace's head. His face turned bright red with trembling lips. While the hand holding the apple trembled with late-arriving shame. How could Cale say such an embarrassing thing so casually and easily?!

"you.... You!.... YOU-!!!" Cale gave a displeased look. His meal had been interrupted by Ace's change in demeanor from a lethargic, gentle cat to this.

The black-haired youth's eyes scanned every inch of Cale's condition. On his face that had recovered. Then the blood on the corner of his lips, as well as his jaw and neck. Then on his white shirt that was stained with blood... Ace tapped his forehead in frustration.

There was no point in arguing with Cale while his mind was wracked by many strange situations, let alone his heart which was not cooperating very well right now. So, the Shirohige commander took off his hat, then put it on Cale. Getting a momentary small protest from the other youth, lifting the slightly oversized hat backwards.

"Clean your face and get dressed. Damn it, at least look more human!" Cale nodded, still calmly eating his apple pie.

"A-and... and since you're weak, don't carelessly use your powers, huh?! You hear me?!" Taking a vicious bite of his apple pie, Ace walked to the platform. He looked away, not daring to look at Cale with his face currently very red.

One hand held the apple pie while the other was on the ship's wheel. With the power of his fire in the engine under the bridge to propel the ship away from the Marine ship graveyard.

His eyes peeked out to see Cale sitting quietly on the deck, immediately looking away again when their gazes met. Not forgetting his heart that was still beating fast and the hot steam on his cheeks.

The mind wandered back to when he had a panic attack at the sight of Cale's blood. Gray eyes narrowed in displeasure. He had often listened to the lectures from the nurses on the ship and how troublesome would it be for Ace if he were to be infected in a serious situation, such as a fight?

However, Cale has his own unique and strange way of calming him down, doesn't he?

Unconsciously, a gentle smile was etched on that handsome face.

That he was-

.
.
.

-not believing what he was hearing right now.

"You-? What?" The D.'s descendant asked once again, trying to make sure his hearing was working properly.

"I got lost." One eyebrow rose skeptically at that answer.

Currently, they are relaxing in the middle of the ocean.

After making sure Cale was completely fine, the ship was in the right waters. Not to forget making sure the Grand Line weather was not disturbing, the two men finally enjoyed the afternoon while sitting in the middle of the ship's deck. Not forgetting the snacks on the mini table that Cale had prepared out of nowhere.

Seeing how good the atmosphere was for sharing background information, it was an opportunity for Ace to at least know where Cale was coming from to drive him home. Instead, he found himself gaping at Cale's short, concise and vague answer.

"You... got lost?" Cale nodded. Eating his ice cream with a happy buzz.

"Do you remember where you were last time? Before you got lost?" The redhead seemed to think for a moment.

"The sky?" Ace was even more astonished.

"Yes. I fell out of the sky, landing on the island of Skypeia."

"Wait! So, that sky island really exists?!" Ace's attention turned momentarily to that information. He had heard about the sky island during his time as a Deuce Pirates or as Shirohige's crew but he had no idea that the island really existed.

"Is there a lot of gold there?!" At this question, it was Cale's turn to widen his eyes.

"The island has gold?"

Huh?

Huh?

Both of them stared at each other with equally astonished faces.

 

What the -

"Bastard, you just said that you landed on that island!"

"Yes, I landed there. But, gold?"

"That's what the island is called! Didn't you hear the information that's so popular in Mock Town?" Ace's frustration grew as Cale shook his head innocently. Then, the redhead stared at Ace for a moment with widened eyes, there was an ominous idea present in those twinkling eyes and the other man was already feeling wary.

"...should we go back there, Ace-ya?"

-JTAK.

"Appo..." pouted Cale, clutching his forehead which was lightly pinched by the black-haired youth. Ace snorted, blushing slightly at the adorable sight in front of him, while refraining from melting.

"So, before you fell from the sky?" asked Ace again, supporting his cheek with his left hand. While his right hand picked up a macaroon to eat.

"I... don't remember." Gray eyes blinked in disbelief for a moment. The young man immediately put on a serious and sharp face at Cale.

"As vaguely as I remember... I was fighting."

Are you sure you don't want to tell that young man the truth, Cale? Super Rock asked concerned at Cale's decision to lie.

When I said I fell from the sky, did you see his face?

Isn't it natural to react like that? The grandfather sweatdropped again. The others were already laughing out loud in the back of his mind.

"Then, when I blinked my eyes, I was already in the sky and fell." What Cale explained just now was the truth. Well, although not entirely. Reddish-brown eyes scrutinized carefully at the change in expression of the young man in front of him.

Although Ace was relatively young (Cale was sure the man was still at a young age), his fighting experience was so much that it was able to bring out a sharp face of disbelief with a stern look in his eyes. Cale liked that look.

Don't just take the word of a stranger.

Cale....

"You really don't remember anything?" Playing the role of an amnesiac was fine with Cale. After all, he wasn't from this world, right?

"No, I don't. I don't even know where Skypeia is and why there's an island that can float like that," Cale replied flatly with confident and a very convincing look. Alberu would usually relent if Cale gave him this look.

... that's not the concept, Cale.

"So, how did you get off the island?" asked Ace sarcastically, sitting up straight while crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"By flying." Cale could feel Super Rock sighing while hitting his forehead, as the others laughed so hard that their stomach cramped in his mind.

"You... flying?"

Information... that was so absurd that Ace had never thought of such high imaginations.

Perhaps... Cale is really an angel?! Who fell from the sky?!

Well, that explains where his facial beauty came from... hmmm. (Ace's cheeks flushed bright red at that thought). His eyes also unintentionally directly glanced at Cale's back.

Instantly an imagination with a pair of wings flashed. Cale's form in front of him suddenly shone brightly, with shoujou manga-style and blinks-blinks. The surrounding rose filter further refined and enhanced the redhead's features. White fair skin, contrasted with a sweet pair of lips-

 

-PLAK.

".... are you still in your right mind?" asked Cale skeptically at Ace who suddenly turned red and slapped his own cheek hard.

"Still. Thank you for asking." Cale nodded innocently.

"Okay, so can I conclude that you don't remember anything about this world?" The asked master nodded again, eating another shortcake.

"Well... where should I start?" Ace pondered as he crossed his arms in front of his chest again. His eyebrows furrowed playfully with his lips puckered forward. What an expressive child.

"Just ask what you want to know. I'm too tired to think about it," Ace finally gave up. This must be Luffy's influence that Ace couldn't deny.

"Hmmm as far as I know, there are many forces to be reckoned with in this world. There's Shichibukai, Marines, World Government, Revolutionary Army, and Yonkou, right?" Ace nodded, picking up a piece of fruit.

"Of these, which ones should we really be wary of?"

"Judging from where we are now, Shichibukai, Marines and World Government." Ace's black eyes became very serious as he said this information.

"I am a pirate and you coming with me will be considered a pirate too. The Shichibukai are pirates but they are affiliated and cooperate with the Marines and the World Government."

"What about the Yonkou and the Revolutionary Army?"

"Yonkou is the nickname given to the strongest pirate group by the Marines. They are not affiliated with any party, are completely independent and have several territories."

"The Revolutionary Army on the other hand is a group of people fighting against the World Government. Their location is hidden so information about them is very limited."
Cale listened solemnly.

"But still, the World Government holds the most threatening position, right?" Ace's eyes flashed with hatred.

"Yes. Despite their motto of 'Justice', they do many disgusting things 'in the name' of justice," Ace muttered, not continuing his words and looking reluctant. So Cale decided it was not his place to insist.

"In that case, what about Tenryuubito ?"

Cale faced silence in response.

Reddish-brown eyes glanced at the other youth who had fallen silent. Still crossing his arms, but now with a sad expression and cold anger burning in his gray eyes. The wind blew softly, making the black hair flutter like embers.

There was a hidden determination, painted magnificently in that expression. It made Ace's youthful form appear extremely dashing and gave off the aura of a respected leader.

"Tenryuubito are the embers of world nobility. They are also sometimes known as the Celestial Dragon because they are descendants of 19 of the 20 Kings who founded the World Government," Ace began in a flat, somber voice.

Cale's eyes widened momentarily at that information.

There are dragons in this world too? And their descendants?

"What do their dragons form look like?" Cale asked, trying to hide his enthusiastic voice. Earning a strange look from the astonished Ace.

"Dragon form?" The red head nodded briefly. Grabbed a piece of tiramisu cake to eat.

"Yes. What are the colors of their scales?"

"Wait-"

"Then what power do they have?"

"Huh? What do you mean-?"

"Are they so powerful and majestic?"

"Majestic your ass-"

"Dragons are very strong and powerful creatures." Cale finished with a serious face.

Ace on the other hand gaped. The hand then moved to pat his forehead in frustration.

"Wait a fucking moment! I think we're talking about something different here!" Ace's groan intensified as Cale gave him a confused look.

"Dragons in your worldview and this worldview are very different," Ace chided, ruffling his black hair in annoyance.

"The dragons in this world are annoying bastards who love to look down on others. They even wear oxygen tanks! Afraid to breathe the same air as commoners-!"

Cale's eyes went blank when he heard that.

"-they also often abuse power and create many sick systems. Such as kidnapping, slavery, auctioning of people, tribes, races and many more-!"

The redhead's face was now expressionless.

"-and they're doing it in the name of justice and rights as World Nobles!"

There was nothing else Ace saw in those reddish-brown eyes but disappointment.

"They are trash." The black-haired man nodded in agreement.

"Yes! They are non-recyclable trash-!"

"They're not even worth recycling. No, they are really really shit flith," Cale said again, cutting off Ace's words with a cold, gripping voice.

"Do they also abuse the taxes of the commoners?" Asked the redhead, sneering with a wow look of indifference.... Ace was stunned by this unexpected reaction.

The red-haired man did not continue his words. Instead one arm was folded and the other was supporting the chin with the head tilted lightly. There was a cold expression on his face, matched by sharp eyes that changed Cale's aura completely.

From a young man who looks naive, innocent, gluttonous and annoying. Transformed into an intimidating, sharp and frightening man with his cold beauty. His aura has also changed. Kind of familiar Haoshoku Haki that made the black-haired youth feel suffocated.

"They're not Dragons," Cale said suddenly with a frown on his face. The red-haired man grabbed a tissue from his magic bag, gracefully cleaning up from his afternoon snack.

"The REAL Dragons are very powerful, great, arrogant creatures but that's because they are creatures of high rank." Where Cale got this kind of belief from, Ace did not know. What was clear was that the other young man was still stunned at the annoyed expression on this beautiful redhead's face.

Ace almost considered this reddish-brown-eyed man as strong as Oyaji.

The black-haired man didn't know why he thought that, but the aura that Cale gave off was capable of awakening his tense instincts at a glance. It was like dealing with a very strong opponent.

"What?"

Realizing that he was staring at his travel partner for too long, red steam returned to the D. descendant's cheeks.

"N-nothing, tuh," chided Ace. Immediately looked away with a racing heart.

He is not daijoubu.

Ace had yet to realize how dangerous it was for his heart to have Cale by his side.

"Continue," Cale snorted. He took out a glass of reddish-white drink from his magic bag. Then the neatly cut ice chunks and a straw.

The corner of Ace's eyebrow twitched at the smirk on Cale's face, aware of the dark-haired man's intense stare at the damn magic bag. How could all that weird stuff fit in such a small bag!

Ace wants one too! 😩

"So-"

"This is for you," Cale offered before Ace started. With the same drink, it even had a lime wedge in it.

....

"What is this drink?"

"Squash," Cale replied without giving any further explanation. With a suspicious look, the taller man drank the unfamiliar drink, eyes immediately widened by the fresh, cool and delicious flavor that exploded in his mouth.

"Whoah, this is good!" exclaimed Ace, a tinge of red on his cheeks as a bright smile was plastered on the young handsome face.

"Obviously," Cale chuckled, taking another sip of his own drink. Ace nodded happily, took one sip, swallowed, and continued talking.

"Next, the ones we should watch out for are the Shichibukai (Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea). They're also a bunch of annoying bastards. Except for one person, Boa Hancock." the redhead nodded.

"Which island do they live on?"

"For now, Crocodile in Alabasta, Donquixote Doflamingo in Dressrossa and Boa Hancock in Amazon Lily. There are others that don't often stay in one place like Mihawk. Others travel around in their own boats."

What Ace was explaining now must be the general information of this world, Cale listened carefully. Making a note to himself to avoid the so-called islands in the future.

"What about Yonkou?" At this question, the gray-eyed man in front of him cleared his throat for a moment, his chest suddenly puffed out with a defiant grin on his face.

"Yonkou is made up of the 4 strongest pirates in the world! One of them is mine-" the man then turned around. Showing his tattooed back to Cale with a flicker of pride in his eyes.

"The Shirohige Pirates led by Oyaji!" Cale oohed lightly and then nodded in understanding.

"Should I clap?"

"Ho hoo! Yes, absolutely!"

Cale applauded as if rewarding a child's presentation. Ending his boasting, Ace blushed lightly and cleared his throat. Immediately corrected his position into a dignified cross-legged seat.

"Then there's Shanks Pirates, Kaido Pirates and BigMom Pirates."

"Just like us, the Shanks don't stay on one island. We travel a lot to monitor and control our territory. While the other two pirates stay on their islands. BigMom in Totto Land and Kaidou in Wano."

Ace then went back to the systematics of the Marines, the World Government, the World Nobility, and even the rules of his fellow Pirates.

Cale listened to everything with a serious face, occasionally looking pensive and frowning slightly at his own thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" laughed Ace at the sight of that funny face.

"This world sucks."

That answer made the other youth laugh even louder. He was glad that this redhead had a good heart and mind. Despite his lazy, cunning, and annoying nature, the hatred for the information Ace conveyed about the evil treatment had answered his question.

"You're from the Shirohige Pirates, aren't you?" the dark-haired man nodded.

"What about them?" asked Cale, staring intently at the face of the young man in front of him.

"About what?"

"Are you happy to join the Shirohige pirates?"

This question brought another silence from Ace.

Happy?

Of all the questions strangers had asked the young D. man, this was the first time anyone had asked about his feelings.

Gray eyes turned to gaze at the sea. Staring at the gentle waves that reflected the sparkling water by the light of the setting sun. Thinking for a moment, how peaceful Ace felt right now. It was as if his burdens felt false and he could breathe more freely.

Just like the moment on Shirohige's ship.

At his brothers joking with each other, filled with laughter and familiarity. Under Oyaji's warm, watchful gaze, and Marco by his side chuckling. Then the sisters' scolding those that are drunk. So much joy was contained in that bond on the boat.

Is Ace happy?

The young man then looked back at Cale and nodded with a stern face.

"Yes, I'm happy to join them."

Gray eyes widened momentarily at the small smile present on Cale's face. The wind blew softly, brushing the rosy strands on his cheeks gently. Half-open, shaded eyes gazed into his lap. It made Ace realize how long and lustrous the eyelashes framing those eyes were.

"Good then."

A comfortable silence swept over them.

Ace found himself savoring the moment for a moment. The warmth reminded the young D. of his home, the Shirohige Pirates and Luffy's laugh.

His heart skipped a beat, but the rhythm was so sweet that it created a smile on Ace's face.

********

"Ah, Cale,"

At night, still on the same deck now with bright light on the stanchions, the dark-haired man called Cale again. The redhead came out of their small room with a thick blanket hugging his shoulders. His face was somewhat sleepy but still obedient.

"Do you still have the Den Den Mushi we bought?" the redhead nodded, sitting in the center of the deck while Ace took his place in front of him. Without many words, he took out a snail with a black-red combination shell color that already had a dial, receiving device and connecting accessories installed.

"We have to feed this Den Den Mushi," Ace explained, looking at the snail who had a flat, sullen face. Unlike the other forms of Den Den Mushi, which were calm and lethargic when not in use.

Cale looked skeptical for a moment, taking out some vegetables and fruits that Ace had bought. Reddish-brown eyes watched with mild interest as the snail's face looked pleased, so expressive upon seeing the food.

"You can contact anyone with this Den Den Mushi, so we must train and take good care of it. Do you remember your family's contact number?" Cale watched Ace for a moment then shook his head slowly.

"Hmm, that's fine then," Ace replied, still optimistic and with a big smile on his face.

"This Den Den Mushi looks like a variant species. The shell has a black color, which is related to the species of tapping snails. Perhaps we can look for information related to your family from government data?"

What a sweet and kind young man! Super Rock sighed with a grandfatherly smile in Cale's mind.

Right! Crybaby said, sounding mesmerized.

Cale suddenly smiled a little at the other man's suggestion. Without even asking, Ace had offered. It wouldn't be Cale Henituse if he refused free help without anything in return, right?

"Thank you, Ace-ya." The black-haired man seemed to realize his treatment, immediately dropping his smile. Clearing his throat slightly while blushing lightly.

"Sometimes I hear it... why did you first call me -ssi then -ya ?"

Hoooo? Is it Cale's turn to be interrogated now?

"Well, where I come from, -ssi is a suffix used to honor foreign names. While -ya is one of the suffixes used for close people."

Ace turned bright red at that.

So, Cale already considers them close? So he gave them a name like that?

Ace-ya????

So fuckin' cute-//PLAK

Why did Ace feel happy to hear thaaaaAARRGHH-!

"A-ah, t-then umm d-do you know how this Den Den Mushi works?" the other man shook his head innocently.

With stiff movements, Ace reached for the telecommunication device on top of the modified shell. His hands moved automatically, out of sync with his muddled thoughts. It was still filled with thoughts of Cale's smiling face, Cale's soothing voice and then the explanation of the name suffix and the way he called Ace's name...

"Purururururu."

... hot steam vaporized imaginatively above the black head, coupled with the sound of frantic breathing as well as the dizziness of a heartbeat that suddenly beat very fast.

"Ace-ya?"

Fuck.

Ace wanted to melt at the sweet call.

"Gacha."

The voice brightened Ace's mind for a moment. Still with a flushed face, Ace looked up and pointed at the phone in his hand with an enthusiastic voice.

"Hello-?"

"See?! This is how Den Den Mushi works!" The black-haired man's heart seemed to blossom as Cale's face took on an impressive look. Reddish-brown eyes peered out with a wide, rabbit-like gaze. Added with the blanket covering him, it created an adorable image of Cale peeking out of the rabbit hole with a cute face-

"ARGH!"

What's wrong with this brat anyway?

... be strong Ace-boya all ancient power burst out laughing at Super Rock's remark.

"Ace? Why are you yelling, yoi? "

The embarrassment was like being doused with cold water when hearing a voice that Portgas D. Ace hadn't heard in a long time.

"Why are you calling me? "

Cale along with the ancient power watched with interest as the flushed face paled even more as if it was losing blood. Eyes wide with fear and shock, staring in disbelief at Den Den Mushi who was now mimicking someone's facial expression. Cale had to stifle a giggle as yellow hair suddenly formed on top of the snail's head? Like a pineapple.

"Pfftt-" Ace's gray eyes turned to Cale who was holding back laughter. Was that guy laughing at himself for making the wrong call?!

"Why are you laughing!?"

"Ace, who are you talking to, yoi ?"

"No, Ace-ya."

"(blush) Lies! You're laughing at me, right?! HAH?!"

"Tsk, no."

"Ace-?" he quickly switched off the phone, suddenly realizing that his conversation with Cale was overheard by Marco, whom he had accidentally called.

.... he really didn't mean it, okay? That time, Ace's mind and hands were out of sync! Hell, surely that guy would tell the rest of the crew, even Oyaji! Putting that aside, now there's a more pressing matter!

"Den Den Mushi silent mode," muttered Ace in embarrassment and the snail immediately went quiet, lethargic and asleep. Cale watched the hair disappear somewhere and laughed again.

"E Y O, you're laughing at me!"

"No, I'm not. Why are you so confident?" blushing but still firm in his stance, Ace grabbed one of Cale's cheeks to pinch.

"Just confess! You're laughing at me, right? You sneaky bastard?!"

"Appo !"

"Apa apo aki ! Confess quick!"

"No!"

The dark-haired man laughed wickedly, an ignorant thought suddenly present in his mind. Soon he wrapped the thick blanket around Cale then hugged the other man tightly. Locking Cale's waist with his legs while one arm held his shoulders and the other ruffled the red hair.

"If you don't confess, I'll tickle you!"

"N-no! D-don't-ahahahhaha!" The hand from the hair immediately moved towards the blanket, finding the waist spot and tickling it lightly. Eliciting a sweet laugh from Cale in Ace's warm embrace.

"Ace! Ahahahaha-! S-stop-ahahahah!"

Cale's suffering seemed to make Ace laugh with pleasure as well.

The young man did not let go of the embrace, resting his chin on the redhead's head, firm against Cale's pitiful resistance.

Aaaawww... how sweet! Glutton sighed, enjoying the sound of Cale's laughter that was so loose and so rare for them to hear.

Someone, please give a CROWN to this handsome young man! Thief exclaimed with a chuckle.

Cale looks so cute... Crybaby murmured sweetly, making the others smile too.

Well, as long as this Ace man doesn't XXXX hurt Cale, Crazy Kid replied, observing the laughter battle with interest.

What is this!? Why doesn't Cale fight back?! Use my fire and you can make this bastard laugh in pain too, Cale! The Cheapskate pouted.

Let Cale rest first. This young man did not hurt Cale and did not cross the line  as their conversation ended with Super Rock smiling a grandfatherly smile as he enjoyed the sight of his grandchildren playing happily.

That night, somehow Ace felt warmer than usual.

It was just the two of them, wrapped in a blanket in the middle of the ship's deck, under the starry night sky and the sea sparkling with moonlight.

 

Cale's laughter echoed happily.

Both in the silence of the crashing waves

and in rhythm with Ace's heartbeat.

.
.
.

[Two days later]
[Third Person's POV]

"You have a younger brother?"

"Yes, one. His name is Luffy!"

Moving from the steering wheel, Ace grabbed his hat and held out a paper to the redhead sitting on the bridge seat.

Cale observed a black-haired boy smiling broadly and brightly at the camera. He was wearing a red sleeveless shirt and a straw hat with a red stripe. His face bore no significant resemblance to Ace, so adopted brother?

"Your brother seems like a nice kid," Cale said, giving a small smile to Ace who was now brightened by the other youth's response.

"Luffy is the best little brother ever! He may be a little stupid and very innocent, but that's what makes Luffy so pure! The ocean knows how he doesn't even understand romance except for meat, meat, and meat-!" chirped Ace with such an expressive face. Cale watched closely and was intrigued. Smiling to himself that this young man in front of him had one precious thing. That could create such a bright smile.

"-currently he's sailing the seas too!"

"Oh yeah?" Ace nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes! We met before in Alabasta and Luffy's crew is so funny!" the dark-haired man laughed for a moment, a funny scene crossing his mind.

"Luffy has a swordsman named Zoro... then a navigator named Nami... he even has an amazing cook named Sanji! There's sniper Ussop, then a cute doctor! His name is Chopper and he's a talking deer!"

"Really?" Ace seemed to soar above the clouds as he managed to bring out an interested expression on Cale's usually calm or flat face.

"Aahhh... I want to see Luffy again. I'm sure that boy is now on his way to Water Seven," Ace murmured, gaze wandering towards the ocean with a gentle smile.

"We'll definitely meet him," Cale replied calmly.

"Are you sure?" the redhead gave a small chuckle. His eyes looked at Ace amused.

"We're in the same ocean, aren't we?" the dark haired one blushed slightly at those words. Frowned lightly and leaned on the steering wheel while crossing two arms in front of his chest.

"Well... true, but it's not that easy! The Grand Line ocean has extreme weather and each island has its own magnetism that often confuses many inexperienced navigators," explained the gray-eyed man in a grumbling tone.

"Still, the destination is the same, isn't it?" the wind blew, fluttering the red hair momentarily with a gentle gust.

"Where is the last island in these Grand Line Sea?"

"Sabaody Archipelago."

"Well, since your brother's crew's next destination is the New World, surely they will dock at this island. We can wait for them if you want?" at this suggestion, Ace's eyes widened. Not thinking about the idea before smiling broadly.

"Yes! There are only a few islands left before we reach Sabaody!"

Uh, wait a minute, that means Cale is going to stay with Ace all the way to the island? Where did the goal of dropping the redhead off in a safe place so Ace could focus on chasing Teach go? Hmmm...

"Sabaody Island is a pretty safe island, you can easily live there," Ace said in a pensive tone. His eyes glanced at the redhead for a moment, somewhat stunned at the small frown on Cale's face. The jewel-eyed man was upset for some reason?

"Is there gold there?"

....

"I don't think so. This island is more like a... trading center?" eyebrows raised in interest.

"Okay, fine."

Now it was Ace's turn to feel somewhat annoyed by that response. But why?

Before the dark haired one could say anything, he was almost knocked over by the sudden shaking of their ship.

"Cale!"

"I'm fine, Ace-ya." The D. descendant blushed lightly again for a moment, before focusing on their problem. That was the weather that had suddenly changed. The sky became overcast, with strong winds and lightning and the eerie swish of waves.

"Why is the weather changing here?! Nothing should happen if we follow the map path!" growled Ace, taking out a folder from his small bag. His eyes immediately widened with a slightly paled face. Seeing this reaction, Cale couldn't help but be scared as well.

"W-why?"

Fog slowly surrounded their ship. The cold also made his body shiver.

"No way!"

What the heck. This brat reaction scared me, yak!

"Come here, Cale! Come closer and stay by my side!" the redhead nodded, walking closer to Ace. He was immediately embraced by the other young man's left arm, while his right hand moved to cover Cale's head with the hood. Regretting that the smaller body was shivering from the cold.

"We're currently entering the Florian Triangle teritory," Ace muttered, being very wary since he had never entered this region. Neither as Spade Pirates captain nor a member of Shirohige's crew.

Even so, he had heard rumors about the seas beyond this map zone. Kokoro had also always told and warned them about the dangers of the Florian Triangle seas, which were the source of graves for many pirates and marines.

"Damn," Cale muttered suddenly from his embrace. Was Ace chattering?!

"Kokoro-san also said that there are living bones in this ocean!" Cale looked up and gave a skeptical look.

"Living skeleton?" Ace nodded, almost furiously.

"Reportedly, that living skeleton is languishing on a ghost ship and scaring a lot of pirates!" Cale's face turned pale at that.

What a life, how did he get lost in this sea of ghosts?! The reddish-brown eyes then looked at Ace's direction with an annoyed squint, making some of his ancient power comrades giggle amusedly.

At this moment he knew he fucked up Thief's taunts made Crazy Kid and The Cheapskate laugh out loud.

"I really don't know!" protested Ace when he got that look. On the one hand feeling guilty too for being so negligent and forgetting about this demonic water zone.
His heart sank as Cale looked away, unwilling to look at Ace or reply to his words.

Instantly feeling helpless to retaliate against the redhead.

"Cale?"

...

"Are you angry?"

...

 

"I really don't know!"

...

"I'm sorry, okay? Hm?"

...

"Cale-ya ?"

At this call, reddish-brown eyes widened slightly. He felt two strong yet gentle hands grab his shoulders, bringing their faces into close proximity.

"I'm sorry, okay?"

Ace tilted his face, making his black hair frame his face. Lips curled down sadly. His gray eyes became wider and glazed over sadly. His cheeks that had freckles were flushed with a soft red color, wondering why it managed to create a blink-blink effect around that handsome face.

Uh oh... Cale's heart...

"... we were talking earlier anyway," Cale muttered, now blushing lightly and turning his face away from Ace's pleading gaze.

"Well, good then! Thanks you!" the dark haired one looked very happy and enthusiastic. Hands moved to ruffle the soft red hair. Earning a small grunt from the shorter man.

His gray eyes widened instantly. Realizing what he had done, he quickly retracted his hand. Awkwardly scratching the back of his neck and turned to face the steering wheel.

"T-then, we should find a way out, right?" Cale, who had forgotten his embarrassment quickly nodded. Being in the fog with this chilling cold was very unpleasant.

"Right now we're in this vicinity-" pointed Ace, at one location as the other man opened his map.

"-our Log Pose doesn't really work here either," muttered the man, making the two turn to stare at the Log Pose Cale was wearing.

"That means there are no islands around this ocean." The redhead nodded in understanding.

"Then-"

"Yohohohoo~"

The two men with black and red hair froze.

"Yohoo~ yohooo~ yohohoooo~"

Reddish-brown eyes stared at the gray. Both widened. One in surprise, the other in fear.

"I-it's-!" Cale's hand immediately came up to prevent Ace from shouting.

Out of the thick fog, a huge shadow dwarfed their ship. How surprised Cale was to see that what was about to crash into them was a huge ship!

"Move the ship now, Ace!" Swallowing his fear, the black-haired man then immediately unleashed his fire power, with a twist of the steering wheel moving his ship away from the path of the other large ships.

"Yohohohoooo~" The D. descendant gave a small gasp, shivering as the voice still rang out with a terrifying echo.

"C-cale, a-what- d-did you fuckin' hear that shit voice-ITTAI !" Cale viciously hit Ace on the head.

 

"Real man aren't afraid of obscure things like this," Cale scolded, almost mockingly and obviously, directly provoking Portgas D. Ace's manly spirit.

"DAMN! I'M NOT FUCKING AFRAID, HUH?!"

"I wasn't referring to you?"

"BUT YOU'RE OBVIOUSLY MOCKING ME?!"

"Pardon me, no?"

"HEY!"

"YOHOHO !!!"

The echoing voice became louder, almost sounding annoyed. Suddenly the two men fell silent, watching as the large ship sailed slowly beside them.

The mist thinned and the silhouette of a person turned into... a skeleton with afro hair and fully dressed as a human?

"Ladies and getleman~" Satisfied with getting the attention of two strangers, the living skeleton took another sip of his fake tea.

"Very nice weather for a chat, isn't it ~?" a long slurp and the ship passed them by.

Silence engulfed Ace and Cale who were still glued to the ghost.

"... his has afro hair," said the redhead, almost sounding mesmerized somehow. How could it remain attached to the surface of his skull? did the man's hair really grow out of its skull?

"Is this the living skeleton in question?" The fear was somewhat forgotten upon seeing it in person, moreover the skeleton was very strange and had no frightening air around it.

"Lets come closer, Ace-ya. Maybe that skeleton has information about this place." The gray-eyed man nodded, running their ship closer to the other ship. It seemed that the skull knew their intentions, so the ghost ship also stopped in its place.

"Come here, Cale." The smaller man nodded, let Ace carry him (why bridal style?) and then jumped up. Easily reaching the deck of the ghost ship.

And an afro skull greeted them. Sitting at a round table that had a shabby cloth base, three cups and a teapot.

"Have a seat, young couple," the skull teased, making Ace's face blush lightly but not deny it. Cale on the other hand did not react. Of course, the skeleton was referring to the traveling partner, right?

"I'm not a woman," Cale said flatly, a skull dropping from his jaw.

"You're not?! Even though I'm already happy to see a woman! Well, even though I don't have eyes, yohohoho~!" Cale snorted, sitting down at the table followed by Ace with his trademark frown.

"But you are so beautiful, Sir!" Ace cringed at that remark. It had been a long time since he had felt the embers to punch someone who intended to tease Cale.

The afro skull went still for a moment. The eyes or the holes where the eyes were seemed to look at Cale with a longing gaze.

"Then..."

The skull brought the skinless face closer to the front and Ace was immediately alert.

"...can I see your chest?"

Silence.

.....

.....

.....

"To check-"

//BUAKS!

"YOU BASTARD! HOW FUCKIN' DARE YOU ASK SUCH A SHAMELESS SHITTY QUESTION?!" The black-haired youth's fist was now blackened by the power of Haki and coated in the fire of Mera Mera no Mi. While the skeleton that was blown away by Ace's fiery fist let out a pitiful cry, then somewhat disappeared from the fog of the ship.

What a perverted skeleton! Glutton scowled in his mind.

Let me burn that bastard, Cale! The Cheapskate shouted. Feeling annoyed that that damn skeleton tried to harass their Cale?!

"Ace-ya."

"That shit didn't hurt you, did he?" the redhead shook his head innocently. The black-haired man sighed, immediately tying Cale's robe tightly to keep the other man's body protected under the protection of his maroon robe. He was also tempted to cover Cale's face with the hood of the robe.

"I'm s-sorry, young man! I didn't mean it like that!" the afro skull lightly jumped up and sat back in his chair. Ace growled unfriendly, but was immediately stopped by Cale.
The red-haired man took a moment to analyze his interlocutor. It seemed like this skeleton was a demon fruit user. The conclusion Cale came to after understanding the information about demon fruit from his conversation with Ace.

"What's your name, Skeleton-ssi?"

-ssi ?!

Ace looked at Cale with a betrayed face.

Why did Cale call that bastard with such a suffix of politeness and damn honor ?! Did the redhead forget about that harassing question earlier-?!

"Why do you call him '-ssi' ?" Before the skeleton could answer, Ace asked with a frown on his face. He furrowed his brow in displeasure and crossed two arms in front of his chest. A gesture that showed that he did not like Cale's friendly treatment.

"This shit filth is harassing you!"

"I haven't!"

"You want to see his chest, asshole!"

"That's because this Young Man is too beautiful!"

"So you have to look at his chest?! You fucking perverted skeleton! Shall I burn you, dipshit?!" growled Ace, his arms that were still folded started to get fiery again. Making a 'hiiikk!' sound come out from the skeleton.

"Ace-ya..." gray eyes turned around, flinching slightly when they saw the exhausted expression on the other man's face. Reddish-brown eyes looked unhappy that the two people in front of him were still fighting.

"What's your name, skeleton?" asked Cale again, as Ace was instantly satisfied and grinned dismissively at the perverted bastard in front of them.

"Introductions, gentlemen, my name is Brook!" the hat on top of the afro hair was lifted briefly and the skull named Brook bowed respectfully. Ace tch and looked away.

"My name is Cale and this man is Ace. We were traveling but suddenly got lost in this sea. Does Mr. Brook know what's going on here?" Brook was silent for a moment, not answering. Instead he grabbed the cup and took a sip like royalty.

The red-haired man observed with an interested gaze. Even though there are only bones left, but Brook can still drink or eat as usual? How does it WORK?

"Is Mr. Brook can eat and drink as usual?" asked Cale suddenly off-topic, earning a blank stare from Ace.

"Why the heck are you asking that shit?"

"-I can."

"-HAH?! HOW THE FUCK-" Ace was shocked, while Cale was mesmerized.

"Can you pee or poop too? How-?"

"CALE!"

"I can do it too."

"NANI the HECK?!"

Cale did not hear Ace's words, instead the ruddy brown-eyed man grabbed an apple pie from his magic bag, then gave it to the annoying afro-skull.

Ace really really really felt betrayed now.

Why is this Brook so easily rewarded with such a sacred apple pie?!

"Because Brook-ssi here has already managed to impress me," Cale explained suddenly, in line with Ace's own thoughts.

"Try eating this, Brook-ssi." The skull happily accepted the cake and ate it. The annoyance by the nickname disappeared when seeing the food disappear after chewing with teeth or jaws... ?

Both Cale and even Ace watched with interest.

"What a delicious pie Cale-san ! It's so crispy and melts with every bite! Well, I have teeth but no tongue for flavor, yohohoho~!"

Cale smiled widely in response and uh oh, Ace knew that face.

The dark-haired man immediately sat up straight, preparing for the frightening atmosphere of introgation and negotiation from one Cale Henituse.

"So, Brook-ssi?"

"Yes, Cale-san?"

"Isn't it bad to refuse someone's gift?"

"Right, right! Yohohoho!"

"In that case, in an exchange there should also be a balance, right?" gray eyes saw Cale linking two hands, then supporting his chin on it. The face was tilted slightly with a smile that was so sweet, that it curved his eyes.

Ace's heart was beating fast.

Cale looked so menacing and oh my goddes of the sea, so freakin' beautiful that he was willing to be stepped on-//PLAK.

Brook and Cale watched speechless as Ace slapped himself. Embarrassed, the young man lowered his head and looked away to the side.

"... continue, Cale."

"... how is it, Brook-ssi? Could you kindly share some information with this pitiful young man?" pleaded the redhead, almost in a pleading tone. The fuckin' heat. The desire to burn something was strong and Ace clenched his two hands tightly.

Then Brook nervously began to provide information.

( "Oh my! His aura is so similar to yours, Nami-san! Cale-san is so scary when negotiating!" Orange eyes looked even brighter hearing Brook's story. The more she heard about this Ace's lover, Cale, the better that person became in the Navigator's eyes.

Besides teaching Franky safe and cool looting techniques, the man also taught Brook a very useful trick!

"Nami-san... you make me nervous and sweaty. Well, even though I don't have skin, yohohoho!" )

********

"So..."

Cale Henituse was again stunned at Brook's explanation. His eyes stared blankly at the skeleton then moved to glance at Ace who was already looking away nervously.

"This... is where the zombies live?"

".... I think so."

....

....

"Portgas D. Ace."

"I swear, I don't even fuckin' know how we got stuck here?!" whined Ace, raising his hands in surrender. Earning the other red-haired man's displeased face.

"This island is dangerous. We need to get out of here," Cale said, imagining how troublesome it would be to deal with zombies? And a bunch of assholes obsessed with the undead?

Enough with the end of the world! Kim Roksoo doesn't want to deal with anything related to the undead! Shit!

"Good thinking, Cale-san. You guys should leave immediately. It's not safe here, let alone just the two of you," Brook continued with a serious aura and Ace knew that the skeleton was telling the truth.

"But how?"

"After my years of observation. it depends!" Cale looked annoyed at the uncertain answer.

"If you find a spot with less fog, you're getting closer to the exit! No one knows how this demonic water zone really works," explained the afro-skull, taking another quiet sip of his tea.

"So, we stuck in these damn waters for a few days," Ace said reluctantly, getting a nod in return.

"You can stay on my ship! It's not good to be near Thriller Bark! Their leader, Moria, could steal your shadow and you can't get out of here!"

"Hoo... so this is where that Shichibukai is languishing?" asked Ace, ooh-ing lightly at the new information. One of the Shichibukai that hadn't been seen for the past few years. Who would have thought that it would be staying in the sea of Florian Triangle to create its zombie army?

"Shichibukai ?" Ace nodded.

"And he likes to experiment with living creatures, stealing their shadows as well?" this time it was Brook who nodded.

The redhead looked pensive for a moment and an ominous air began to make Ace feel uneasy. Gray eyes widened as a smirk reappeared on Cale's beautiful face.
Don't ya say...?!

"Brook-ssi, does this Moria shit have a LOT of gold?"

"Yohohoho! So much, Cale-san! He even has a separate room for his gold!"

"Arrghhh...." groaned Ace, covering his face as the shorter man's face seemed brightened by the information.

"Very good information, Brook-ssi !" Cale clapped his hands once. Face tilted with a sweet smile. Making the skull have a rosy blush on its cheekbones. Strange indeed.

"Then, Ace-ya-!" Smiling like a Buddha statue, the black-haired man turned his head. Blink-blinks bounced off his skin imaginatively as Cale's face shone brightly with ideas.

"This world sucks, but hey! Gold!" exclaimed the cheerful redhead. Making Brook react 'so dazzling to my eyes, even though I don't have eyes yohohoho~!'.

"Listen to me carefully, Portgas D. Ace."

Two hands now grasped Ace's. The dark-haired man stammered a little as Cale brought their faces closer with a determined gaze that could not be denied. Gray met reddish brown like embers, now making the heart beat faster, again.

"Shichibukai who bother the dead body are trash," Cale said, starting the speech with a very serious voice.

"Trash that not even worth recycling." Brook by their side nodded in agreement. Joined in the fire by Cale's words.

"Gold is a very dazzling thing. It radiates purity," he continued, sounding like he was preaching and Ace could listen to that voice forever-ehh

"So, I, Cale Henituse, will be responsible for bearing the purity of gold."

....

"The point is that you just want to loot the gold," chirped Ace in the end with an amused chuckle.

"No, Ace. We're going to save that gold from this bastard Shichibukai."

"Okay, okay."

The redhead turned his head, staring at the shadowy image of Thriller Bark's ship with determination in his reddish-brown eyes. The wind blew, making the scene of Cale dramatic and at the same time funny to Ace's eyes.

"And lastly-"

Cale pulled Ace's face closer, as if to whisper the conspiracy of the universe. There was a smirk on his face, so sweet, it curved his eyes that sparkled brightly and warmly.

"Let's make that damn castle a sea of fire."

This time, Ace joined in the grin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Finally... Im finish write this crazy fic ಥvಥ)
It took a full day to type this. I have a bit of a dilemma at first, whether to enter Thriller Bark or not.
in the end, nah just enter wkwkwk why not?
As a result, Ace and Cale's behavior will be crazy in the future 😭🙏
Them in the next chapter :

 

 

I really enjoyed writing this fic, because it doesn't really follow canon so I can freely write what I wants ehehehehe
I hope you guys like it! ('❤️'ʃ♡ƪ)
Don't forget to visit other fics! Especially our new fic later~!

Thank you guys for the hype on the previous chapter, I'm touched to read that so many people like this fic 😩🤧✨
This fic will focuses more on the relaxed atmosphere and comedy interspersed with romance.

And as for Ace's panic attack, I hope it was well described 😥🙏
Because I has never experienced it, so hopefully it can seem realistic...ಥ_ಥ)

PS. Ops, I forgot to write down the scene where Ace asks about Cale's power... well, I'll add it in the next chapter~

Chapter 6: MINI OMAKE #1

Summary:

The reactions of the characters of the OP + TCF world to the chaos caused by Ace and Cale.

Notes:

Well, in the future all mini omakes will be made separate if they are too long hahaha ಥvಥ)👉👈
Thank you for your comments and support on this fic! I really appreciate it! 🥺😭🤧🥰🙏🍓❤✨

Notes:
Well... actually, there are scenes that I forgot to write too but will be added in the next Mini Omake! ✍(◔◡◔)

 

[Shirohige's Crew's POV]

It was a peaceful day as usual on the ship. Marco, as the closest person to Shirohige was relaxing on the edge of the deck. Enjoying the wind, occasionally thinking about Ace who still had no news.

"Marco-san!" The voice calling him came from the communications room. Sighing that his relaxing activities were interrupted, the blonde-haired man moved towards the origin of the voice.

"What's up, yoi?"

"Purururururu-"

"Your Den Den Mushi is making a sound!" Dark beady eyes turned to look at his snail. Brows furrowed in confusion, who was calling him? Normally if it was about pirates, it would be to the main Den Den Mushi, which belonged to their ship. Not to his personal Den Den Mushi. Marco didn't just give his number to strangers either.

He thanked him and took Den Den Mushi's device.

"Gacha."

There was a brief commotion across the phone.

"Hello-?"

"See?! This is how Den Den Mushi works!" His snail face immediately changed to have freckles on the cheeks, black hair split down the middle with familiar eyes. Ace ???

"ARGH !"

Marco's eyes widened as he heard Ace suddenly scream, but the snail's face showed no expression of pain. Instead, there was a red color on its cheeks. What the-?

"Ace? Why are you yelling, yoi?"

Silence engulfed the phone. Marco along with the rest of the crew watching in the communications room observed with interest. Shirohige's right hand sighed, feeling instantly alarmed at Ace's silence and asked in a low voice.

"Why are you calling me?"

Still no answer. Marco's eyes twitched in annoyance and-

"Pfftt-"

The sound of laughter ?

"Why are you laughing!?  " Ace growled on the other end of the line, still with a look of embarrassment reflected in Den Den Mushi's expression. Was Ace talking to someone over there?

"Ace, who are you talking to, yoi?"

"No, Ace-ya."

The voice came back quietly, but it was so soft, it was almost amused. Marco's eyes narrowed while the rest of the crew began to chuckle teasingly. He knew exactly who they were thinking of when it came to the voice that was with Ace.

"Liar! You're laughing at me, right?! HAH?! " Ace was still ignoring Marco. Den Den Mushi's face turned even redder, emitting imaginary smoke.

"Tsk, no." Said the voice again, as if holding back laughter. Getting Ace's annoyed voice. Marco sighed and tried calling out the name of his stubborn crew once more.

"Ace-?"

-and the phone just hung up.

Everyone stared at the phone ringing a broken tone with blank stares.

"... did you hear that?"

"Looks like Ace-san's girlfriend from the newspaper, doesn't it?"

"MARCO!"

The door slammed and Haruta entered with an angry, betrayed look on his face.

"Why the fuck didn't you call us?! That Ace bastard is showing off his girlfriend, isn't he?!" The news spread that fast? Marco's face soured.

"Well, we can have them replay the call," the taller man joked, making one of the commanders grin.

"Namur! Jozu! Hurry up, you guys don't want to be left behind!" Vista called from behind Haruta. There was a crisp giggle from him as everyone beamed in anticipation of Ace's beloved voice that the crew was so excited about.

"Move aside! I want to hear the closest!" growled Izo, easily shifting his friend's body to sit near Den Den Mushi.

10 minutes passed and everyone was laughing so hard, the noise was so loud that it was suffocating the communication room. Marco could feel his head starting to hurt.

"HAHAHAH! ACE THIS RANCID BASTARD, HE'S FUCKING EMBARRASSSSSEEEEE!!!" Haruta's laughter was most satisfied.

"That was adorable. Ace is acting like a typical teenager in love," Jozu said with a happy face.

"Ace's girlfriend sounds very pretty," chuckled Vista, still imagining the soft voice of Ace's interlocutor on the other side of the phone.

"Yeah..." Izo pouted and was lost in thought.

"Have you recorded the location of this Den Den Mushi ?" asked Marco to one of the crew members in charge of communications.

"Already, Marco-san! The position is recorded as being close to the sea of Water Seven! And here is the number." Marco received the paper and could feel the burning gazes of all the commanders and crew.

"What the heck are you waiting for?! Hurry up and call him!"

"YES! I'M NOT SATISFIED YET!"

"The voice wasn't very clear earlier... just call out, Marco!"

"We have to make sure!"

"Hold on, guys, give them a break, yoi," sighed Marco. Took the paper and put it in his pants pocket. In a way, he really wanted to call Ace again and ask how the other young man was doing. They hadn't spoken properly after Thatch's death and Teach's betrayal.

But, after catching a glimpse of Ace and the 'lover''s conversation, Marco didn't want to interrupt the moment.

"Ace still has no intention of telling us," everyone fell silent at the blonde man's words. Suddenly thinking about what had happened a month ago.

"Let's just wait until Ace tells us with his own will. There's already this 'girlfriend' with him, after all. Ace is not alone," Marco explained, now having a small smile on his face.

Everyone then agreed with each other and expressed their opinions. The Phoenix-powered man breathed a sigh of relief and leaned against the wall of the room.

You should thank me, Ace. I stopped them from interrupting your romantic moment, yoi.

The man then chuckled.

He must tell about this to Oyaji.

Because among all the crew... only Ace has a 'lover'.

Where is he the youngest too.

....

"Fuck."

"Oh no! Marco is swearing!"

.
.
.

[Kru Mugiwara's POV]

"Can you poop?"

"WHAT KIND OF SHIT QUESTION IS THAT, LUFFY?!"

"Yes."

"WHY ARE YOU ANSWERING TOO, YOU DAMN PERVERT SKELETON?!"

Sanji looked very frustrated now.

As usual, the captain was acting stupid at a very inopportune time. Especially after that damn skeleton wanted to see Nami-swan's precious panties! Sanji would too but he's still a gentleman!

"Yohohoho~! The way you ask reminds me of someone!"

"Yuck! Who would ask such an absurd question! It must be only Luffy!" disgusted Nami, unable to imagine a skeleton like this in front of her could do 'that'.

"Well, one of the new legends of this place, the destroyer of Thriller Bark's castle, Cale Henituse!"

The three of them fell silent upon hearing the information.

"CALE?! LIKE, ACE'S BOYFRIEND???" Nami wondered with her jaw agape. Luffy on the other hand grinned brightly with starry black eyes.

"Legend?! The castle destroyer?! What is that?!"

"... did he seriously ask that?" skeptical chef Mugiwara, his cigarette almost fell out of the holder. Let alone Nami who was gaping at each other.

"Seriously! Cale-san also asked if I could eat-"

"Can you eat too-?!" cut in Luffy excitedly.

"-I can do it!"

"Suuggeeee (cool)!"

"-and Cale-san gave me his sacred Apple Pie! Ace-san got angry because Cale-san gave me that cake!" Nami snorted. Luffy's older brother sounded extremely jealous person just because Cale shared his food.

"Then? Did you poop for him too?" chirped Sanji and Luffy burst out laughing. The teenager had already fallen face down on the deck, his laughter sounding very free and loose. Nami on the other hand looked disgusted with a reproachful look.

"Please don't make me imagine that shit skeleton poop-ugh."

"So disrespectful! I still have some shame too! Yoho!" protested the afro-skull looking offended.

"But Cale-san is so beautiful! I almost thought he was the first woman I've met in 50 years!" Sanji, if it wasn't for Franky's story, might have been fooled by this rumored beauty of Ace's lover as well. The newspaper didn't help! It only gave gloomy pictures and photos of red-capped bounties!

"Yes! I want to check his chest to prove whether he's a woman or not-"

"What are you doing?!" Nami made an increasingly disgusted face and covered her own chest. Stepping back behind Luffy who was now wearing a blank expression. Sanji gulped, instantly falling silent.

RIP skull afro. Why the heck you even reveal it too?

"Why do you want to check Ace's lover's chest?" asked Luffy, face scrunched up in confusion yet with an annoyed frown.

"To check whether Cale-san is a woman or not-"

//BUAK

Nami and Sanji gaped as the skeleton was punched by Luffy. The sound of screaming was also silent until the skeleton's shadow disappeared in the mist.

"Hey, that's rude of you," Luffy muttered unhappily. Suddenly his past memories flashed, when one of the bad guys tried to take Ace's highly guarded belongings. He also remembered Ace's heartbroken face as the items were touched, destroyed or stolen.

"Don't touch Ace's!" Nami was surprised to see Luffy's normally relaxed face, now looking very serious and defensive. So did Sanji.

Their captain has never behaved like this!

"I-I didn't touch him-!" The serious face immediately vanished with a snort. Then it became an ordinary carefree laugh. Leaving both crews speechless at their captain's drastic change of mood.

"Great! No touching Ace's!"

Nami and Sanji immediately made a note to themselves not to taunt or hit Ace's lover too much in the future. Either in front of or behind Luffy.

"Oh my! Your reaction is the same as Ace-san's! My cheeks hurt so much, even though I don't have cheeks anymore! Yohohoho~!"

"What did I tell you! Ace doesn't like his being touched!" said Luffy, nodding with serious eyes. The black-haired teenager then clapped his hands once and held them out to the skeleton in front of him.

"Hey you! Want to join my crew?!"

"LUFFY!"

.
.
.

[Monkey D. Garp's POV]

"Haaaahhhh....."

His shoulders, usually so squared, confident and oppressive, now withered on the window balcony. His face was haggard, staring at the blank newspaper with a sad face.

"Why isn't there any more information?" sighed the old man, hand raised to touch the window.

Creates a dramatic scene of a grandfather mourning the loss of his grandson, gazing out the window at the ocean. Makes for a sickening drama poster that Sengoku would happily tear up.

"Damn it, Garp. If you're going to mope, don't stay here," Sengoku grumbled, massaging the base of his head.

"But! You're a fellow grandfather with me too!"

"I don't have grandchildren, bastard!" Garp gave him a sympathetic look.

"I'm not that pathetic!"

"Huh ... grandfather without grandchildren, what do you understand?" said the D. descendant, again distracting himself with an empty newspaper.

"... don't let Ace have a wedding without inviting this grandfather..."

Oh no...

"Then have a child without saying anything..."

Whoever ...

"DON'T BE LIKE THAT SHIT DRAGON! THAT SON OF A BITCH!"

Get this damn grandpa out of his room...

"AT LEAST THROUGH THIS LOVER, ACE CAN BECOME A MARINE!"

Tsuru, who was sitting across the room sipped her tea solemnly.

"WHY ARE MY GRANDCHILDREN ALL DISOBEDIENT?! DAMN PIRATES!"

The black eyes are fiery.

Don't let his granddaughter-in-law become a pirate too! He must bring Ace's lover to the Marines' side no matter what!

"I'LL GO!" Sengoku's eyes widened. He watched in shock as Garp grabbed his uniform, then turned around with a dramatic wind effect, turning his back to the sun until his form became an epic shadow.

"HEY HEY HEY-!"

"I LEAVE EVERYTHING TO YOU, SENGOKU! TSURU! ADIOS !"

"WAIT! YOU PIECE OF-"

//BRAK!

The door closed with a strong sound.

"-shit..."

And there was a riot outside the base. Which was none other than their troublemaking admiral, Monkey D. Garp.

"Well, I can't wait see how it ends," laughed Tsuru, still casually sipping her tea.

"I want to retire soon..."

 

Fuck.

.
.
.

[Cale Family's POV]

"Are all the preparations ready, Goldie Gramp?"

"Already."

"Cale-nim seems to have become a fugitive again."

"Really, nya?!"

"I want to see it, nya!"

"Looks like our donsaeng fell into the world of trouble, ha ha ha."

"Poor Young Master Cale."

"We have to pick him up immediately."

"Wait for us to come, Cale-nim."

Everyone looked at the 'Red Riding Hood' bounty poster with determined faces.

"Ra, did you prepare a lot of Apple Pie?"

"Already!"

Slit golden eyes scanned the circle of runes they had carved.

"Let's go."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comic-style editing by myself :

Please tell me the real artist so I can give a credit! ^^

Reference from Chapter 2 wkwkwk
Our Cale-nim is SO beautiful and seduces faith ❤️❤️❤️

 

Notes:

Other fics will be updated. Either the ones I edited myself or the ones edited by Beta-Readers (I don't really dare to upload them without their help hehehe)ヾ(≧へ≦)〃

Thanks for visiting! 🥰🙏
You can give suggestions on who to react to for the next Mini Omake! But after Cale becomes famous HAHAHAHA
Our pretty unlucky bastard guy is stuck on a zombie island

Chapter 7: #5 - Chaos is a Choice!

Summary:

"Is the gold safe?" The young man nodded seriously. He gave a thumbs up.

 

"Safe." Ace grinned widely. His gray eyes twinkled with anticipation.

 

"Ready, then?"

 

"Ready." 

Notes:

First of all... I apologize for disappearing for so long? (;´༎ຶ﹏༎ຶ`)
If you've been seeing me on wattpad, I've posted there that I had a minor incident (sprained my wrist) hehe

Second, as always, THANK YOU to my dear readers for visiting this fic and liking it! I got so much love!
Like 1.5+k Kudos, 350+ Bookmarks, and 19+k hits?!
The previous chapter was also filled with so many sweet comments huhuhu! 😭😭😭😭🌹🌹🌹🌹✨✨✨
I'll reply to all your messages tomorrow because its late night here :>

 

Happy reading, guys! 🥺🤧🍓❤✨
Sorry if the story is too messy to read... I edited it myself with help from DeepL heheh ಥ_ಥ) ... ψ(._. )>

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

"What's wrong, Cale?"

 

The black-haired youth saw the redhead suddenly looking lethargic after his passionate and fiery attempt to save the gold from the hands of the evil Shichibukai named Gecko Moria. His eyes lit up with a small frown. 

 

"...I'm sleepy." 

 

Haha. Of course sleeping was Cale Henituse's first priority! 

 

Commander Shirohige held back the laughter that was about to escape him. Unable to tear away the imagery of an extremely energetic Cale suddenly becoming listlessly lethargic.

 

"I-is Cale-san alright?" Asked the skeleton, who had been watching their interaction with a worried aura.

 

.... for a living skeleton, Brook was so expressive that Ace could feel her various emotions. Even though his face was just a skull. Strange indeed.

 

"Well, he's fine. Just lost the battery." Hearing Ace's answer, Cale still frowned but did not argue.

 

"I want to sleep. Then we'll save the gold," grumbled the red-haired youth. While rubbing his eyes languidly. Giving a very sweet and unhealthy image to Ace's heart right now.

 

"Come on. I'll take you to bed-" Ace opened one arm. Intending to just carry Cale's body to the room on their ship. But did not expect that the redhead fully allowed himself to hug Ace tightly.

 

"Ace-ya, why are you so warm? Like a winter heater...," Cale murmured sleepily and a second later there was a soft snore. Signaling that the beautiful man had fallen asleep in Ace's arms.

 

Leaving the other poor black-haired youth with a racing heart. 

 

in the past, he probably would have panicked with a face like a boiled crab and immediately thrown Cale's body away. However, seeing how fragile the other man was, melted Ace's heart.

 

Still with a flushed face, he moved to carry Cale in a comfortable position (bridal style). Making the red head rest on the firm chest with a soft murmur. 

 

"A-ah..." glancing at Brook who had a blush on his bones, Ace snorted.

 

"Don't go anywhere and wait for us. Just prepare a map of Thriller Bark or at least information regarding the place in detail. Other than that, leave everything to us later." Living skeleton nodded nervously. He did not want to be beaten up by the cruel gray-eyed man like before. 

 

"Can I come with you guys then?"

 

Ace glanced over his shoulder with the corner of his eye. His aura was so cold, contrasting with the warmth he exuded to warm the beauty in his arms.

 

"Whatever."

 

Without waiting for a response, Ace jumped back onto their ship and immediately laid the sleeping Cale down in...their hammock.

 

Face reddened drastically thinking back to the moment when he realized that their bed was... only one. 

 

Cale said that two hammocks close together was both inefficient and inconvenient. If the ship was tilted, having the two hammocks bumping into each other would be uncomfortable. 

 

If the beds were the usual wooden models, it would also be impossible to sleep well when a storm hit. Their ship was small, so even a tilt could cause all the furniture to roll around.

 

So, Cale came up with a hammock for two people. 

 

...

 

Cale actually ordered it especially for himself and Ace. 

 

...

 

"...Don't be a delulu, Ace. He's just thinking of an efficient way to sleep, okay?" Calmed the D. descendant man to himself, but still ended up blushing again. 

 

After receiving this information, would Ace be able to fall asleep immediately? Of course not, dipshit-

 

He calmed himself down on the deck of the ship, sitting cross-legged Taoist-style, letting the cool breeze of the ocean wash over him while his head imagined Marco swaying with the coconut shell on his chest. 

 

It was quite effective despite the nausea in his stomach.

 

And remember! Ace is only doing the night shift to guard the ship, okay?

 

"D-don't go..." whined Cale as his personal heater started to move away. Lips curled sadly with a hand holding Ace gently. 

 

Ouch.

 

There was no way out. The grip was gentle, but deadly. Because the redhead would end up with a fussy grunt, as well as a cold stare when he woke up later.

 

How did Portgas D. Ace know? Well, he had tried to avoid Cale for two nights and well... ended up being given the cold shoulder. 

 

Then that behaviour ended when Ace finally slept next to Cale, making the redhead let out a sort of soft snore. As if Ace's body heat was actually warming him up. 

 

Finally, the Portgas young man stiffly moved next to the smaller man. 

 

The redheaded figure smiled a small, pleased smile. Sleepiness clouded his mind, so Cale unconsciously opened his arms to receive a hug.

 

By world, Ace's heart is not daijoubu right now. 

 

Especially when the eyes were sleepy, curving at the twinkle of the pretty garnett. Red hair that spread smoothly on the white pillow, paired by an oversized beige sweater that drowned the beautiful young man's form.

 

Sighing for the umpteenth time, Ace tossed his hat onto the nightstand. Removing his boots, belt and hand accessories. 

 

Ace lay down first and Cale immediately made himself comfortable in the dark-haired young man's arms. He questioned why Ace's neck and shoulders were red, but the cozy sleepiness combined with the warmth soon made Cale fall asleep again.

 

...

 

"Oyaji... Marco..." the 19-year-old muttered sadly. This was more difficult than fighting against an enemy. Because Ace was powerless to resist, and then got entangled too!

 

The soft snoring, the quiet atmosphere, the night breeze that penetrated through the crack of the cabin window, and not being alone. 

 

Ace felt himself begin to relax. His head tilted lightly to the side of Cale's reddish hair, inhaling the other young man's scent of sweet citrus. The arm supporting the redhead's head slowly moved to his waist, moving the smaller body halfway up his chest. 

 

Sleepiness began to attack him.

 

The last thing Ace felt was the image of Shirohige's crew laughing happily at each other, praising Thatch's cooking and the narcolepsy that invited his brothers' cheerful mockery.

 

A childhood with a whiny Luffy. Sabo who tries to calm the youngest with gentle persuasion. While Ace mocked him, but did not let go of his hand to stroked Luffy's black hair.

 

Then the image of Cale's laughter, Cale's grumbling, Cale's smile, Cale's sleeping form-

 

-darkness greeted Ace's sleeping flower sweetly.

 

.
.
.

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

It feels like sleeping under a kotatsu. 

 

For fun, Cale, the three children and Choi Han tried to design a kotatsu like the Japanese stuff. Aided by the skills of Rosalyn and Eruhaben (the dragon grumbled that his skills were used to make furniture), but the result was so satisfying. 

 

The warmth could cloud the mind, making sleepiness more indulgent and the thin mattress under the kotatsu could feel so luxurious.

 

That's how Cale Henituse felt waking up in Portgas D. Ace's arms.

 

Omo! You'll never guess, Cale! Glutton's giggle sounded ominous.

 

You're being so clingy~! The Thief laughed again, making Cale snort. Although there was no denying that a faint redness appeared on his cheeks.

 

Cale was not wrong. Ace was warm and that was the young man's problem! 

 

Forcing himself to wake up was torture, so Cale let himself enjoy a longer sleep. 

 

The ocean of Florian Triangle had such a cold temperature that even morning felt like dawn. Well... it seemed like the ceiling of this ocean was never bright anyway. 

 

"Already awake?" Asked the black-haired youth suddenly. His voice was heavy, still sounding very sleepy. 

 

"Not yet," Cale replied calmly, greeted with a light chuckle.

 

"You answered," Ace said again, murmuring a little and hugging Cale tighter. His lips brushed against the top of the head of red hair, sighing softly in bliss at sleeping so soundly.

 

... what happened to this young man? Where is his grumbling and raging attitude? Is this the effect of waking up early?

 

Cale... where do you keep your marriage certificate? Super Rock asked suddenly, getting a chuckle from another ancient power.

 

This kind of hug is not only practiced by married couples protests Cale, who gets a cheer of disbelief from the others.

 

"Are you hungry?" Cale nodded reflexively when asked like that. Glutton in his mind began to echo how hungry the ancient power was.

 

Ace, the kind-hearted young man, who was still in a sleepy state started to move. 

 

His movements were gentle, as if he was afraid of waking the redhead. His hand grasped the back of Cale's head, carefully laying him on the pillow. The blanket that was abandoned at their feet, Ace spread it over the smaller body.

 

"Wake up if I call you later," the other man said, hand lightly pinching Cale's cheek as he chuckled lightly.

 

Leaving the redhead in silence.

 

...that attitude is highly illegal, sir. Coughed Glutton, earning a laugh from Crazy Kid. 

 

YOU'RE ALREADY XXXX MARRIED WITH XXXX HIM CALE! 

 

What after marrying, uri Cale can't fight anymore? Asked The Cheapskate sullenly.

 

In fact, after marriage, this young Ace will be more free to keep an eye on uri Cale replied Super Rock wisely.

 

I-I'm glad Cale got such a sweet partner... h-he's hot and u-umm... sexy... >////<)

 

Silence engulfed Cale's mind.

 

EIYYOOOO CRYBABY OUR GURL!!! 

 

You're a big girl... I'm proud of you...

 

HAHAHAHAHAH EVEN CRYBABY UNDERSTANDS BETTER THAN YOU CALE!

 

CRYBABY! YOU'RE XXXX GROWN UP, BABY!

 

Where'd you learn that, Crybaby?! Is this the effect of fighting six-pack men?! 

 

....

 

Shut up, all of you.

 

The heat in Cale's cheeks was very difficult to relieve. Especially now that Glutton and The Thief couldn't stop shouting 'kiw kiw!' to Crazy Kid's 'cukurukuk'.

 

Ugh.

 

Frowning as the noisy exclamations chased away his sleepiness, Cale got up from the hammock reluctantly. Rubbing the eyes that still felt heavy but were fully awake. The head tilted slightly, making the red hair fall messily to the right side of the face. Soft, framing the beautiful features of the Roan young man.

 

Reddish-brown eyes glanced at the weather from outside the small window of their ship. On a cloudy weather that was very favorable for sleeping again.

 

Shaking his head, Cale rose reluctantly to their small sink in the corner of the cabin and brushed his teeth. Sleepiness was still setting in so Cale returned to the hammock for a quick nap.

 

Sleep...

 

"Cale! Come here, you sloth!" 

 

So fast? 

 

You brushed your teeth in 5 minutes, fell asleep in 20 minutes and have been daydreaming for 10 minutes, Cale  explain Super Rock without being asked.

 

Slowly, Cale moved from the bed. Dragging the blanket along, hugging his frame leaving a comically narrowed face.

 

Reddish-brown eyes puckered in incomprehension as Ace suddenly looked away. His ears were also flushed, down to his neck and shoulders. Was the young man cold? 

 

It shouldn't be, fire-based power did not allow its owner to get cold.

 

"What's on the menu this morning?" Cale sat at the small red table, right in the center of their ship. 

 

"The usual meat stew, with warm beer and milk for you." The black-haired man placed a large pot in the center of the table. Then plates for two, Ace's warm beer, Cale's milk and a pitcher of warm water. 

 

Not stopping there, the taller man moved behind Cale. Grabbing a small hair tie, he tied the entire front bangs of the red hair up in an apple style. Clarifying the smaller man's view. 

 

"Eat," Ace ordered then, starting his own breakfast solemnly. Pulling out some other side dishes by their side, some like karaage, tamagoyaki, and others.

 

Hmmm... does the food in this world follow Japanese customs? Other than the language, which is quite Japanese.

 

I don't know, the important thing is to eat. 

 

"Thanks for the food," Cale muttered. He started eating the soup and his eyes widened in appreciation. Whoah, didn't expect that behind such a face and body-

 

"Hey hey hey, I know that look, huh? You're underestimating me, aren't you?" Annoyed by Ace suddenly, the cheeks flushed but his eyes narrowed with a mildly annoyed expression.

 

"I haven't said anything," Cale retorted calmly.

 

"But you're questioning my skills!" 

 

"Because I didn't expect it." 

 

"What?"

 

"You can cook well." Not as good as Beacrox, it was still good to eat. 

 

A plus for Portgas D. Ace continued Glutton in his mind. Nodding in agreement and appreciation.

 

I could imagine the rows of women who wanted to marry this man in Roan  The Thief laughed.

 

"I used to cook for Luffy." The red head looked up, seeing the nostalgic smile on the other young man's face.

 

"We lived in a bandit house, in the mountains. They were never good at cooking. So we hunted meat, but cooked it raw over the coals, without any seasoning." Cale and Glutton grimaced at that description. 

 

Of course Ace and Luffy were still kids, right? Eating raw processed meat without hygiene and cooking it over a fire just like that? Were there no established adults around?

 

"What about your grandfather?" Asked Cale, now sounding displeased.

 

"Ah, Jiji? That old man rarely visits us. By the way, you remember, don't you? He's a fucking Marine. Ever since we announced we wanted to be pirates, that damn Jiji has been punishing us to the jungle," Ace's story was now cloudy and gloomy.

 

Cale was beginning to dislike this image of Jiji. Putting aside the bandits who were bandits by nature, but sentencing a child to the wilderness filled with dangerous animals?

 

"Then, where did you learn how to cook?" Cale asked starting to get interested. Even the milk Ace gave him tasted good, but it didn't make him yuck. 

 

"Before Luffy lived with me, he lived with a barmaid named Makino. I learned basic cooking from her because I was sick of eating flavorless meat every day," laughed Ace lightly, remembering the moment when Luffy's face lit up. Praising how delicious Ace's meat was after he learned how to season it with Makino.

 

"Then when I sailed with the Shirohige pirates, I learned a lot from our chef, Thatch! He really cooked a lot of good food! Imagine that, Cale. Our crew numbered in the hundreds and he could cook for all at once with the right seasonings and portions!" The red-haired youth smiled a little. This Thatch man sounded like a good chef.

 

However, for some reason a second later Ace's cheerful face turned more subdued. His black eyes looked blank, dark, shadowed by bangs that covered his expression.

 

"Ace?"

 

"... then Thatch died."

 

Ah...

 

"My condolences to your crew, Ace," Cale said softly. A hand moved to touch the tip of Ace's front bangs. It was soothing that a pair of glassy black eyes glanced up at him.

 

"Thatch sounds like a great guy." Ace nodded languidly.

 

"He's a very kind and helpful person." The red-haired young man gave a small smile.

 

"That's all it takes." 

 

"Hum? What do you mean?" Good. Now Ace's attention was distracted and focused on him. It no longer had a sad aura around it.

 

"The memories of him that are stored in your memory," Cale explained quietly. Fingertips were now playing with the surface of his water glass. Eyes shaded, remembering the memories of his family and his companion in Kim Roksoo's world. 

 

"They will remain with us as long as you remember them." 

 

When Cale looked up, he saw the other young man's stunned face. His gray eyes were wide, still glassy but with a bright twinkle. His cheeks were softly flushed, accentuating his unique freckles. 

 

How young this child in front of Cale was. 

 

His expression seemed to realize something important and that was all Cale needed. 

 

No matter how many experiences Ace had gone through, Cale sincerely hoped that the young man could learn to love himself.

 

If the person we love is saddened by our situation, isn't it better to embrace sincerity and let the memory be a reminder? Because the person we love is still with us? In our memories.

 

"I think Thatch was always proud of you, Ace. You cook well and deliciously," Cale said again. He ate the karaage stroked with sauce and hmm this is good.

 

Not long after, there was a chuckle. 

 

The black-haired man chuckled, but it felt more relieved (?) without any depressed expression on his young face. The left hand then supported the chin, the shaded eyes gazing at Cale intently. Still with a gentle smile on his face, while the black hair rustled gently on his firm cheekbones.

 

If it was quiet like this, Ace's face was innately handsome-

 

"Thank you for the reminder." Cale nodded calmly. Eating tamagoyaki and octopus-shaped sausages. 

 

Then, the gentleness disappeared and was replaced by a speechless face.

 

"Eiyy, I still can't believe your little tummy could bear all that food," Ace said, his tone almost mocking and suddenly stopping Cale's eating.

 

.... Glutton.

 

Aiihh! Why blame me, Cale? Admit it, we all like to eat, don't we?!

 

Seeing Cale's silence, as well as the annoyed frown on the red-haired man's face, brought back Ace's laughter.

 

"Just eat, finish it all." 

 

They ate in peace.

 

....

 

....

 

"...Come out," growled the young Portgas man suddenly and Cale's eyes turned to the forward end of their ship. Right in the light mist, there was the long-silent shadow of Brook watching them.

 

"Yohohoho! I'm sorry for peeking!" said the living skeleton, forgetting the pleasantries.

 

"What's wrong?" Ace asked again, still sounding unfriendly.

 

"...." 

 

Brook didn't answer, but those empty eye sockets were noticeably looking towards their breakfast. Garnett's eyes turned towards Ace, seeing that the other young man was still indifferent.

 

"Are you hungry, Brook?" The skeleton nodded so quickly that Cale was worried the skull would slip out of place. It was not a pleasant sight to imagine when you were eating, you know.

 

"Sit here." Cale pointed at the right side of his table. Got a displeased look from Ace but did not argue with his words.

 

"Another plate, Ace." Reluctantly, the Portgas young man handed a plate of meat soup and a spoon to Brook.

 

"Did you get the map?"

 

Brook, putting aside his unique and strange way of eating, nodded briefly.

 

"There is no map, but I can draw a rough map for you, Cale-san!" The red-haired man nodded happily.

 

Isn't life wonderful?

 

After the meal, comes the gold?

 

Mueheheheheheh.

 

Reddish-brown eyes sparkled attentively as the living skeleton took out a single yellowed scrap paper from his worn shirt pocket. Then he handed it to the redhead.

 

Ace across from Cale observed the situation while continuing his breakfast.

 

Thriller Bark was a small island within a large ship. It even had a river surrounding the island, then a gate in front of it. Brook was quite smart, marking places and defining them as walls fence, ditch, gates, buildings, mansions, and labs. 

 

"Where is the gold room?" Cale asked directly. 

 

"The gold room is not far from the Main Mansion. It is near the lab and the room of one of Moria's subordinates," Brook explained like an automatic machine. Cale liked this skull person even more.

 

"Good. Which area has the highest level of security?" The skeleton was silent for a moment.

 

"In front of the Mansion, the courtyard is filled with zombies. It often misleads stragglers because they hide under the grave-"

 

"Okay. Stop. Let's talk about it after we eat," Cale interrupted immediately, sensing an uncomfortable explanation ahead.

 

"And what about you-" Cale's hand reflexively moved as that face almost hit his plate of food, again.

 

Aigooo, sometimes this young man's narcolepsy bothered Cale. Why did it always come while he was eating? If he had the same condition as this young man, Cale would probably become Godzilla-

 

"I-is Ace-san okay?" Asked Brook anxiously, looking at the other young man who was now snoring lightly in the face of Cale's hand that was holding him.

 

"He's fine. Will wake up in 30 minutes," replied the redhead casually, asking Brook to hold Ace's body while Cale took the blanket and folded it into a head pillow.

 

After making sure Ace slept in a good position, they continued breakfast.

 

And the discussion of stealing Moria's gold.

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

Eyes opened just like that and Ace immediately got up from lying down.

 

Making the living skeleton sitting by his side scream girly and honestly, if he was fully conscious then Ace wanted to strangle him. 

 

"Geez, Ace-san! Why did you get up like that?! You're scaring this cute skeleton!" Brook exclaimed with two bony hands in front of his shirt. 

 

"... shouldn't I be the one scared? You're a living skeleton," Ace's speechelss made Brook chuckle.

 

"Where's Cale?" The one asked did not answer immediately, instead now having a serious aura while sipping his tea. 

 

"Preparing everything, Ace-san."

 

Preparing...? 

 

"Aaahhh...." sighed the black-haired man while covering his face with his hands. Had he fallen asleep again? While they were discussing the robbery plan and Ace fell asleep???

 

Portgas D. Ace felt abandoned :(

 

"Ace-ya? Are you fully awake?" Cale's calm voice entered the drum and Ace frowned. Hands crossed in front of his chest as he looked away. 

 

"I am," he replied curtly.

 

"Good. Here are your clothes." He reflexively caught the object Cale threw.

 

... clothes?

 

"... What's this clothes for?" Ace asked as he looked up and froze at Cale's new look. 

 

An all-black outfit, with a white-red hexagon star emblem on the chest. The black undergarment was tight, while the outside was like a hoodie covering a red head. The length of the shirt reached the thighs but the waist was tied by a kind of belt that had a black bag on the right side of the waist. Then black pants, black boots and he could see the weapon underneath the boots.

 

....

 

....

 

"Honestly Cale, your job is thief? You have a uniform," Ace chided, though he couldn't help but be fascinated.

 

Because the clothes made Cale's frame look so slim...

 

//PLAK

 

"You... have unique habits, Ace-san," said Brook wisely. Sipping his tea gracefully.

 

"Well, these are the clothes of an evil organization," Cale explained. 

 

"But we're pirates? No need to infiltrate and just-!" Reddish-brown eyes smoldered frighteningly and Ace's guts shrank somewhat. 

 

"You're the only pirate here." 

 

"Me too," Brook replied unprompted.

 

"You've been dead for 50 years." 

 

"So hidoi, Cale-san! But its true! Yohohoho~!"

 

"We loot in an elegant way. Gold must be taken with great care. Carelessness make a gap and the gold will leave a trail," Cale's speech was long, passionate. Leaving no room for Ace to argue.

 

( Well, when else would this guy ramble on at length for Ace'? Even though the context was about his slacker life with gold as his bed? ) 

 

The red-haired man then took a seat across from their small table that was now full of papers and plans.

 

"Hurry up and I'll explain it in more detail." 

 

Eyes widened at that sentence.

 

"You... waited for me?" Ace asked almost expectantly. Garnett's eyes looked back at him as if he was the odd one out.

 

"Why ask the obvious? Hurry up." Grinning wildly, Ace nodded and quickly entered their cabin. 

 

The young man had previously looked like a very sad puppy, his ears drooping down. Then brightened up by Cale's words. Making an imaginary tail wag behind him. 

 

Brook wisely kept that comment mentally.

 

It only took ten minutes and Ace, in the same uniform sat on Cale's left side. While Brook was on his right side.

 

"The looting we are doing is divided into two teams. The gold team and the trap team." Cale started the explanation while raising two fingers.

 

"The teams are clear. Me and Ace will loot the gold, while Brook will set traps and outwit these crazy bastards." Ace tilted his head lightly. Brook's job was quite tough.

 

"That's because Brook here has memorized the location of the Thriller Bark. The job is pretty easy. Setting traps," continued the smallest man, as if he knew Ace's thoughts.

 

"What trap do you mean?" Cale didn't answer. Just grinned wider and Ace couldn't help but imagine the evil plans in that pretty red head.

 

"Okay, okay. We'll loot the gold and Brook sets up a trap," Ace said, giving up and Cale nodded happily. 

 

How fuckin' kawaii.

 

"The gold room is located near this zombie Shichibukai's room. Then there's a subordinate named Perona guarding. That's why we need Brook to distract." 

 

"How do we approach Thriller Bark? This skeleton has said before that this Shichibukai zombie can sense comers?" 

 

"Good question. That's why we're wearing the uniform of this evil organization," Cale replied seriously.

 

His hand moved to open the black bag that was previously placed on the right side of his waist.

 

... is that the magic bag?

 

Cale then took out a total of 6 palm-sized black balls. The smaller man asked Ace and Brook to place them around the ship. Obeying Cale's words hesitantly, a second later Ace could feel some kind of strange aura starting to surround their ship.

 

"Whoah! What is it, Cale-san?! The thing that came out of your magic bag created this effect?!" Brook exclaimed looking amazed. The corners of Cale's lips turned up at that.

 

Of course, Raon was very good at creating magic tools like this. Thanks to the teachings of the great mage Rosalyn, his mother who was a former Dragon King and of course their eldest dragon Eruhaben-nim.

 

"No comment." 

 

One day... Ace would know all the secrets of this pretty man...

 

"Like the black ball effect, our organization's suits have the same effect. They are also fire and water resistant." The young D. descendant gaped a little at the explanation of the clothes he was wearing.

 

... whoah.

 

Cale's magic bag would definitely sell so fuckin' well in the world market.

 

"Brook will go down first. Then give the signal through the west side where the graveyard is located-"

 

Cale straightforwardly, quickly but leaving no gaps in explaining their plan.

 

It was actually quite simple, just like the words at the beginning.

 

They looted while Brook was distracted to escape later.

 

Want to fight Shichibukai? Well, there were only 3 of them and Ace wasn't sure he could fight Shichibukai who had years of fighting experience. 

 

Okay, Ace could. 

 

It's because he has learned the combination of haki and demon fruit, but not with Cale who might get hurt by his side. Moreover, there were many subordinates as well as disgusting zombies.

 

Cale also described the inner map of Thriller Bark's castle in amazing detail, just by hearing from Brook's explanation. Ace observed the space plan and nodded in understanding. They should carefully avoid the lab, which was located in the center of the castle.

 

In the lab, resided Doctor Hogback who was the creator of the zombies. Combined with the shadow-powered Shichibukai to bring corpses back to life. What a terrifying boss-subordinate combination.

 

The Shichibukai's subordinates also sound annoying. Especially this Absalom who has invisible powers.

 

Just hearing it made the division commander Shirohige feel wary. 

 

Brook then briefly explained each of Moria's subordinates and their powers, the territory around the castle and about its shadow owner named Ryuma who was dangerous.

 

"Please remember, Cale-san, Ace-san. Don't let your shadows be stolen by Moria. Since your bodies are still alive, losing your shadow is fatal. You will die at sunrise tomorrow if your shadow is stolen," Brook explained in a serious voice. 

 

Ace gulped, thinking for a moment that this zombie Shichibukai was really an annoying and dangerous type of enemy.

 

"...poor gold...surrounded by bastards," sighed Cale sadly after hearing all of Brook's explanation, including the final warning.

 

Suddenly making the young D. descendant stifle a laugh.

 

Civilians would normally be scared, some pirates and marines too. Especially the last warning about dying if your shadow was stolen. But Cale casually put gold above all else.

 

"Then, everything is clear?" Both nodded.

 

"Avoid fighting as much as possible." 

 

"We came to save the gold." Reddish-brown eyes glanced at Brook for a moment, before smiling so sweetly that they curved beautifully.

 

"Perhaps not now that your shadow is obtained, Brook-ssi," Cale said suddenly, his voice calm, melodious against the gentle sea waves. It was like whispering a secret.

 

Ace ignored the small annoyance when Brook's nickname changed to 'Brook-ssi'.

 

"Yes, Cale-san?" The red-haired young man gave a small chuckle.

 

"Make a perfect trap and have fun, Brook-ssi." A hand rose to pat the shoulder of the living skeleton twice.

 

"Who knows, someone will like the new playground you created." 

 

Ace was only stunned at that sentence. For a moment, Cale gave off a strange aura around him. The reddish-brown eyes that usually twinkled with amusement or sleepiness now looked like the eyes of... Oyaji who knows many things? 

 

Full of understanding with a gaze looking deep into the bottom of the endless sea.

 

( Really. Ace shouldn't have to feel lucky or extremely lucky to have such a wonderful lover-? )

 

"Then, I'll get ready first, Cale-san, Ace-san! It won't take long!" Sounding enthusiastic, the skeleton then jumped up and disappeared into the mist of his large ship.

 

"Ace-ya?"

 

"Hm?" 

 

"Here, cover your face." Cale held out a cloth to cover their faces. The taller young man obeyed without question.

 

"Ace-ya?"

 

"Hm?"

 

"Does Luffy like to mess around?" The brother snorted affectionately.

 

"Always." 

 

Cale nodded briefly and Ace's eyebrows raised curiously.

 

"Why?" 

 

"Well, I guess it doesn't matter that the ruined castle became your little brother's playground later, right? Fumu~" 

 

The wind blew a little hard, making the hoodie covering Cale's head fall back. The red hair was tied up, but still left bangs to frame the beautiful face that was now grinning brightly at him. Garnett's eyes lit up like crackling fire and it stirred the embers within Ace.

 

The black-haired young man grinned too.

 

If you can't defeat all those bastards, why not just destroy their house?

 

Yes...

 

HELL YEAHH DESU NEE.

 

Ace liked that idea.

 

"Vent all your stress after our gold is safe, Ace-ya~" 

 

"My pleasure, baby~" replied Ace who was following the villain's background vibes.

 

...

 

...

 

HUAARGHHH!!!???? BAAABYYY????!!!

 

ACE YOU CRAZY OTOKO-?!

 

Geez, what an innocent young man sighed The Thief seeing the Portgas man now blushing furiously.

 

And uri Cale still dissolved in his beloved gold- all the ancient powers were laughing at Cale's indifference towards Ace who was now trying to hide his embarrassment behind a black cloth to cover his face.

 

They are so adorable~

.
.
.

[2 hours later]

 

Brook's signal came in a light tap on the ground and Ace had no idea how Cale could feel it.

 

One of the mysteries of the red-haired man's power that had yet to be fully revealed. Since Cale has no intention of telling Ace yet, then this gentle man would wait for him. Clearly, he needed to protect Cale from getting hurt or post-using his strange powers.

 

Ace's initial speculation was that Cale's power was a Devil Fruit with a water element. Considering Cale could control seawater... it sounded like a contradiction since they couldn't swim if they ate demon fruit. So Ace doubted this theory.

 

Moreover, his theory was immediately broken by the golden lightning attack with the fire rose? The tornado that he had caught a glimpse of?

 

Heck desu ne, Ace had never heard of 1 person surviving after eating 4 Paramecia-type demon fruits. 

 

"Ace." Eyes blinked awake from reverie. They had already arrived behind the Thriller Bark after sailing for 2 hours. 

 

Cale, on the other hand was amazed at the scene in front of him. 

 

Thriller Bark deserved the title of the largest ship.

 

Even the chains connecting the supporting timbers on each of the parapet walls, looked the size of a house? 

 

He somewhat underestimated the situation, but that was okay. Cale Henituse was good at adapting. 

 

Climbing up the wall was not a problem-

 

Because I am here~ The Thief's stylized giggle in Cale's mind. Getting laughter from Glutton and Crybaby.

 

"Then, be careful, Brook-ssi." 

 

"Yohohoho! It's a pleasure working with you, young cute couple! This old man will finish the job well!" Both of them, including Cale, gaped as they watched the living skeleton begin to float effortlessly through the air and disappear behind the thick barrier wall.

 

Leaving Ace and Cale in silence as Brook had about 1 hour to prepare half a trap as a distraction.

 

"Can you climb up there?" Cale suddenly asked the young man beside him. The young pirate's face darkened.

 

"I can, but I won't get there right away." If only Ace had learned one of CP0's techniques that could walk on air....

 

Ace had a similar technique that he had developed, but it lacked an easy foothold from the ground up. 

 

"No problem then." The D. descendant's eyebrows raised one at the redhead's calm response.

 

"Looks like Brook-ssi has finished finishing the trap." Both eyebrows raised in interest. How did Cale know that?

 

Well, it was not the right time to ask. The redhead was focusing on his gold.

 

"Carry me," Cale said suddenly making Ace's brain stop working for a moment.

 

"Huh?" 

 

He stared blankly at Cale who reached out to him. Although his face was covered by a black cloth and hoodie, garnett's reddish-brown eyes somehow looked more doe and blinked playfully.

 

"Carry me," Cale repeated again. Still in a calm voice. 

 

Face flushed red, body full of clumsiness, moving with a bridal-style carrying stance-

 

It looked like Ace had been moving too long, so the redhead jumped sideways. Hands reflexively curled around Ace's broad shoulders with her trademark flat face.

 

"You're slower than the Speedometer." 

 

"Huh???" Who the heck is Speedometer anyway-? Forget that-! There's more important-

 

'"-why did you suddenly jump like that, bro?! If I hadn't reflexively caught you, you would have fuckin' fallen, ya?!" The Portgas growled, shaking Cale's body in his arms anxiously. His face was still red, but it emitted imaginary smoke especially when the other youth chuckled ignorantly.

 

"You caught me, though. So it's safe." A thumbs up was given and that innocent face was all Ace wanted to throw into the sea.

 

(The sea of his love eaakk-)

 

"Come on, we're taking too long to reply to Brook-ssi's signal." 

 

Ace grumbled but obeyed. 

 

Moments later, he felt his body start to float. Suddenly his grip tightened on Cale's body, who was looking up with a look of concentration on his face.

 

One of his powers. Wind.

 

Wow.

 

Ace was really curious now what demon fruit Cale was eating.

 

Then, the handsome face twisted. Suddenly remembering that the body of this man smaller than him could not keep up with that power-

 

"Cale! Stop it! I can take us up there!" 

 

"It's more efficient-"

 

"But you'll vomit blood-!"

 

"-my gold is waiting-"

 

"-I don't care, bruh! I'm more concerned about your health-!"

 

"-take my apple pie instead-"

 

"-aarrgghhhh-!"

 

They reached the top of the wall and Ace immediately knelt down, still in the mode of holding Cale who was now coughing a little.

 

"Stupid shia, Cale. I told you not to-!" Ace was really annoyed, so he lightly strangled Cale in his arms and pinch the red haired man's cheek. 

 

"Appo-"

 

"Where's your magic fuckin' bag?! Did you vomit blood?! Shit-!" 

 

Gray eyes widened as Cale's index finger landed in front of his lips. Suddenly his gaze squinted at the finger, then at Cale who was scowling at him. His face was pale, but not vomiting blood.

 

"Chatty. I know my limits."

 

( "Don't believe him, Ace-nim. Cale-nim is a terrible liar."

 

"Look in the mirror, Choi Han. There you are :D" )

 

"Where's the light gun?" 

 

Picking up the requested object on the left side of his waist, Ace watched as Cale pointed it towards the sky. When it fired... there was nothing? Then there was no sound either?

 

What?

 

"Where... where's the light?" Ace asked speechlessly. 

 

"I sent it to Brook-ssi." 

 

"How-?"

 

"No comment." 

 

Geezzzzz.

 

Okay, Ace was solemnly silent. But was mentally pinching both of Cale's cheeks furiously until they turned bright red.

 

"Now let me take us down there." Cale nodded, letting Ace carry him again. The Shirohige commander then began to take the long way around, running and leaping forward. 

 

Cale watched the young man's antics with appreciation. Especially when Ace used the air foothold that produced fire (?) to create a high jump. They landed on the ground without a sound.

 

"Brook-ssi is executing the second stage of the trap. We need to hurry up." Ace nodded. He put Cale down, letting the redhead lead the way with the map in his hand.

 

The closer they got, the bigger the castle looked. The fog also thickened, as if warning the uninvited visitors that they would get lost if they tried to enter the castle.

 

As Brook explained, the backyard had no guards. Only a forest that contained traps from one of Moria's subordinate forces called Perona. But, thanks to Cale's clothes and the path they traveled, Perona's power was not active. 

 

The red-haired youth seemed to know which way to go, even though this was their first time at Thriller Bark?

 

Sometimes they would hide. Behind trees (without touching them), bushes, ditches, and tall rocks. Ace could also see some oddly shaped zombies, like a mix of animals passing by in the forest. 

 

Occasionally, Ace saw Cale looking around them, pausing as if pensive and walking back. 

 

Shirohige commander was completely confused, but also amazed and astonished by Cale's behavior.

 

Perhaps... 

 

He was reminded of one of Oyaji's stories. About the voice-

 

"Ace," Cale called. The whispered tone was calm. 

 

"We're going in." The words were spoken in the form of hand instructions and Ace nodded.

 

The young man looked at the fence wall that bordered the mansion, then picked Cale up and easily passed through. 

 

The red-haired youth gave a thumbs up with a flat expression, before walking back. Leaving Ace who repeatedly uttered the word 'adorable' in his heart. 

 

"Window." Cale pointed at one of the open windows on the second floor. Ace nodded.

 

They worked together in silence. Cale who immediately jumped behind Ace to be carried in piggy back mode, while the Shirohige commander jumped to the second floor with a light leap.

 

Having Ace as his looting partner was great. His agility, stamina, and strength were just like Choi Han's. Cale mentally nodded in pleasure.

 

They entered a room that looked like normal room? There were furniture such as a bed, a wardrobe carpeted on the floor, a study table and even a bookshelf. Probably the room of one of Dr. Hogback's subordinates. Given that their location was close to his lab. 

 

Cale quietly opened the door and Ace gaped a little at the view of the castle hallway. 

 

"The gold room is upstairs." Cale pointed at the map in his hand. Ace nodded behind him, almost resting his chin on the crown of the rose-red hair.

 

They then walked slowly and quietly past the few zombies that passed by. He then remembered, they were actually visible. It was just that Cale's villain suit was designed to confuse one's senses. 

 

How the zombies could be fooled, don't ask Ace. He's just admiring this villain suit, okay? That's why Ace explained it for you dear readers to understand.

 

And then, one of Perona's rumored frequent underlings, Kumashi, walked up to them.

 

The zombie resembled a patchwork teddy bear. Its body was made of white, light blue, and orange fabric with bandages on its lower body, legs, and arms. It wore a large white and blue hat on its head and a surgical mask over its mouth, with bulging eyes that had red veins around them. 

 

Kumashi seemed to notice something strange, so Ace dragged Cale to one corner of the hallway. The young man instinctively hid the redhead in his arms, while gray eyes watched Kumashi's movements silently. 

 

Cale, on the other hand blinked in surprise in Ace's arms. Two hands clenched in front of the taller man's clothes, could feel his heartbeat speeding up. Was Ace scared? 

 

About to make a questioning face, he was slightly stunned when the young man now looked up at him. His gray eyes sparkled sharply, there was a strange twinkle in them but immediately broke the contact. Vaguely, Cale could see the blush around the cheeks near Ace's eyes.

 

Hmmm...

 

Cale... Thief's sigh was getting tired for some reason. It was followed by the laughter, chuckles, and gasps of other ancient powers.

 

"Let's continue." Forgetting his curiosity, Cale nodded. 

 

They continued walking, climbing the stairs and passing the zombie guard quietly.

 

.
.
.

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

"Gold!" 

 

They reached the treasure room with ease.

 

For a moment, Ace stole another glance at the entrance handle which was completely destroyed, melted by the strange substance Cale had taken out of his magic bag. Then, a bright color blinded his eyes as he turned to the front.

 

The young D. descendant whistled softly and grinned. 

 

His pirate soul purred lightly, delighted at their loot displayed in front of them. 

 

Piles of gold, silver, diamonds and rare artifacts were available. Ancient carved chests, various other maps, then stones like diamond-type in various colors. It seemed Ace was beginning to realize why this sleeping maniac likes gold. 

 

"Ace, get the Speedometer! Hurry!" The relaxed face turned confused. Who was Speedometer anyway? 

 

"You fool. Our slug." The black-haired elder gaped.

 

"Since when did you name it?"

 

"Since yesterday," replied the other man, still with a sweet voice and pretty bright eyes. Obviously blinded by their victory.

 

Still confused yet amused, Ace moved behind Cale's body. His right hand then searched for the snail in the red-haired man's magic bag. He chuckled as he saw the snail showing an annoyed expression.

 

"Why did you put it in your magic bag? It's upset." Ace froze, realizing that Cale was now leaning against his chest. Especially when his head looked up, unprepared to see the beautiful face that had been stripped of his black cloth. 

 

Grinning brightly like a cat playing with a canary.

 

"All fit in my magic bag." Blushing as well as grumbling, Ace then sighed in surrender.

 

"What's Den Den Mushi for?" 

 

"For photos." The eyes blinked twice, still with that sweet smile.

 

"Photos of our achievements!" Cale exclaimed and ugh-Ace couldn't resist this cute attack-!

 

Why was this guy suddenly being so sweet, cute and adorable?

 

( Well. Gold was the main factor-)

 

It was a good thing that the Den Den Mushi Ace bought was the mutation type. So it was the type that could take pictures or record things. 

 

So, Ace gently turned their bodies to face the pile of treasures. The left hand then came to rest on Cale's shoulder, while the right one was lifted up. 

 

Den Den Mushi, whom Cale had just named Speedometer, immediately understood and activated the camera device. 

 

"Smile, Ace-ya. Smile," Cale protested, calm but there was a sullen tone. 

 

"Yes, yes," sighed Ace, tired but inwardly amused. Suddenly, that handsome face broke into a smug grin. Making his gray eyes shine with excitement and pleasure. 

 

Cale on the other hand smiled sweetly. One hand was raised in front of his chest, carrying a pile of gold and the other hand gave a thumbs-up to the camera. 

 

Speedometer emitted a 'gacha' sound and the image was captured in several photos. 

 

"Good." Cale nodded in satisfaction. The smaller man then knelt down to put his gold into the magic bag. 

 

Ace put the Speedometer onto his shoulder, then knelt down to help the redhead. 

 

The bag was too small it seemed, so Cale whispered something in a foreign language and then enlarged. 

 

Both Ace and the slug gaped at the absurdity on display. 

 

Cale, ignoring them, was busy stuffing gold into his magic bag.

 

The red-haired youth even used his strange wind power to form a white whirlwind pickaxe like a pipe (?) then sucked all the gold into the bag...

 

Oyaji... looks like I haven't explored this world and its oddities enough...

 

Ace's feelings were mixed. Between speechless and wanting to laugh. 

 

He decided to stifle his laugh. Getting a strange look from the redhead who immediately made instructions to be quiet. 

 

Undeniably, Cale's weirdness brought its own joy to Ace.

 

It was like adventuring with the contradictory side of the world. Exploring in all its boundless imagination. As well as mixed feelings in laughter, excitement, pleasure, strange and funny.

 

Occasionally, Ace would tease Cale. Taking some accessories like a crown and putting it on the red head then bowing in royalty. Making the other youth reciprocate by attaching some kind of earring to Ace's ear and a pirate hand to Ace, making the black-haired man act like an evil pirate.

 

Cale then raised a pink stick, with a crescent moon and a piece of jewelry in the middle. Putting on a serious face, the redhead then extended the staff forward and in a flat voice-

 

"With the power of the moon, I will punish you-!" 

 

....

 

....

 

"Ppfftt-BUAHAHAHAHHA WHAT the heck IS THAT, CALE-?!" The owner of garnett eyes blushed a small but proud look. He nodded in satisfaction and put the strange stick into his bag.

 

Portgas D. Ace was having fun.

 

"Come on, we're running out of time-" 

 

-DUARRR!!!

 

Silence engulfed the two men as there was an explosion from the west side of Thriller Bark.

 

...

 

...

 

"Aigoo..." Cale sighed. Vaguely, Ace could imagine the living skeleton clumsily apologizing for the mistake.

 

Brook had set off the booby trap too soon. It should have been when they were already outside the castle, Cale gave the second signal, only then did they activate the trap.

 

The red-haired man then shrunk his magic bag (not forgetting to put the protesting Speedometer in it), covered his face with a black cloth, opened the door of the treasure room and-

 

"My, my, my! Who is this entering the treasure room?" There was a screech of a girl's voice. Ace saw the figure of a bright pink-haired teenager, with thick white makeup, lips smeared with dark lipstick, doll-like facial features and combined with large dark eyes. 

 

While taking a fighting stance, Cale threw something at the girl and poof! A strange reddish-gray smoke appeared accompanied by their opponent's undignified screech.

 

"What is that-?"

 

"Run!" 

 

The two reflexively ran in opposite directions. 

 

"They're here!"

 

"Shit! Another intruder?!" 

 

"Moria-sama will be fucking MAD-!"

 

"The treasure is GONE!"

 

"Thieves! THIEVES!" 

 

"We're looters-!" Cale retorted to the zombies chasing them behind. 

 

-DWOARR!!!

 

-DWOARRRRR!!!

 

-DWOAAARRRRR!!!

 

Brook also seemed to see this riot as a sign, activating another trap at once. 

 

"Damn, too fast. That living skeleton-!" Ace stifled a threatened chuckle. He was glad that Cale was annoyed at Brook mueheheh-

 

"Ace, carry me-" just about to reach out, the black-haired man saw the redhead move to the side and stop suddenly.

 

"Who the-?!" Activating Kenbunshoku Haki, he saw an invisible figure holding Cale and-

 

"AJDKVSAH CKB-!!! YOU CHAMELEONFUCKERS! STOP-!"

 

"MY BRIDE IS HEERRREEE-!!!"

 

Poor Cale was taken away, turning to the south side of the mansion. Feeling a sense of deja vu, Ace saw the redhead being carried over the invisible kidnapper's shoulder and then-

 

-heard a slapping sound.

 

"Hng ?!" 

 

...

 

...

 

Silence engulfed the escape. Cale's face was shocked, then flushed red with clenched hands. While Ace's gaped, veins popped out on his forehead and jaw. Hands were now clad in haki as well as the hottest red flames, while feet prepared to increase speed-

 

"SONOFABITCH! HOW FUCKIN' DARE YOU SLAP CALE'S ASS?!" All kinds of curses came out of Ace's mouth as he ran over.

 

Bastard. Son of a bitch. Dog. Pig. Girrafe. Asshole. Fuck. Dipshit. Peace of shit. MERDA-!

 

Cale, not to forget shame as well as anger, the ancient power in his mind raged.

 

The castle trembled, the wind began to howl violently, the sea water rippled menacingly and the surrounding flames burned bigger.

 

HOW DARE THIS LOW XXX TOUCH URI XXX CALE'S ASS THAT XXXX SACRED-?!

 

KICK THIS MF EEGS, CALE! LIKE THIS! HEEIYYAAA- 🦵

 

FUCKING BURN HIS COCK FIRST! BUUURRRNNNN

 

CRUSH IT. WRATH OF THE ROCK-!

 

B-bastard-!

 

GO CRYBABY, PUNCH HIM WITH THE SHIELD!

 

Cale tried to move, but the bastard's restraints were too strong on his thighs and legs. Leaving his hands trying to grab his hair and hit his head. It didn't seem to be affected by Cale's pathetic stamina. Moreover, he was tired of running around with Ace, chased by zombies too.

 

Furious. His hands began to harden with stone, then red streaks of flames-

 

"You damn bastard-!"

 

The kidnapper was invisibly startled, coming to a halt.

 

"You-you're a man-?!" 

 

-BUAK! 

 

Cale hit the back of the kidnapper's head. It made the stronger body flinch and the grip loosen. Immediately his foot moved into the center of the human resources and crack-! Cale was suddenly thrown away as the perverted figure was now kneeling and screaming in pain while holding his things.

 

His invisible form then faded into a half-human, half-lion (?) zombie figure with golden hair and cheap noble clothes.

 

And the-

 

"SHIDEEEEEE-!" -without mercy, Ace pulled out his strongest ultimate move and punched the bastard. 

 

Feeling the riot coming on, Cale was forced to stop his revenge and stop Ace.

 

"We should run first-!" 

 

Growling but nodding, Ace reluctantly ran away from the crowd of zombie guards. Not only that, there were white ghosts with strange zombies mixed with animals and humans. Large zombies with the shape of spiders and such.

 

Some of them tried to attack, but were blocked by a silvery white shield that now surrounded the deadly duo's form.

 

"Kyaak-?! My sweet ghosts don't work?!"

 

"The shield is strong !"

 

"Miss Perona's ghost bounced off !"

 

Ace unceremoniously carried the redhead's exhausted body. The man occasionally nimbly dodged attacks. Jumping from one piece of furniture to another, even though there was a redhead in his arms. 

 

"Cale?"

 

The summoned master turned his head.

 

"Is the gold safe?" The young man nodded seriously. He gave a thumbs up.

 

"Safe."

 

Ace grinned widely. His gray eyes twinkled with anticipation.

 

"Ready, then?" 

 

Cale, in his arms, grinned behind the black cloth. A hand moved inside his magic bag. Pulling out some kind of weapon, it was pointed in front of them. A dead end with thick white walls.

 

"Ready." 

 

Hand positioned the weapon over the shoulder, already loaded with large bullets and only needed a finger push and-

 

-DWOAAARR!!!

 

Menacing laughter boomed throughout Thriller Bark.

 

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Not far from them, in the throne room, the Shichibukai Zombie gaped. 

 

Dr. Hogback by his side was also gaping.

 

The state of our castle is pathetic and ravaged.

 

"YOHOHOHO-! I'M SO HAPPY THAT MY HEART IS BEATING! EVEN THOUGH I DON'T HAVE A HEART-! YOHOHOHO-! "

 

"GYAHAHAHAHAH!!! FIRE FIST ACE-!!! "

 

"WRATH OF THE ROCK-!"

 

-DWOAAARRR!!!

 

-WUUIISSHHH!!!

 

-CTARR!!!

 

The Thriller Bark was now filled with smoke from various places. However, somehow a deafening silence enveloped these two undead superiors and subordinates. The sound of violins could be heard from the opera room, dramatizing their background. Where the zombies were bouncing pitifully by bombs and nature's fury from nowhere.

 

"... is that a meteor?"

 

Moria was hysterical at Dr. Hogback's question.

 

"NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO ASK, YOU DUMB! ATTACK THE INTRUDER!!!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINI OMAKE:

[Mugiwara Crew's POV]

 

Nami gaped at the state of the island that was... pitifully destroyed. The mist also disappeared inexplicably, leaving the huge ship clearly visible in the mist sea of Florian Triangle.

 

Brook said a month had passed and the smoke was still visible everywhere? 

 

What... what was going on here?

 

Then, why are they trapped here anyway?

 

Especially if it wasn't...

 

"IT'S YOUR FAULT, DUMMY CAPTAIN!"

 

-BUAKS! 

 

"ITTAII !!!" Luffy complained, as his head was mercilessly pinched by the furious Nami.

 

"WHY WAS YOUR SHADOW STOLEN ANYWAY?!" Robin was laughing on the deck of their ship. Chopper and Ussop stood in fear behind Franky who was still chuckling.

 

"How would I know! All of a sudden Brook says I don't have a shadow?" 

 

"Nonsense! There were clearly only four of us on that ship earlier?!"

 

"We have to get Luffy-san's shadow as soon as possible! If not, Luffy-san will be dead by tomorrow-!" The Navigator could feel his soul drifting away hearing the living skeleton's explanation.

 

What should they do?! 

 

Their enemy was a Shichibukai!

 

Winning against Shichibukai Crocodile is indeed a great achievement for Luffy. Especially during the Ennies Lobies incident to pick up Robin. Luffy fought the CP0 leader single-handedly and also pulled out his latest move Gear 2. Nami didn't doubt their captain, but with an army of zombies and an island full of ghosts?! Nami hates ghosts!

 

"Is this Shichibukai Zombie strong, Brook?"

 

"LUFFYYYY! YOUR SHADOW WAS STOLEN AND YOU WANT TO FIGHT-?!"

 

"Nami... you're no fun-"

 

"Captain..." even Zoro sighed.

 

"... its looks like fun. When do we leave?" 

 

-PLACK!!!

 

"YOU'RE JUST THE FUCKIN' SAME!!!" Nami gasped, having gone on a rampage. Thanking Sanji for giving her a drink for a moment.

 

"C-calm down everyone." All heads turned again towards Brook.

 

"What do you mean to calm down, Brook brro?" Asked Franky skeptically.

 

"You guys could get hurt-!" The anxious Chopper shook cheerfully, hugging tightly the chuckling Robin.

 

"Maybe we're all hurt, but we're still alive, right? Not like zombies who get hurt but still die."

 

"Hiiiii-! Robin! Your jokes aren't funny!" cried Ussop and Luffy laughed at the interaction.

 

"Yeah, what do you mean calm down, skull?" Zoro demanded, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Of course with the usual sullen expression on the three-sword swordsman's face.

 

"Thriller Bark is a gift for you, Luffy-san." The word 'gift' suddenly made the energetic teenager's focus shift completely to Brook.

 

"Gift?" The living skeleton nodded amiably.

 

"From Ace-san and Cale-san." 

 

Suddenly, dark eyes sparkled with stars. Their captain pranced happily, like a dog, moving there yesterday urging Brook to explain further.

 

"Ace-?! Giving gifts?! Meat?! Then... Cale too?! A gift from Cale?!" Brook nodded again. Pulling out an item that left Nami stunned.

 

"Eeehhhh... it's gold, not meat!" Luffy complained then sadly.

 

"No, it's not. Listen first, Luffy-san!" 

 

"Okay, explain briefly!" 

 

"It's a gift for a good boy. Cale-san said." Nami, Ussop and Sanji snorted. Luffy? A good boy? Well, a good boy indeed but often acting up. Their favorite annoying captain.

 

"The Thriller Bark playground is available as a gift for Luffy-san to play on. Some of them were already destroyed, so Ace-san provided an enemy for Luffy-san to develop!"

 

"Hoooo! A mysterious enemy! I like it! Xixixi!"

 

"If Luffy-san makes it through all the enemy stages, pocket money is given!" Brook took out a large glass in the shape of cartoon flesh and see-through. 

 

"That... piggy bank?" Speecless Ussop. 

 

"Ara, how sweet," chuckled Robin with a smile behind his hand. 

 

"Pocket money?" chirped the captain, tilted his head cutely.

 

"If you want meat, you have to work. The good boy who does his duty gets pocket money to buy the best meat. Cale-san said." 

 

"This is heresy. This is fuckin' heresy. He influenced Luffy to mess up the island! I-I suddenly got a heresy-avoidance disease-!" Ussop looked betrayed at Zoro who was covering his mouth. The captain's right hand man looked interested.

 

"This applies to all crew members as well." 

 

Brook looked away. Looking at the Mugiwara crew one by one with his dark eye holes.

 

"Cale-san prepared all the gifts here!" 

 

"Even for me?" Asked Mugiwara's female archaeologist doubtfully and the skeleton nodded.

 

"Everyone gets a gift!"

 

"YOOSSSHHHH-!!!" 

 

Luffy giggled happily, staring at the half-destroyed Thriller Bark with burning embers in his eyes. Hands clenched tightly, sizzling with heat from his Gear 2 move. He couldn't wait to test his new skills further.

 

When else would Ace provide a training menu like this? A huge playground! His older brother was so cool. Understanding the plight of Luffy who was bored in the ocean for a week without fighting. Then Cale, Ace's lover, also gave a gift of gold to buy meat?! SO COOL!!!

 

Fufufu~

 

Luffy couldn't wait to show the results of his hard work.

 

"LETS GO MINNA! MEAT-!!!"

 

"GOOLLDDD-!!!"

 

"NAMI?! YOU'RE AFFECTED-!"

 

"Hahahaha! Sake! Sleep! Fight! The best swordsman in the world is coming-!"

 

"WAIT FOR ME! NAMI-SWAANNN! ROBIN-CHWAANN-!"

 

"Library!"

 

"BE CAREFUL EVERYONE!!! AHH?! FRANKY! NOOO-!"

 

"HECK YEAH?! YOU TOO CHOPPERRR BRROO-!!!"

 

Brook chuckled. Following the younger brother Ace's crew who were now charging forward, after the front of the gate opened. Somehow it had opened, all thanks to the magic bag and Cale's deadly plan that ravaged Thriller Bark.

 

Well, Cale's plans to boost the crew's morale are sometimes very scary. 

 

Brook believes the world is not ready for the storm of nature manifested through this pretty red-haired man. 

 

Fortunately, there was Ace to accompany Cale by his side.

 

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[Somewhere unexpected place...]

[Nobita's POV]

 

They peeked behind the dimensional gap. At a red-haired man who had been taking out various funny tools from his magic bag. 

 

The boy's eyes glanced at the gaping robot cat beside him then pointed at the object of their gaze with an innocent face.

 

"Doraemon, is that man your twin?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Hahahah, not me to write Cale cosplay as Doraemon! LMAO! 🤣✌✨
Well, he has a magic bag and I used this opportunity to show Cale's absurd and funny side with various strange tools? Let me innnn- ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

I had so much fun writing this chapter that I unknowingly included a lot of references... you know what xixixi ಥvಥ)

The Mugiwara crew is still finishing the Thriller Bark arc... but it got easier thanks to Cale's help earlier. Hahahah... maybe I'll make one chapter about them?

And... maybe Cale is too OOC here? 〒▽〒)
But, who can say no to that? Our young master is free here! He's become WILD! (❤´艸｀❤)
Cale gets his Slacker Life (for a short while lmao), then gets to sleep, food is provided, gold is everywhere and Ace as his bodyguard (boyfriend) wkwkwkwk

 

 

Have fun while read this fic~!
Thank you for the visiting and the comment! You made my days guys... (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)🌹❤✨

Chapter 8: Interlude - Skypiea

Summary:

About Cale Henituse landing on the sky island, Skypiea.

 

And somehow caught Enel's attention.

Notes:

Hii...???

Thank you once again for your enthusiasm for this story!
You guys are the best and so awesome eheheh (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
You know, I always reread your comments and they all bring tears to my eyes with the care and love (I'm doing fine now). Once again, thank you everyone! *bow (;´༎ຶ﹏༎ຶ`)
I hope you like this interlude! (੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭*ଘ🙏🍓❤✨

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PS. Another fic chapter will follow soon after translation!

 

Okay.

 

Cale felt like he was sleeping on a very very very soft cushion right now.

 

With the warmth that reminded him of the sun... then the coolness also like a breeze... especially the bottom that supported his body... it felt impossible if he was sleeping on the grass... because it was so soft like cotton.

 

And... it felt... like a dream?

 

A fear-filled consciousness began to take over. 

 

This comfy bed was too scary to be true. 

 

This was too fucking real to be a dream!

 

Moreover... he was at war with that damn white radish-?!

 

Cale whimpered softly as his heavy eyelids were forced open. Vaguely, he could feel the cry of ancient power calling out in his mind. 

 

-hold on, Cale! Sob! I-I'm trying to-

 

-partial! The wound is too-!

 

-DON'T DIE, CALE-!

 

-sacrifice yourself, Cale-?

 

-DAMN! SOMEONE'S APPROACHING! CALE-!

 

Who ...?

 

With blurry vision, Cale turned his head to the origin of the voice. 

 

The dominant scenery was white and blue. Some green, red, brown and yellow objects. Seriously, bro. Where is Cale right now?

 

Never mind. Now there's something more important!

 

Cale is lying here alone. Without the sounds of Raon crying over him, On and Hong meowing sadly, Choi Han calling out from a distance while trying to reach him, the roar of the fight that was so quiet that it made Cale feel very paranoid.

 

The footprints then appeared near and beside him. 

 

Cale sincerely hoped that this stranger would be kind enough not to kill him.

 

Vaguely, he heard a conversation in a foreign language.

 

The more Cale listened, the more confused he became. It wasn't Roanese? Instead, it sounded like Japanese with a thick accent.

 

Then a woman (due to her long hair and prominent... chest) came over and knelt down. Her hands moved as if trying to scan Cale's wound. Another cry was heard and the last thing Cale remembered was being carried by someone.

 

*******

 

It feels better already.

 

The exhausted Crybaby mumbled in the back of his mind, in a quietly resting corner. Super Rock's soothing, lullaby-like voice woke Cale up from his slumber.

 

Reddish-brown eyes opened slowly for the second time. The originally blurry vision gradually became clearer. The yellow painted ceiling caught his attention. Then all the furniture in sight made Cale wary.

 

Everything seemed far away from Roan's furniture. 

 

Where was Cale?

 

And who had helped him?

 

As if to answer Cale's panicked thoughts, the door to the room opened and a woman and man walked in. One was blonde, the other was dark-haired with a beard partially covering his mouth. The woman had beautiful features, while the older man had a friendly smile. Foreign clothes with different styles -almost modern designs-and... a pair of bird wings on their backs.

 

... what tf is this? Are they... cosplaying as Idols to welcome Cale? Or.. the angel? Then... there are bee-like antennae on top of their heads too? What-?

 

"Ah. You're awake," the blonde-haired woman relieved. Her eyes framed with lush lashes looked kindly at the pale expression of Cale who was trying to calm down. Although he was originally panicking. Because he had no idea what that woman was talking about!?

 

The dark-eyed woman then walked over and sat beside the bed, hands moving to reach for the healing kit on the nightstand. Meanwhile, the man on the other side of the bed tried to help him sit up. Cale gave a nod of thanks, rewarded with a big fatherly smile.

 

"Hmm... your wound looks better than it did two days ago," the woman murmured again. Scanning Cale from top to bottom, before going back to treating him. Like changing a bandage.

 

Cale was confused.

 

Do these people not have healing potions? 

 

The door then opened again and a... fox? A purplish-colored fox entered while biting the bandage in its mouth.

 

"Su! Good boy!" The woman smiled happily. To the fox's delighted squeal.

 

"How is he now, Connis?" asked the old man who had been silent. 

 

"I think it's better, Father," smiled the woman who Cale assumed was named Connis.

 

Both of them, along with the fox in the blonde woman's arms were now smiling at him.

 

"How are you doing so far, Stranger-san? Which part hurts?" Cale awkwardly made a hand gesture. That he did not understand. While answering in his own language.

 

"...I don't understand what you guys are talking about." Awkward Cale. Received a surprised look for a moment.

 

The door was then knocked and several people in strange uniforms entered. Connis sent out a regretful smile. 

 

The foremost one, looking like the leader of the group gave a very cold and wary look. Cale appreciated that reaction because well, he would also have the same attitude towards a stranger who suddenly landed on his land. 

 

"Did you treat him?" Asked the leader. With reddish-brown hair that was... uniquely styled, a sharp face, with red streaks decorating the left side of his face. Tanned skin, strong arms and an intimidating aura.

 

"I have, Wyper-san... and it seems that this Young Man does not understand us," Connis replied meekly. Some of them also looked nervous because of the other group's intimidation.

 

"Let me check once more," came a new voice from behind the leader. A dark-haired woman with dark green eyes. She was just as beautiful as Connis, taller in combat clothing.

 

They must be some kind of soldiers protecting this place.

 

"Is he a spy from Enel?" Asked the man with dull orange benny covering his eyes, tanned skin, wearing a black shirt that was open in the middle. 

 

"I don't think so. He looks weak," snorted another voice behind them. A tall, towering man with tanned skin covered in bandages. Wearing some kind of... pink furry shirt with glasses of the same color but darker.

 

Cale's attention was not on them. But on the dark-haired woman who came to check, gently turning Cale's body so that his back was facing the other. Then slowly began to unwrap the bandages covering his chest.

 

... what the-? What are you doing-?

 

Cale could feel a gasp of disbelief. Connis' face also looked very sad and was holding back tears. While the old man by her side looked regretful with trembling eyes.

 

... seriously, what the heck is goin' on? Why did his back make them react like that?

 

"Oh damn, is he one of the Skypieans that Enel kidnapped?" 

 

Huh?

 

"I think it's more than that. Wyper, I believe the wings of that young man were just ripped off." There was a grimace and Cale could only give a questioning look. 

 

(To the Skypieans and Shandians watching, the red-haired man gave a sad, questioning look, as if he was also embarrassed at the fact that his wings were destroyed.)

 

Looks like they saw the wound on your back, Cale Pensive Super Rock, too, tried to understand the situation.

 

Oh. The wound from that bastard Sayeru? The ancient power nodded vengefully. 

 

Looks like they suspected that your wings were destroyed The Thief began to chuckle.

 

...

 

"This is a war wound," Cale explained suddenly. Firmly, while moving his hand to touch the wound.

 

The black-haired woman nodded with a sad smile. Her hand moved to touch Cale's cheek gently.

 

Mwo the frick-?

 

"It's okay, young man. Your sacrifice will always be remembered by the people of the sky. Even without your wings, you are still a part of our tribe," the woman explained carefully and Cale could only gape mentally.

 

The leader then moved forward. Gave Cale a long look and ended up patting the redhead twice on the head. 

 

"You've survived. Get some rest," muttered the leader. Ordering his subordinates to leave the room. Not forgetting to give the signal to the other two women. While the old man spoke softly, earning a serious nod from the leader.

 

"Now, you must replenish your energy, young man!" 

 

"Yes! I'll help you!"

 

...

 

At least they didn't consider him a threat anymore and that was enough.

 

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

Two days had passed and Cale had gotten some information about where he had landed.

 

Right now, he was on a sky island called Skypiea. More precisely in Angel's Land, which was the center where the Skypieans took refuge. 

 

To summarize, Skypiea is currently under crisis by an evil leader named Enel and the Shandia Army are the warriors who are fighting for their land, Upper Yard or Vearth (in Shandian's language), which is under Enel's rule.

 

Cale, now an alleged victim of Enel is in the care of a sweet woman named Connis. Trusted by the Shandians to take care of him. Because apparently, the two tribes that didn't get along at first, are now trying to slowly work together to defeat Enel's evil leadership.

 

Cale was reluctant to accept the fact that it was his condition that caused the two tribes to start getting involved and close to each other. 

 

The Shandians were rarely seen in Angel's Land. Mostly because they were still hostile to the Skypieans. But news of Cale was so concerning that sometimes some of Wyper's subordinates would come and check on him. Creating a diplomatic situation between the two sides, which the Skypiean leader named Gan Fall was apparently very fond of.

 

Aigooo, Cale fell into a very troublesome place.

 

Fortunately, he's just a patient now and any activity that disturbs his wound gets a stern reprimand from a Shandian named Raki (the black-haired woman who treats him). This makes Cale's acting to look so weak so perfect. Cale spent a lot of time getting more information from his surroundings.

 

Connis was also kind enough to teach him the language of this world. They sound like Japan, but at the same time are so different.

 

Since Cale was a fast learner, aided by the Record, everyone was very impressed by his progress. Earning the tears of Connis' father, Pagaya. Who thought that the trauma had given Cale amnesia and he had forgotten how to speak properly.

 

"Cale! How are you this morning?" Connis asked cheerfully, seeing Cale coming out of the room with slow movements. 

 

"Feel... good," the redhead replied softly, endearing himself to the many Skypieans who visited Connis' home. 

 

News of a seriously injured Skypiean was widespread in Angel's Land. Even to the guardians of the Heaven's Gates. Not a day goes by without receiving their sympathetic glances, which doesn't bother Cale much.

 

It was all Connis's neighbors (the rumor-mongers) who were so fascinated by the Skypiean's appearance.

 

Bright red hair, framing a pretty face, which softened his features. Reddish lashes framed the pretty garnett eyes, gently brushing the surface of the cheeks, resulting in a beautiful creation that was ethereal. Blended by thin pink lips, a sharp nose, and a sculpted chin.

 

Cale Henituse is hailed as the most beautiful Skypiean ever seen.

 

Although his wings had been ripped off by Enel's bastard, this only fueled the Shandia warrior's fire of vengeance. Their tribes may be enemies, but this remains unforgivable. Shandia and Skypiea were still from the same place, on the Moon before descending to the sky island and the Blue Sea.

 

"-here's the present for you, Cale!"

 

Reddish-brown eyes gazed in wonder at the pile of presents on the dining table of the Connis house.

 

"...it's already the second day," Cale replied simply. Sounding uncomfortable and sad (in Connis' hearing), got teary eyes in response.

 

"Consider it the Skypieans' personal gift to you, young man. They feel guilty that your legacy was destroyed by him," Pagaya sad, patting Cale's shoulder with an understanding touch.

 

...

 

Well, then it would be Cale's pleasure to receive them. Oh, don't forget-

 

"I'm very grateful for everyone's kindness, Connis-san, Pagaya-san." Cale's small smile was so blinding that it brightened the hearts of the two hosts.

 

"Ah, earlier Wyper-san also visited to ask how you were!" One of Cale's eyebrows rose. Shandia's strongest warrior? Why bother visiting him? That man could have just sent his men, like Raki if he wanted to monitor him.

 

"...thanks for that too." Connis giggled to herself at Cale's brief response. 

 

What the-?

 

"No problem, Cale. Your presence here also helps the peace between the two tribes," Pagaya said on the other hand, making Cale feel uncomfortable.

 

Him? Again, as a symbol of unifying the two tribes? It sounded so horrible-

 

That thought suddenly brought laughter from the ancient power.

 

"Ah, Cale. I have a visiting request for you today." The redhead gave a questioning look. Connis replied with a smile.

 

"Lord Gan Fall would like to visit you if you don't mind, Cale." The leader of Skypiea?

 

"Sure... no problem," Cale replied very eloquently, much to the amazement of the other two Skypieans.

 

Which our young master conveniently ignored.

 

*********

 

"Thank you very much, Young Master Cale!!!" the owner of garnett eyes blinked in confusion. Glancing at his hand which was now clasped tightly, while the other old man, known as Gan Fall was now crying happily in front of him.

 

"Pardon-?" 

 

"Finally! After so many years of war! Your presence brings a bright hope-!" Cale paled at the praise.

 

"The Shandians are now easier to work with-!" The hot trending man could only stare blankly.

 

"I-I'm really sorry about what happened to you, Young Master..." Gan Fall ended with a soft, sorrowful whisper. His hand rubbed Cale's cheek, while his eyes were filled with sincerity.

 

The Roan youth then realized that the old man did not have his wings. 

 

"Your wings...?" Gan Fall smiled behind his white mustache.

 

"Ah, old age," the man joked which Cale realized was a lie.

 

"Don't hesitate to ask for our help, okay? You are more than worthy of any affection, Cale Henituse." Garnett's eyes widened slightly at the last sentence. Rather... touched actually, which created a red color in his cheeks. 

 

"Go out once in a while, for your health and to remember your heritage. Even without wings, you're still one of us." Cale nodded awkwardly. Unable to resist any further.

 

Aigooo... my head is starting to hurt.

 

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[Third Person's POV]

 

On the third day, Cale found himself walking around the city center of Angel's Land.

 

Admiring the scenery around the cloud city, which was filled with Skypieans. The bustling friendly atmosphere of the city, the shopping center on Lovely Street reminded Cale of Rain City at a glance. But the drastic difference was that the ground was very soft. It felt like walking on a pillow. 

 

Reddish-brown eyes stared in wonder at the plants that could grow above those clouds. It seemed to defy logic? Given the way plants grew... was this type of cloud different from the usual clouds? Hmmm Cale was very tempted to put all these damn clouds in his spatial bag-

 

Cale. Rebuked Super Rock directly. Stopping the evil thoughts from coming to Cale again. Earning a big laugh from the ancient powers.

 

Turning his attention back to the surroundings, the eldest Henituse then noticed some patterns. That the residents used some sort of device called Dial in their daily lives. The rose-haired man observed the various forms of Dials with a gaze full of interest. 

 

"How does the Dial work, Connis-ssi?" Cale gently asked one of the Dials he was holding. They were currently stopped at one of the shops that sold Dial equipment.

 

"Ah, I'm sorry, Cale. Some of us don't really understand how the Dials work. They vary and have different materials in each." Cale nodded in understanding, slightly impressed.

 

"Dials can store energy through these small holes. This energy can cause considerable Impact as a means of defense," continued the salesman with a friendly smile. On the other hand, he admired the Skypiean's face, which was rumored to be very beautiful.

 

And sure enough.

 

Connis could feel many admiring glances from her tribesmen. 

 

Cale seemed oblivious, still mesmerized by the Dial device. His eyes seemed shaded, lost in thought. Creating an image of an exquisite figure, bathed in sunlight. Smoothing his features that drew many gasps as their eyes were captivated.

 

Those reddish-brown eyes then accidentally looked at their sacred land and Connis smiled sadly.

 

"That land is the sacred land of our tribes, Upper Yard. Plants and animals grow beautifully there, bringing better harvests than on the cloud island," Connis explained unprompted. Cale felt a little guilty for creating such a sad expression on the blonde woman's face.

 

"As Cale knows, it is the Shandians who are currently advancing to reclaim the Upper Yard." Cale nodded in understanding.

 

"Where do they live?" 

 

"I guess in the Hidden Village? One of the villages not far from Upper Yard. It's close to the ruins of Shandoria city." Ah... the former capital of the Shandians that was now Enel's headquarters. 

 

Cale nodded. He did not ask further for fear of further inconveniencing and hurting his head. Roughly speaking, the eldest Henituse could understand the situation that engulfed these two tribes, but well, as long as the situation had not worsened, Cale's help was not needed.

 

Especially since he was still a foreigner.

 

Cale had only been here for five days. 

 

Then, there was a gasp from the locals. Making Connis and Cale turn to the source of the impromptu center of attention. 

 

"Wyper-san?" Connis exclaimed somewhat incredulously. Behind the soldier, the woman named Raki came along. Smiling sweetly in greeting with a small dark brown-haired child by her side.

 

There was an instant silence and Cale frowned. Not happy with this change, especially since all eyes were now on them. Moreover, this Wyper was standing in front of him. Assessing the red-haired youth from top to bottom then his eyes sharpened.

 

"Why are you here?" He asked coldly and Connis took a step back. The Skypieans also looked nervous, worried, scared, and holding back their anger.

 

"What Wyper means is, you are injured. Why are you forcing yourself to walk around?" Raki said suddenly, smiling mockingly. That earned Wyper a sharp glare. His cheeks flushed bright red while the eyes trembled with embarrassment.

 

Cale raised one eyebrow skeptically. Really? Wyper's face even looked like he wanted to hit him...

 

"Aahh! That's so kind and sweet of you, Wyper-san!" The blonde-haired woman's laughter was bright and full of positive energy. Suddenly receiving mixed reactions from her tribe. Seeing the offspring of the two hostile tribes interacting so intimately.

 

"N-no! Who said I was worried, huh?! I-if he gets hurt, we'll be the ones in trouble!" 

 

"Hush! That's mean of you, Wyper-niichan!" Protested the little girl who had come with them. The Shandia warrior leader instantly fell silent, earning an amused grin from Raki.

 

"Hello, Connis, Cale. Sorry if we interrupted your walk for a while," said the Shandia woman in a casual tone. Smiling kindly at the two people in front of her. 

 

One hand then pushed the little girl in front of them.

 

"This little Aisa is my cousin and is very curious about the beautiful Skypiean that everyone is fawning over," the dark-haired woman chuckled, making the little girl Aisa blush in embarrassment while Cale sighed mentally.

 

Though he had only been awake for three days, rumors had already spread like straw in a fire.

 

Seeing the little girl, immediately gave Cale an image of On showing off her new clothes. This made a nostalgic smile appear on that beautiful face.

 

"Greetings, Aisa-ssi," replied the soft red-haired youth. Slowly squatting down, equalizing in height, and extending a hand.

 

"My name is Cale Henituse. You can call me Cale," he continued. Aisa gave him a sweet nudge and immediately returned his hand.

 

This little girl was adorable. Wearing a cute simple yellow dress with a sunflower pattern. A hat of the same color with white feathers and small wings that signified her heritage.

 

For a moment, the little girl was silent. Her dark eyes looked at Cale intently. 

 

Connis, Raki and Wyper watched the interaction with puzzled faces.

 

"Cale Henituse." 

 

Her voice seemed familiar. It reminded Cale briefly of Cage when a revelation was revealed to him. Instantly the young man's body tensed with shoulders squared. Although his face was still calm, he was already mentally alert.

 

"You can relax here," the little girl said and suddenly moved to hug Cale tightly. 

 

"Tired soul, relax for a while. Close your eyes and listen to the waves," whispered little Aisa, which only Cale could hear.

 

"The ocean is with you." Aisa ended it with a kiss on Cale's cheek, giggling cheerfully and looking happy.

 

This made Wyper and Raki stare at each other. Did Aisa have another vision? Or was her power reacting?

 

This little girl was the Shandia tribe's strongest Mantra.

 

Bringing a figure with such an important role into the midst of the Skypiean tribe was something the Shandians had repeatedly thought about. But Aisa insisted on seeing Cale san and telling him something important.

 

"Thank you for bringing me here, Wyper-niichan!" Aisa then hugged the warrior leader's waist tightly like a koala. Earning the man's affectionate grunt. 

 

"I'm glad Cale-niichan came here!" 

 

The atmosphere seemed calm, flowery, and friendly. 

 

Only on the outside. 

 

Cale had an inner tremor (alert).

 

This little girl named Aisa was scary. Although her words to 'relax' and 'take it easy' were tantalizing, he still had to be wary. Especially being in the middle of nowhere. The God of Death did not even respond to the call of Cale who was performing a small ritual. 

 

"And also, Connis-neechan." The summoned woman blinked in confusion while pointing at herself.

 

"Be careful and take care of Cale-niichan at home." Aisa's eyes glazed over. Making Raki worry instantly. 

 

"There's a flowering aura very far away from here, but it smells like scorched flowers! It's approaching Cale-niichan and will bloom! Not good!" Aisa sobbed even more.

 

Huh?

 

What does that mean?

 

"The smell of scorched flowers?" asked Raki warily. The dark-eyed girl nodded sadly. Moving from Wyper's koala hug to Cale's again. Making the redhead unable to understand.

 

"Connis-san." 

 

"Hai?!*" *(yes in Japanese)

 

"Keep Cale at home and don't go out for the next few days. Ask your tribe leader to keep everyone's mouth shut so as not to make things worse," Wyper's serious voice took over. Everyone was now focused on him.

 

"What... happened?" Cale asked skeptically. But the looks on Raki and Whiper's faces made the worry even more intense. Especially when the two Shandia looked around and instructed them to speak at a greater distance.

 

Aisa was still reluctant to unhook her hand from Cale's.

 

"The scorching smell Aisa is referring to here... is the smell of that bastard." Connis looked pale. Raki also looked extremely disgusted and horrified at the same time.

 

"While the smell of flowers... is the smell of sexual attraction." Cale's mind went blank instantly.

 

The smell of scorched flowers... 

 

That means...

 

That bastard Enel that Cale should avoid...

 

....

 

....

 

.... sexually attracted to him???

 

"And bloom means the desire to marry." Final Wyper, his voice coldly oppressive with clenched fists. 

 

Silence engulfed the group. Likewise, the voices of the ancient powers that were usually noisy in Cale's head, suddenly fell silent as well.

 

Eruhaben's voice then rang in his mind.

 

Unlucky Bastard.

 

What the fuck.

 

Then there was a deafening thunderclap in the bright daylight. Reddish-brown eyes stared at the lightning strike marks blankly.

 

"And well, that bastard finally heard us." 

 

No wonder everyone was so afraid of Enel. Just the crackle of electricity and the change in magnetic properties in the air could make the man hear voices from a distance. So, the rumors that had been heard for two whole days, finally drew Enel's full attention to Cale.

 

His head suddenly felt dizzy-

 

"Cale? You look pale-?"

 

"-Breathe, Cale-!"

 

"-shit, you have to hide-!" 

 

-then darkness.

 

******

 

Upset. 

 

Humiliation.

 

Pathetic.

 

Damn bastard.

 

Not content with just hurting the rebels and ruling the Birkan tribe, then torturing the Skypiean and Shandian tribes, now this Enel was sexually attracted to him and wanted to... marry him?!

 

exCuSme nAnI tHe FucK-?!

 

What's wrong with that bastard's brain? It seemed to be worse than Sekka's damn Clopeh. For deciding to marry Cale. 

 

From the information written down in secret by Wyper, Enel was a very ignorant person. Because he was narcissistic enough to think he was invincible. So the rumors about him that were circulating, were not too concerned. However, if it contained rebellion, then that was where Enel would show his dominance.

 

Cale let out a tired sigh. 

 

...it felt like deja vu. Reminiscent of the nature of Clopeh Sekka who regarded himself as a legend before finally falling into Cale's control. 

 

The pain in his head doubled.

 

Calm down, Cale. The Cheapskate's voice somehow made the redhead even more uneasy. Because this fire maniac's tirade did not sound as barbaric as usual.

 

I'll burn his dick if he dares to come within 2 meters of you-no, 1 cm-.

 

How about hardening it with a rock first? Super Rock said cheerfully.

 

Good idea, old man! We'll make his dick disappear!

 

AND I'LL XXXX HIS HEAD XXXX WITH A XXX WATER BALLOON XXX HAHAHAH!

 

And I'll hold the bastard down with wood!

 

Maybe a wind cut would be good for him? Can you cut his dick off too? Ehehehe

 

G-guys... the ancient power of Cale fell silent. Anticipating the words of Crybaby who usually rarely joined in on sensitive topics. Especially now that everyone seemed eager to eliminate Enel's pussy.

 

Fi-fighting! I-I'll give my best s-shield to protect uri Cale!

 

....

 

....

 

DEAR CRYBABY-!!!

 

THIS NOONA IS PROUD OF YOU-!

 

Huh. That's my protégé, BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH

 

DAMN BRO, RING THE XXXX ALARM-!!!

 

The others cheered each other on excitedly. Cale could imagine Crybaby currently being hugged tightly by Crazy Kid and Glutton. The Thief snorted with laughter, The Cheapskate puffed out his chest proudly while Super Rock watched with a flowery grandfatherly aura.

 

This brought a small chuckle escaping from Cale. Eyes twinkled warmly, able to feel their protectiveness that coated his body. It felt like Cale was the youngest and so protected. 

 

He didn't mind...?

 

Ancient power was very strong. Cale could achieve even a lazy life thanks to their kindness.

 

"Thank you," the sweet redhead whispered. Bringing a blush of embarrassment to all the souls inhabiting Cale's body. 

 

"Y-your welcome, Cale." Connis, who had just delivered the food to Cale's bedside table, blushed slightly.

 

A hand hesitantly moved to pat the young man's head twice.

 

"And don't worry, Cale," the Skypiean woman said suddenly. Head tilted with a reassuring smile and a small whisper. Afraid Enel could hear her voice clearly.

 

"The Shandians and Skypieans won't let him touch you." 

 

Cale nodded in reply. Still maintaining his sweet little smile.

 

Thankfully, Skypiean was the first island he landed on.

 

.

.

.

 

[Enel's POV]

 

The throne looked boring that day for some reason.

 

The golden throne looked even duller. The praise of his subordinates also sounded full of nonsense. Eyes blinking in annoyance, a crackle of electricity came out in his hand, startling the few woman who were serving him. 

 

The rebellion of the Shandians was still the same as always. It was like clearing weeds in his garden of Eden. Enel was quite satisfied with the performance of his four strongest subordinates who were able to overcome those annoying Shandians.

 

Vaguely, he began to hear different rumors than usual. 

 

Enel skipped over some of the Skypiean rumors because some of them were boring and useless. However, this time was different.

 

"-poor! And the wings were destroyed-!"

 

"-so pretty! And the hair is really red-!"

 

"-eyes? Really?! How is it?!"

 

"-like jewels-!"

 

"-skin is also pale as cloud-"

 

"-very beautiful-!"

 

Enel's eyebrows rose. Slightly intrigued because talk of this red-haired Skypiean figure was heard everywhere.

 

"-the unifier of the two tribes-!"

 

"-seriously?"

 

"-yes! I saw some Shandians entering Connis-chan's house!"

 

"-yes! I also saw some Shandian warriors wandering around-!"

 

"-very beautiful!" 

 

"-the most beautiful Skypiean I've ever seen!" 

 

"-unfortunately, his wings were snatched away-"

 

The corner of Enel's lips twitched in annoyance. Hands clenched lightly with a menacing crackle of electricity. Are these lowly pests blaming Enel for something he didn't do?

 

"You-" Enel pointed at one of his subordinates at random.

 

"Yes, Enel-sama!" 

 

"Take a photo of the red-haired Skypiean rumored by those pests!" The subordinate was good enough not to question the order. Despite the new rumors circulating all day. 

 

A smirk carved into the lips of the former Birkan tribe. 

 

"All of you, get out of here," he shooed again at the servants surrounding him. Instantly uninterested in playing any further. 

 

Instead, cheeks rested on palms propped up on the arms of his golden throne. Ears listened solemnly to every word related to the beautiful redhead.

 

How beautiful was this Skypiean?

 

Enel could not wait to see her-

 

*******

 

-eyes looked at the various photos for almost 2 minutes.

 

The subordinate was quite skillful, capturing the red-haired beauty's face from various angles so that Enel could imagine the figure standing in front of him.

 

Tiny.

 

Frail.

 

A delicate face, framed by reddish hair.

 

Lush lashes, brushing the sweet cheeks, combined with thin lips and a pair of reddish-brown eyes that shone like jewels.

 

A wide grin was hidden behind the palms of his hands. 

 

This young man (he was a bit shocked at first)... had a very inhuman beauty. It made Enel question whether the true form of their sky-dwelling ancestors looked like this?

 

Cale Henituse.

 

"Ahh..." sighed the former Birkan, lifting one photo up. The one where a face with a wistful look returned to him, hypnotizing him.

 

"He's fit to be Queen of my Fairy Vearth Kingdom," Enel continued, now a light twinkle of obsession flickering in his dark eyes. Head tilted with an intimidating aura around him. 

 

Then he heard that damn little girl's voice. The Mantra from the Shandian tribe who warned the beautiful Cale and the other pests. Enel let them panic like pathetic animals, chuckled and snapped his fingers then.

 

Savoring the anger, annoyance, and fear that surrounded the feelings of the sky dwellers. 

 

Yes. 

 

This is how it should be.

 

All feared and submitted to Enel's rule.

 

The redhead with the beautiful jeweled eyes was no exception.

 

.

.

.

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

At the end of the 7th day, the Shandians and Skypieans finally decided that Cale was safer at the Hidden Village in The Cloud. Where the Shandians were holed up, as the Skypieans were more vulnerable due to weak security. 

 

Everyone practiced sign language, learning from experience as Enel could hear everything they said. Taking Cale through the secret passage above the Upper Yard. Vaguely, the eldest Henituse heard that they were discussing about making Cale stay in the residence where Wyper lived. As the strongest Shandia warrior.

 

Oh... Glutton's voice suddenly caught Cale's attention. The young Henituse could feel some of his ancient power also giving the same reaction.

 

Why? 

 

Nothing... it's just... there's a familiar presence around here replied The Thief sounding serious.

 

That's right. It feels like it's echoing each other. Super Rock said again. 

 

Try touching the tree, Cale. Glutton then asked, which Cale immediately obeyed. Got some surprised looks from Shandian who was guarding him.

 

Close your eyes, Cale.

 

The young man complied. 

 

He closed his eyes and focused on the feeling of the wooden surface. The ancient power within him also fell silent, as if their souls were resonating together with the surrounding nature. 

 

The breeze then began to pick up and surround Cale's form. It made the red hair flow gently, brushing the Henituse's white skin in a mystical way. 

 

Wyper, who was observing the situation, felt like he was witnessing an intimate moment.

 

But at the same time, it was beautiful and heartfelt.

 

Cale appears to be praying for their beloved Vearth. 

 

Ah! There are many of the same elements as in our world, Cale! Said The Thief, looking mesmerized.

 

And not just the wind... even the light...? muttered The Cheapskate in mild surprise.

 

OCEAN! There's SO XXX LOT OF OCEAN XXXX UNDER US! Crazy Kid exclaimed, trembling with excitement.

 

The ground... speaks, Super Rock muttered faintly. 

 

And sure enough.

 

Faintly, thanks to the resonance of ancient power with the surrounding environment, Cale Henituse could hear them.

 

Not just the elements... Crybaby whispered, hypnotizing.

 

There are so many voices, Cale.

 

Reddish-brown eyes opened in surprise. Looking at the wood that sent a welcoming feeling. Then the entire forest that welcomed him warmly. The wind blew, the grasses released scents, the flowers leaned out, and strange firefly-shaped insects began to illuminate Cale's form.

 

"Wh-what's going on?" Kamakiri whispered, raising his glasses. To confirm that the scene they were seeing was real. Genbo at his side shook his head speechlessly. Still with a stunned look.

 

"... let's hurry back," urged Wyper. Walking over and touching Cale's shoulder. His heart trembling, but his gaze softened on the form of Cale who gave him a brief nod. 

 

"If you're tired, I can carry you. You're hurt." Raki whistled softly and the watching Braham gave a small smile.

 

"Nice move, Capt." Wyper snorted, blushing a little but not arguing.

 

"Is it okay for you?" Cale asked to make sure. Because well, he was exhausted. His 4 days after regaining consciousness had been very uneventful. Now came the obsessive terror of an unknown enemy who wanted to marry him.

 

Wyper did not answer, but gave a brief nod. That made the redhead walk behind Shandia. However, he was astonished when the taller man carried him with strong arms under his thighs. 

 

...

 

"... isn't it heavy?"

 

"My wings will hurt if I carry you behind." Cale gave a light ooh and nodded in understanding.

 

"This position leaves my right hand which can hold a weapon and withstand enemy attacks." Wyper observed his companion with a serious face.

 

"Let's go."

 

******

 

The shape of the houses of the Shandia tribe was different from that of the Skypiean tribe. It was like seeing African customs represented in a different light. However, the atmosphere of the village seemed dark, obscured by the sun and there were large plant stems rising into the sky. Perhaps because it was in the clouds, hence the nickname Hidden Village in the Clouds.

 

"Cale-niichan!" Greeted the familiar little girl, heading straight for Cale who was dropped off by Wyper halfway to the man's house. 

 

Casually, the red-haired man accepted Aisa's hug. Smiling a little and patting the little girl's head. 

 

"Chief Shandia wants to see you! I can accompany you!" Aisa giggled cheerfully, feeling like medicine for the hearts of the Shandia soldiers. As motivation for what they had been fighting against Enel's tyranny all this time.

 

"Lead me then." The smaller hand dragged Cale towards the larger tent. In front of him, a man was waiting with his hand grasping a stick. Beside him was a girl who was suddenly ruffled at the waist with a scolding expression on her face.

 

"Aisa! Why are you so stubborn, huh?!"

 

"Aaawww thats hurts! I didn't do anything wrong, Isa-neechan! I didn't even go to Vearth!" Protested the little girl, hiding herself behind Cale's awkward-looking body. 

 

Receiving Chief Shandia's cheerful laughter in front of them.

 

"Isa-kun, let your sister have fun," the man said kindly. Despite his... eccentric appearance. Not to mention the dog hat with unique decorations.

 

"Thank you for having me here, Chief Shandia." 

 

"No problem for us, O descendant of the moon people." The redhead's eyebrows twitched slightly, but decided to remain silent. Instantly uncomfortable with the older man's gaze.

 

"Follow me, young man. Wyper-kun can pick you up later. Isa-kun, please take Aisa-chan out for a while, nee?" Everyone nodded respectfully. Giving Cale a reassuring look, before leaving the owner of garnett eyes alone in the room with Chief Shandia.

 

"I don't have a proper name, so just call me Chief Shandia." Cale nodded obediently. Waiting for the man to say his piece.

 

"Can Young Master Cale hear strange noises?" Chief Shandia asked straight to the point. 

 

Just be honest with him, Cale.

 

Suddenly, this made the pale-skinned youth nod hesitantly.

 

"It's unique. Only a few people can hear it, you know." Hearing this made Cale's soul shrink even more. He hated being a 'special person' because this kind of speculation put his low profile in danger of being destroyed.

 

"Our tribe has a very strong sensitivity to life energy. The meaning of Mantra is senses that are enhanced to the level of being able to see the future. Aisa-chan is an example of the Mantra's real talent. She can sense a person's feelings, no matter how far away they are. So can I," explained Chief Shandia, now smiling evenly.

 

"There is a purpose for sending you here."

 

... to defeat Enel?

 

"No." 

 

Geez... what a scary guy.

 

Chief Shandia burst out laughing. That only made Cale even more paranoid. This man was very strange and seemed to be able to read minds.

 

"Not really. My Mantra allow me to see some details of the future as it happens. It's not right to call it a prophecy, but I prefer the word 'prediction'." 

 

"Then... for what purpose?" 

 

"Enel will be defeated by someone else. He will come soon, according to someone's promise." Cale's eyebrows raised lightly. 

 

"As for you-" dark eyes looked at Cale with a meaningful gaze.

 

"The ocean sent you here." 

 

Red hair fell to frame the face, which was tilted in confusion. What did the man mean? The ocean sent him here?

 

That didn't make much sense.

 

Considering Cale's final battle position against White Star was not adjacent to the sea. So, where did the prediction come from-?

 

"When you go down later, you will understand, when you go down to the Blue Sea later, you will understand, Cale Henituse." His voice sounded authoritative, making the other young man's body reflexively straighten and stiffen. Aigoooo, he hated riddles, even though it was his specialty.

 

"For now, rest in our home. It will all be over in a few days." Chief Shandia rose from his seat and tapped Cale twice on the shoulder.

 

"Remember. Trust the voices you hear now." 

 

Without waiting for Cale's response, Chief Shandia went out and called another Shandia to take him to Wyper's place.

 

Well... that was enlightening? Super Rock was amused in his mind.

 

You should increase your sensitivity, Cale. These voices are very important in this world. The Thief sounded serious.

 

The wind picked up, flicking the front of Cale's hair back. Making his face clearly visible. There were whispers of sadness, anticipation, cheerfulness, and joy. Some of them lamented the death of soldiers. Anticipating the end of the war. Cheerfulness in welcoming the children. And the joy of Cale's arrival.

 

"Come, Cale." 

 

The red-haired man turned his head, seeing Wyper walking over. He responded with a nod. 

 

"Thank you, Wyper-ssi." The Shandia soldier was silent for a moment. Then ruffled the red hair, making the front of his bangs cover his face.

 

"Just cover your face."

 

... what's wrong with this guy?

 

Well, this is uri Cale. Solid, short and clear.

 

Mwo? Wae?

 

The Ancient Power only replied with a happy laugh. 

 

.

.

.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

Two days had passed and now Cale's eyes narrowed at the scene in front of him. Especially at the few Shandian troops that disappeared. Some of them also returned injured.

 

Raki repeatedly tried to convince him that everything was normal because of their rebellion battle. The red head tilted his head calmly, while one hand rested on his chin in contemplation.

 

The scale was too large to say 'normal'. Cale suspected that the battle was not caused by an ordinary rebellion.

 

.... did Enel send his troops to capture Cale?

 

It could be Super Rock's voices sounded tired.

 

"This can't be allowed," muttered the Henituse. He began to dislike how Shandian was injured as a result of protecting him. This was against Kim Roksoo's principles. He favored fighting at a fair price.

 

And for those who had only known Cale for a week, it was not worth it.

 

Even though Cale had explained that he was not a descendant of the sky. They did not believe it. Because the redhead himself couldn't say that he wasn't from this world. 

 

This was annoying.

 

Really fucking annoying.

 

Reddish brown eyes twinkled coldly. 

 

Faintly, the sound of the wind element entered his hearing.

 

Over there! Over there! 

 

Evil balloon! Evil balloon! 

 

Trap! Trap!

 

Heads turned to the source of the conversation. He saw a strange cloud that was very different from the other clouds. A strange lightning flashed in the garnett's eyes, while a small grin began to form on his lips.

 

If Raon and the children were here, they would probably exclaim 'are we going to loot someone, human?!' or Choi Han who was anxiously following behind.

 

"-no!!!" Cale's steps were stopped by a small body that hugged him tightly. Aisa?

 

"Why not?" Aisa let out a small sob. Shaking her head repeatedly with the hug getting tighter. Worried, Cale looked around. He was somewhat relieved that they were far away from the crowd. Because the tribesmen were mostly taking care of the wounded warriors. He could even see Connis and some Skypieans helping the medical team.

 

Sighing, the 21-year-old physically crouched down. A hand moved to gently brush her dark brown hair (not wearing her usual hat today).

 

"Just a moment, Aisa-ssi."

 

"Still can't! You'll get hurt!" 

 

"I won't get hurt."

 

"Liar! I saw a lot of blood on Cale-niichan's body!" sobbed Aisa, now a small sob but her voice sounded distressed and sad. Making the red-haired man smile fondly.

 

"Aisa-ssi." 

 

Cale gently released the little girl's embrace, and lightly grasped both her shoulders. His eyes forced Aisa to meet them, hoping that whatever determination was seen in Cale's eyes could convince the little girl.

 

"Not everything in the future will happen." 

 

"Depending on what we do now, even the future can change."

 

A thumb moved to wipe away the tears that were forming on Aisa's cheeks. The movement was gentle, full of care and affection. 

 

"I have a plan." The girl in the yellow floral dress gave a surprised look, then a curious one and ended with an innocent blink. 

 

"What's your plan, niichan?"

 

"How many punches does Aisa want?" 

 

"Hm?"

 

Cale smiled a wide, sweet smile that curved the jewel eyes. His form became so beautiful that Aisa blushed with embarrassment. 

 

"I-I like the number 7!" said the girl again. Cale nodded in understanding and cracked the little girl's head twice.

 

"Wait for me, arrachi? I'm going to hit that bastard's head 70 times-no, 700 times."

 

Waving lightly at Aisa who was staring blankly. Cale disappeared in a flash in the sea of clouds. Leaving behind the little girl who blinked in confusion for a few minutes. Then gaped for a few seconds and screamed at the speed of light. Startling the few Shandia who were nearby.

 

"Wh-why, Aisa-chan?!"

 

"Are you hurt?!" 

 

"N-no! Huweeeeee-! Cale-niichan!!!" exasperated, the older man tried to check on the injured Skypiean at Wyper's house. Only to return with a blank face.

 

"... missing."

 

"What?"

 

"SKYPIEAN CALE IS MISSING STUPID!"

 

"NANI-?!"

 

"WYPER-SANNNNNN-!!!"

 

******

 

While the redhead who was rumored to have disappeared was now stepping on someone's chest. Rumbling with golden flashes could be seen in the clouds above them. The wind that blew away the reddish strands of hair. And an aura of dominance more terrifying than Satori had ever felt towards Enel.

 

"Enel's... subordinate, right?" the smile of the beauty who was rumored to have captured Enel's heart, somehow looked very frightening now. 

 

Satori's eyes behind the glasses blinked several times. Trying to confirm that the flames around the rose-red hair were real.

 

"What's your name, glassfuckers?" 

 

"S-sa-sat-sato-r-rri-" trembled the stocky owner in a shaky voice. It was barely clear because the dominance he felt made all his senses feel paralyzed.

 

"Good. Now Satori-ssi, did Enel order all his subordinates to kidnap me?" the pathetic bastard nodded in fear and Cale snorted.

 

"There's no need to worry. As long as I'm around, that perverted bastard will never be able to hear me." The red-haired youth tilted his head in a simple gesture, but so frightening. 

 

"Take me to his place." Dominance disappeared and all visible power disappeared as well. It was as if nothing had happened.

 

"Congratulations." Cale chuckled softly, not forgetting the sweet smile still attached to his face.

 

"You managed to kidnap me."

 

... Satori felt he had signed a pact with the devil...

 

.

.

.

 

[Enel's POV]

 

Enel heard it.

 

When one of Shinkan* Yama's subordinates guarding at the main gate announced the presence of Shinkan Satori, the one who had kidnapped Cale Henituse had arrived. (*Priest)

 

The former Birkan tribesman grinned widely and sat upright on his throne. The electricity in his body buzzed with the excitement of the Sky God.

 

"I, S-shinkan Sa-satori attend to His Highness Enel!" his subordinate saluted. With a pale face, the smile was forced but Enel ignored it as his attention was drawn to the floating cloud that followed behind Satori.

 

All the Shinkans present clucked in displeasure. So did some Shinpei* and Shintai* who were stricken with jealousy. (*Divine Soldier and *Divine Squad)

 

"Open the clouds." Satori nodded, barely containing his nervousness and trembling. I don't know why.

 

Enel was pleased that his subordinates carried out his orders so well.

 

Cale Henituse arrived, unharmed, and was asleep inside the cloud.

 

All present bore witness to the beauty that had captivated their lord. 

 

Enel, on the other hand was stunned. 

 

He unconsciously began to move from his throne, walking slowly down the stairs, towards the sleeping Skypiean in front of him. 

 

Cale Henituse was more beautiful in real life than Enel had fantasized. Whether in photos or in his dreams. 

 

The sunlight made the red hair shine brighter. It fell to frame the face and ruffled the pale alabaster cheeks like a doll. Delicate eyelashes that touched the skin of the cheeks, a sharp nose, and thin lips that were so... kissable.

 

The clothes worn made the form look even more fragile. Plain white cloth, extending to the calves, a moon pattern on the left breast and tied with a red cloth at the waist. The shoulder was clearly exposed, making his pearly white skin look... so... seductive.

 

Enel's heart pounded as the eyelids began to move slowly. Revealing to the world a pair of jeweled eyes, with a fiery reddish-brown luster. They were incomparable to any gold Enel had ever gotten.

 

And that gaze was now focused on him.

 

"Welcome to your new home, darling," Enel whispered, chuckling fondly with satisfaction gleaming in his dark eyes. Cale, who was about to be crowned Queen in his new Kingdom blinked his eyes. It was as if confusion and how Enel wanted to smash something with thunder, for some reason.

 

Because that face is so adorable?

 

"E-Enel?" An expression of fear began to replace the expression of confusion. But Enel did not mind. As long as a beauty like the man in front of him was by his side, the Sky God felt that he had won the most beautiful one in the entire world if all beauties were juxtaposed.

 

"Yes. Meet the immortal beauty-" Enel knelt down (getting several reactions such as surprise and gasp) then reached out and took the tiny, fragile hand.

 

"-I am Enel, who will be your husband-" The hand then moved to caress the cheek, and a glimpse of the thin, seductive lips.

 

"-oh my sweet wife." Enel mentally cheered as Cale blushed cutely, his eyes glazed over softly, making the jewel-like sparkle even more obvious, and his body trembled like a rabbit.

 

So cute. So beautiful. So cute. So precious. So pretty. Soprettyprettyprettyprettyprettypreciouspretty-

 

"E-Enel...?"

 

"Yes, Wife?" 

 

Still kneeling before all his subordinates, Enel felt like he was floating up to the clouds when that hand moved to caress his cheek. Oh my, it was not comparable to the prostitute who had been his toy. No, it was not. Cale could not even be compared to those cheap toys.

 

"C-can you help me?" Enel nodded. Eyes flashed with confidence. Because he was the Sky God, the strongest figure and whatever his beloved Cale, his sweet beauty, asked of him, Enel could grant.

 

"Please... t-try counting down from 3?" Eyes widened in anticipation. Especially when Cale's thumb moved almost to the tip of his lips.

 

"O-okay." 

 

Enel began to bring their faces closer. Whispering the countdown in a suggestive voice. But was confused when Cale's cute innocent smile widened even more.

 

".... one-"

 

-DUAR!!!

 

"Suprise, bitch."

 

-PLAK!

 

A slap with a scorching scent echoed throughout Enel's throne.

 

Silence engulfed the atmosphere. 

 

Then came the repeated slaps, jabs to the head and blows to the back of the head. Vaguely, they heard the red-haired man mumble creepily as if chanting an incantation (counting the number of slaps, btw). Their leader also seemed nonresponsive! Why was Enel just standing still (held back by Cale's wind element)?! 

 

Then, it was followed by smoke spreading everywhere, light earthquakes, and the smell of fire. Which in an instant knocked down many of Enel's subordinates, wreaking havoc and disrupting all tranquility.

 

Not stopping there, Cale forced himself out of the tyrant's grip, then mercilessly kicked Enel in the stomach. The Thief immediately unleashed her wind power, carrying Cale away from the tyrannical bastard by 5 meters.

 

"Y-you..." Enel stared with an incredulous face. A hand moved to touch his cheek which was red and throbbing with pain.

 

Not waiting for a response, Cale gave the clown sky god a slap on the back of the head with Super Rock's stone hand. 

 

"ACK-! DAMN IT! WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU SLAPPING-ACKK!"

 

Helpless, dumbfounded, and astonished, all of Enel's subordinates watched as their lord was mercilessly beaten again while the red-haired beauty's face looked extremely cold. The eyes flashed sharply with an aura that was... very very very very frightening. 

 

Then, the man with a height of 266 cm let out a crackle of electricity. Making the hand made of earth and fire shatter in an instant. Dark eyes, staring at Cale wide-eyed and snarling.

 

"YOU-?! HOW DARE YOU BETRAY ME AND DESTROY MY THRONE-?! ARRGHHHH-!!!"

 

Enel's eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets, as the redhead casually threw a bomb out of nowhere onto the throne and destroyed everything in an instant.

 

"..how... dare... you...?" 

 

A soft chuckle sounded, all of them staring as if this Cale was completely out of his mind. Being able to laugh after inviting their lord's all-powerful anger.

 

"Doesn't seem to be enough, huh? You only reached 43 slaps." Eyes curved closed, with a wide smile. But only fear underlay their hearts.

 

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! ATTACK THAT PRETTY ASS BASTARD, YOU USELESS UNDERLINGS-! HEY-! STOP-!!!"

 

As if something was protecting the red-haired man, Enel watched as his Shinpai, Shinkai and Shintai were all blown away. A delicate silver shield surrounded the frail body. Along with the roar of the sky shining red-gold, the earth with small earthquakes, various sparkles in the surrounding air also formed from sharpened water and eerie cracks and even the whistling of the air began to be heard, surrounding the beautiful form of the red-haired Skypiean. 

 

IT'S TIME TO GET CRAZY! The Cheapskate laughed maniacally.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHA DEATH XXXX ALL OF YOU XXX BITCHES-!!! roared Crazy Kid not to be outdone.

 

MY DEAREST WIND! IT'S A SHOW TIME-!!! The Thief's exclamation echoed in his mind.

 

BURN THAT MF DIIICCCKKKKKK-

 

Like losing control, his decreased alertness caused Enel to be surprised when a liquid soaked his body out of nowhere. 

 

... oil?

 

Eyes blankly looked at Cale who was grinning widely.

 

"Oh, the peak of the party."

 

The hand he thought was so fragile lifted up. His red hair was floating like fire, that jewel eyes were sparkling, dominating, and oh yeaahh, Enel had never felt this tense and hard. Imagining that face while watching Enel from above who was riding his-

 

Damn, destroy this perverted dick. growled Super Rock, recognizing the disgusting expression on that face. Making all the AP Avengers inside Cale nod seriously with Jojo Bizarre's manga-style hardened face.

 

"Then you will be the outlet of my frustration." A playful chuckle sounded.

 

"Thanks for being the replacement for that White damn Radish here, haha :D"

 

The hand slowly lowered and...

 

... shit.

 

*******

 

The sight of Shandoria's ravaged exterior brought about a sense of vigilance in Wyper and co.

 

After the news of Cale's sudden disappearance, Aisa's uncontrollable sobs, the minimal information that the injured youth was kidnapped, brought unease to the Shandia tribe.

 

They were caught off guard! 

 

Letting those damn Shinpai kidnap Cale!

 

But... what was really going on here?

 

"... are you sure we're going to the right place?" Asked Kamakiri unconvinced. Looking at the piles of former Birkan tribesmen lying everywhere.

 

They were not dead... just unconscious and... asleep?

 

"... the tower was destroyed," muttered Braham in surprise. 

 

Yes. 

 

Wyper gaped mentally.

 

The damage he saw in front of him now, should be stronger than the attack of Enel's favorite weapon, Maxim... Wyper's heart trembled with fear. Realizing that an unknown figure with power of the same caliber or even more than this tyrant bastard Enel.

 

"What should we do, Wyper?" asked Kamakiri anxiously. 

 

"Continue searching and stay alert." All the Shandia warriors nodded. 

 

However, what greeted them was the sight of the Enel tyrant who was already lying helpless. On top of that body stood the Skypiean they were looking for. Flames appeared in his hands, while reddish hair fluttered in the wind that surrounded the beautiful form.

 

"Oh, hi."

 

Reddish-brown eyes looked at the Shandia who had arrived.

 

"You've arrived." A sweet smile spread across that face and Wyper felt his face heat up again. His heart was also beating fast for some reason and the poor Shandia could only gape in amazement.

 

"... did you do all this, Cale?" asked one of the soldiers with his mouth agape.

 

"Not me." The redhead shook his head innocently. Both his hands were stretched out with the head tilted playfully. 

 

"Nature did it."

 

Wyper approached, reflexively holding back Cale's body that fell forward while trying to walk towards them. A coughing sound was heard then and another surprising thing was the blood splattered on the ground. It soaked Cale's white clothes in an instant.

 

"... Cale?" The young man in his arms did not answer. Gasping in pain with his hands clenched in the sling of the Dial supplies on Wyper's chest. 

 

"So.. hurt..."

 

Shandian's mind went blank. On Cale's unconscious form. Then at Enel who was unconscious. The Shinkan, Shinpei and Shintai troops who were lying everywhere, so vulnerable to... killing.

 

... what was going on here? Seriously.

 

"I-I'll be back-!"

 

"B-but what about E-Enel and his subordinates?!" The Shandia squad leader clucked his tongue, while his heart struggled with various complicated feelings. Coughing could be heard again and Cale's skin had never been so pale. 

 

It was even worse when they first found the Skypiean at the seafront of Angel's Land.

 

"Cale is more important here!" Eyes looked stern and serious at his companions and subordinates.

 

"COME BACK EVERYONE!"

 

Please... hang in there, Cale! 

 

.

.

.

 

[Raki's POV]

 

Cale's rediscovered state shocked Shandia and Skypiea. 

 

In the same embrace that Wyper found the poor man. Pale-skinned, with blood all over his body, he was gasping for breath trying to survive.

 

"What exactly happened?" asked Raki after cleaning and treating Cale. Fists clenched realizing that the wounds were from his internal organs. They did not have enough Mantra to treat wounds as serious as the redhead's. For now, Raki could only minimize the wound with acupuncture methods. 

 

Wyper did not answer for a moment, but his face said it all.

 

Cale was kidnapped and returned injured.

 

Some of the participating warriors recounted that Cale's injuries were caused by the Skypiean trying to defeat the tyrant Enel with his strange Mantra. It also called out that nature was helping him. This information took Raki by surprise for a moment, not expecting that a Skypiean could manifest a different Mantrs and take physical form. 

 

There was so much mystery surrounding the figure of Cale Henituse. But never in a bad way.

 

His presence alone had been the joy of nature, which Shandia realized when she saw Cale's interaction with Vearth. 

 

It was sweet, heart-wrenching, and full of longing.

 

Even if Cale repeatedly denied he was not Skypiean, the sky still welcomed him as its resident. Just as little Aisa had called out the day after the redhead was found. Raki was sure that both his tribe and the Connis tribe did not mind Cale's mysterious presence.

 

"Raki-neechan! Cale-niichan is awake!"

 

"Don't make too much noise, Aisa!"

 

Aisa and Isa's voices brought a smile to the Shandia woman's face. A hand moved to pat Wyper's shoulder twice. Receiving the other man's pitifully confused gaze. 

 

Geez, isn't this guy so in love right now?

 

"I'll check on Cale." Wyper nodded stiffly and Raki immediately walked into her medical center tent. 

 

Her heart was relieved like a cold shower, seeing Cale who was already sitting on the bed. Looking better than before, though still pale and woefully thin. Sitting on the bedside chair, accompanied by Aisa who was sobbing a little at the foot end and Isa who was helping to prepare the supplies.

 

"How are you feeling now, Cale?" the red-haired youth gave a playful grin for a moment. His eyes drooped downwards, somehow looking so sad.

 

"... I'm very hungry."

 

Silence engulfed them along with the sound of hungry stomachs rumbling loudly. It was followed by the laughter of the little girl Aisa who had been crying and Isa's snickering and Raki's amused smile.

 

Their naughty Skypiean must be fine. 

 

"Aisa. Take care of this young master for a while. Isa and I will bring food for that hungry stomach." Raki's heart fluttered seeing that pale face blush sweetly. Couldn't resist ruffling that red hair with affection.

 

"Okay! Aisa will take very good care of Cale-niichan!" The little girl then put on a serious face.

 

"Cale-niichan must never be kidnapped again! Aisa will prevent you!" The dark green-eyed woman quickly left, with Isa still laughing by her side.

 

"I didn't expect Aisa to be so fond of Cale-san," the girl said sweetly.

 

"If Aisa trusts that quickly, then Cale can really be trusted. Regardless of his background." Isa nodded enthusiastically. Then started rattling off a menu of food that should be given to sick patients. 

 

Raki somehow couldn't stop smiling that whole day.

 

It felt... like they were turning over a new leaf.

 

********

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

Gan Fall felt that these past few days, his beloved Skypiea's condition had improved. 

 

His days used to be filled with anxiety, as well as helplessness by Enel's tyranny over his people. The state of his tribe being hostile to Shandia didn't help either. 

 

Thankfully, the presence of the red-haired Skypiean was like fate helping their sky island. Although Enel was still on his throne and causing much terror, however, the man's attacks never reached them.

 

Isn't that amazing? 

 

Gan Fall was one of the many people who witnessed how the clouds moved artificially. As if creating an illusion that blinded vision, even Enel's subordinates found themselves lost upon reaching the Hidden Village or Angel's Land.

 

"-are you serious, Cale?! You're still injured-!" 

 

"-still, I have to go-"

 

"-you're our resident! A Skypiean!"

 

"-didn't I explain the truth?"

 

"-your wound-?!"

 

"-healed-"

 

"-The Blue Sea people are evil! They caused our ancestors to be expelled-!"

 

"-I'm not Skypiean or Shandian-"

 

"-you're new here, aren't you? Are you sure you're going to go down alone?"

 

"Raki! Don't encourage him!"

 

"Wyper-niichan! Don't yell at Raki-neechan!"

 

"-whether alone or not, I have to go down-"

 

Chief Shandia, on his side, burst out laughing. Looking from a distance at the group of Shandia and Skypiea who were trying to prevent the redhead from going to Heaven's Gate to descend into the Blue Sea. 

 

Both leaders of the two tribes were currently enjoying the view of Angel's Land's docks in rare peace.

 

"Aren't you in too much of a hurry, hm?" Chief Shandia finally raised his voice.

 

"But, you said it won't be long before they show up?" Cale accused with a frown on his pretty face.

 

"Do you know how to get down there? All this time, the residents of the Blue Sea only knew to go up here by way of the Knock Up Stream. But never to get down, you know~" Chief Shandia's tone was teasing, eyes curved obnoxiously and Gan Fall chuckled contentedly at his side. Earning many speechless stares from the two tribes. 

 

Chief Shandia and Gan Fall looked like grandfathers who enjoyed teasing their grandchildren.

 

"But it's been almost a week," chided the owner of garnett eyes reluctantly. Sighing affectionately, the man with the dog-head accessory on his head gave instructions for the pale-skinned man to approach. 

 

"You guys can go back first," Gan Fall said to Wyper, Raki, Connis, and Aisa who were reluctant to obey them.

 

"Come here for a moment Cale." Gan Fall gave instructions for the other youths to approach. As soon as Cale stood in front of them, the two tribe leaders bowed respectfully to him.

 

"Uh... please don't bow like that-"

 

"-no, Young Master. You've been very helpful to our tribe in fighting Enel," Chief Shandia cut in directly, firmly and still bowing.

 

"-but, I haven't completely defeated that bastard-"

 

"-that's because you're injured and defeating him isn't your job," the man said again, now smiling a genuine friendly smile.

 

"I also thank you for uniting our two tribes," Gan Fall chimed in, making the redhead gape a little. Trying to feebly protest that he didn't help with things like uniting nations or saving the world. 

 

Well, why do they feel this young man is bending low to skyrocket?

 

"In exchange, our tribe will prepare a Dial Boat for you." Cale's expression instantly brightened at Chief Shandia's words.

 

"And we will prepare provisions as well as some Dial for you later," Gan Fall continued, now getting Cale's sweet smile in return.

 

"Thank you." 

 

Chief Shandia nodded and laughed cheerfully. Not forgetting to ruffle the bright red hair, Gan Fall patted Cale's shoulder twice with a proud face.

 

"And, Young Master Cale?" 

 

"Yes, Chief Shandia?" The older man continued to smile.

 

"Remember what I said, okay?" 

 

Trust the voice you hear.

 

Cale nodded in understanding, returning it with a reassuring smile.

 

******

 

"Are you seriously going to the Blue Sea?" Cale looked up from his getting ready activities, finding Wyper standing at the door of the room with his usual sullen face. 

 

The upright hairstyle was somehow sideways today and made his usual intimidating appearance drastically diminished.

 

"Yes."

 

"B-but, it's dangerous there! You're alone and there's no one to protect you-!"

 

"It's okay, Wyper-ssi." The other man looked like he wanted to say something, but was restrained with an expression of... pain? 

 

"What if... I come with you?" Eyes widened a little. Didn't expect that question to come out of the mouth of the young man who hated the residents of the Blue Sea. Cale gave a snort, making Wyper give a small gasp.

 

"I thank you for worrying about me." Aigoo, look at this young man's face? It looks so much like Choi Han's when Cale refused the man to come along.

 

"But, there's something more important for you to protect." 

 

That question created an awkward silence between them. Cale went back to packing his things.

 

"... you're just as important, Cale," whispered an unfamiliar voice and the red-haired youth had never heard such a voice from the hard and cold Wyper. Cale was somewhat stunned to see the taller man's face lightly flushed, brows furrowed as if surprised with himself and eyes glazed over strangely. Was Wyper sad?

 

Well... isn't this man very kind? Even though they had only known for two weeks, but Cale already seemed to be as important as his tribe.

 

.... Cale.

 

"Thank you, Wyper-ssi." 

 

Cale smiled a little, feeling the other man chuckle softly. Then helped him carry the goods to the Dial Boat. Well, he did bring Raon's gift spatial bag along, but revealing that thing was risky. Cale would organize all the items inside once at the Blue Sea.

 

"You're welcome, Cale." The voice sounded resigned. More like acceptance? Cale turned his head, squinting as the wind fluttered his long red hair. 

 

Wyper chuckled, a strangely sad expression on his face as a hand moved to bring the front of the red hair behind Cale's ear. 

 

"You'll be back, right?" Wyper asked, almost hopefully. Cale blinked at the Shandian warrior leader. Visiting the sky island before returning to his world sounded good. The children would definitely be amazed by the sky island's unique scenery. So-

 

"Of course, Wyper-ssi. If you're the one to welcome me later," Cale replied while giving a small smile.

 

Wyper looked softer and nodded. 

 

"I'm looking forward to it." 

 

.

.

.

 

[Two days later]

 

Shitshitshitshitshitshitshit-!!!

 

WHY THE FUCK DON'T THEY SAY THAT THERE'S NO ASS WAY TO GET DAMN DOWN-?!

 

They've said it over and over again, Cale-

 

Two days passed and Cale was ready to go. He even gave a small wave to the group of Shandians and Skypieans who escorted him to Heaven's Gate. He also gave two middle fingers to the sky, his message to the perverted bastard.

 

However, what Cale did not expect was a waterfall that led straight down. That is, the cloud water was endless-

 

Although he was embrassed to admit it, Cale screamed.

 

He's fuckin' screaming!!!

 

Gosh, Cale. You're being dramatic. I can make you float more calmly with the wind.

 

Hurry up, please!

 

This is so scary, because damn bro. It's like sky diving without a parachute!?

 

The Thief's voice led Cale to make a strange hand gesture and now he was floating with a lighter falling motion. The red hair fluttered around him, in an instant destroying the headdresses that Isa and Aisa had decorated. 

 

Open your eyes!

 

Look at us!

 

See us!

 

The ocean welcomes you!

 

HIIII!!!

 

Welcome!

 

We will protect you!

 

The eyes that had been closed, now opened slowly and widened. The intermittent voices reassured Cale and brought a sense of security to him.

 

His breath caught, seeing himself floating in the air. In a world surrounded by an endless sea of blue. 

 

"Whoah..." 

 

Vaguely, Cale could hear the voices of admiration from the ancient powers in his mind. 

 

Now, putting aside this beautiful sea scenery, what world did Cale fall into, btw?

 

And most importantly... HOW THW FUCK TO LAND-!

 

CALM DOWN, CALE-!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Sorry, this chapter doesn't have any Ace-Cale scene ಥ_ಥ)🙏
I just want to share Cale's experience of falling into the OP world eheheh :>
At the same time, so that there are not too many plot holes scattered, since I'm a bit of a perfectionist regarding stories.
Here there is a pretty important point, somewhat connected to the previous chapter ~

Can anyone guess what it is~? 👁👄👁

And, the romance between Ace x Cale will return in the next chapter~ ヾ(⌐■▽■)ノ♪
(Wyper sad boi wkwkwk, btw, this chara is handsome after 2 years timeskip you know :>)

If there are any mistakes in naming, characters or even mentioning terms, I apologize :")
Feel free to correct it! (✿◡‿◡)✨
(I edited this chapter with my phone)

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PSS. Do you think this fic is good enough to read without Beta-Reader edits? Or is anyone still willing? 〒▽〒)👉👈

Chapter 9: Special Chapter #1

Summary:

The unwritten Ace x Cale moment where Cale invites Ace to become a mermaid.

Notes:

I forgot to translate this Special Chapter :)
I hope you enjoyed their moment even though it was short hahahah ಥ_ಥ)🙏💛🌻✨️

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

Today is a sunny day, for an ocean that is said to have extreme weather.

 

Okay. It was extreme, because now the air felt colder and snow was drizzling from the sky. 

 

"Is the weather really this extreme?" asked another passenger, taking a seat next to the one fishing at the edge of the ship. The dark-haired man gave a small snort, moving his hat to the back of his head. 

 

"Yep. It wouldn't be the Grand Line if it wasn't this extreme." Cale nodded, making his red hair move playfully-

 

"Pffttt-why did you tie it up like that?" laughed Ace as he turned his head to the side, seeing that the front of Cale's hair had been tied up. It looked like a whirlpool coming out of a pipe. His clothes, which were originally a thin white shirt, had now turned into a maroon coat with coiled white fur. Black pants and brown boots.

 

Meanwhile, Ace's own appearance was as usual. There was only the addition of a short-sleeved brown shirt with a furry hoodie on the back. Knee-length black pants and regular boots. Why not wear thicker clothes, Ace had the automatic warmth of Mera Mera's power.

 

Ace's laughter was met with Cale's usual flat stare and the red-haired man went back to eating his strange meal. In an instant it killed the Shirohige commander's laughter.

 

"... what's that?"

 

"Goguma Ppang*," (*yams bread) the shorter man replied briefly, eating the food with gusto. Definitely one of the stranger foods to come out of that magic bag. Ace had never seen the food look stale or moldy. The food looked like it was freshly cooked and somehow preserved in that strange bag? 

 

Another bite and a gulp- wasn't that sweet aroma very appetizing?

 

"Want some?" Why the fuck to ask again-

 

"Want some," grumbled Ace, feeling his cheeks start to heat up and turn red. Earning a mocking chuckle from the man beside him.

 

"Heh, if you don't intend to share, no need to-"

 

"Just catch one fish and I'll share it."

 

Aaaahhhh! How nosy is Cale?! Didn't that guy see that he had been waiting for the fishing pole for almost 2 hours?! Sometimes he wondered how Oyaji and Marco, as Yonko and Yonko's right-hand man, could be at home with this kind of fishing.

 

Ace pouted his lips, then faced to the left so as not to look at Cale. He got another snicker from the other man, embarrassing the Portgas. Realizing that he was now sulking like a child.

 

Then, for some reason, the fishing rod was suddenly pulled. Excited, Ace stood up from his seat and pulled the rod aggressively, cheering when he saw the fish in the bucket and looking starry-eyed at Cale.

 

"I got one! Now where's my Gogumu Pangu?!" hands outstretched as if asking for pocket money and a small 'whoah' sound came out of that mouth as Cale handed Ace another purple bread.

 

Sitting closer to Cale's left side, the young man then took a bite of the strange food given and whoah-

 

"It's sweet but also has a bit of a savory image?!" Ace's enthusiasm again in his bite. A child's energy completely oozed out of the dark-haired man, freezing then when he felt a gentle hand patting his head.

 

"U-um... C-Cale?"

 

"Yes?" Blushing in embarrassment, Ace even forgot about his food as his face flushed even more at the sight of Cale tilting his face playfully.

 

"Wh-why are you touching my head-"

 

"Why, should I pinch it?"

 

As if not giving Ace time to breathe and react, the hand moved and pinched his right cheek. Completely rendering the man speechless. Cale on the other hand was smiling widely, as if he enjoyed teasing the other man. The hand was retracted and Cale ate his Goguma Ppang casually. 

 

-BRAK!

 

The chair fell as the dark-haired man suddenly stood up.

 

"Where are you going-?" Before Cale could even ask, Ace had already left towards the back of the ship and a second later there was a burst of red there. 

 

... was the young man angry because Cale pinched his cheek?

 

Your pinch doesn't hurt, it even tickles that mf. Why the fuck is he feeling angry? Ridi-damn-culous. The Cheapskate chided, feeling offended on Cale's behalf.

 

Looks like you're just as stupid muttered The Thief. Vaguely, Cale could hear the fiery man protesting why the woman with wind power was hitting his head.

 

He wasn't angry, Cale was as usual, Super Rock took over and answered Cale's question seriously.

 

Is it true? If that's the case, why spout fire?

 

I guess, the poor guy is just feeling hot, Glutton giggled, making Cale's eyebrows raised skeptically. Hot? In this extreme cold weather?

 

... could it be that his fire power is overflowing, hence Ace let it out so as not to overheat?

 

M-maybe it's like that? The Crybaby supported whatever Cale was thinking as usual.

 

ASK XXXX HIM CALE, I'LL XXXX THE SEA WATER FOR HIM-

 

"Are you feeling hot?" asked Cale spontaneously as Ace sat next to him again.

 

Observing with concern as the young man's face was still flushed. Even his eyes were glazed over! Was the fire held inside that body so suffocating? 

 

"... not anymore?" The red-haired man hummed softly.

 

"Really? I can give you seawater, you know. Extinguish the heat." 

 

Ace was silent for a moment. His originally flushed face suddenly lost color and turned pale. The black-haired man on the other hand was horrified, suddenly remembering the incident of Cale sending a wave of seawater to drown the marines chasing them.

 

"You want me to die?!"

 

"Why would I want you to die?"

 

"You want to fuckin' hit me with SEA DAMN WATER!!!"

 

"What's wrong with sea water? Look, it's cold."

 

"You... you want to fuckin' kill me-!!!"

 

"Why would I want to kill you?"

 

"Devil fruit users are weak to seawater!!!"

 

Silence engulfed them as both were frozen by the sentence that came out of Ace. Especially when the red-haired man suddenly smiled so wide that he arched his eyes.

 

"Whatever you think, I'll throw you into that damn sea, Cale."

 

"Let's throw ourselves into the sea together-"

 

"H-hell no!! Don't fuckin' drag me-!"

 

"We can turn into mermaids together."

 

"Cale. ARE YOU ORIGINALLY INSANE??? WHERE THE HECK IS UR BRAIN RN-?!"

 

"No, I'm not. I'm just not in my right mind right now."

 

"SAME DAMN THING!!!" 

 

Ace was hysterical, trying to avoid the touch of Cale's hand. Making them now lightly run around the small boat. Ace's behavior, which avoided touching hands like a cat made the smaller man laugh out loud. Moreover, the black-haired man made a manual sound effect sound that sounded funny.

 

-BUK!

 

Ace stopped when he saw Cale suddenly fall. Apparently the cold weather had created thin ice on the surface of the ship.

 

"Cale!" worried, the Shirohige commander immediately approached the red-haired man and sat him down. Mencelos saw that the garnett's reddish-brown eyes were now glazed over. However, they were shattered when he saw the small lump in the middle of Cale's enormous forehead.

 

"Pfftt-!"

 

Glassy eyes now glanced at him sharply. It was Ace's turn to laugh out loud. The man even toppled over and lay down as his stomach began to cramp from the loud laughter.

 

"Jon Snow."

 

The strange name that came out of the red-haired man's mouth suddenly stopped Ace's laughter. Before he had time to react or be incensed by the strange sourness of the foreign name, there was a rumbling sound beneath their ship. Then in the five most terrifying seconds of Ace's life, a Sea King appeared beside them. 

 

Portgas D. Ace gaped and his face paled.

 

Wasn't this Sea King the Sea King that had almost attacked Cale in Mock Town earlier?! So-so, why the hell is it here-!?

 

"W-was its the Sea King that had been following us-?!" Cale snorted, but nodded anyway. Then a smile was etched on those lips, widening even more. Uh oh... that's not a good damn sign, guys.

 

"Jon Snow wants revenge, doesn't she?" asked Cale innocently, to a black Sea King with several bushy manes around its neck and face. The creature looked like a combination of a Lion, a Snake and two Dinosaur legs. 

 

"Why Jon Snow and... she?!" Ace you dumb shit, why even ask anyway-!

 

"Because she has black scales," Cale replied casually. Then haughtily pointed at Ace who began to hobble away from the threat that would kill him.

 

"Take him around the sea, Jon Snow."

 

"GGGRRRR-!!!"

 

"NOOOOO-!!!!!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Cale has become increasingly wild and OOC since entering the OP world ಥvಥ)✨️

 

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PS. I've translated another fic chapter, but was too lazy to edit it...? Ehehehe *sob 〒▽〒)🙏

Chapter 10: #6 - Life is Nano Nano

Summary:

"Thinking of something?" Ace joked amusedly.

 

"Can you eat seafood?" Cale asked seriously, making the other man blink his eyes in surprise. Then burst out laughing.

 

"You seriously thought about that when we were kidnapped?"

Notes:

as always, THANK YOU to my dear readers for visiting, liking and loving this fic (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
Like almost 2k Kudos, 430+ Bookmarks, and 29+k hits?!
The previous chapters was also filled with so many sweet comments huhuhu! 😭😭😭🌹🌹🌹✨✨✨
Although I have not been able to reply one by one, but I always reread all the comments because these sweet words color my day xixixi 🥺🥺🥺

Happy reading, guys! 🥺🤧🍓❤✨
PS. (Again) sorry if the story is too messy to read... I edited it myself with help from DeepL heheh ಥ_ಥ) ... ψ(._. )>

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

It feels so good.

 

That this weapon of destruction, Cale used for the right person. The ancient power within him chuckled with sadistic pleasure.

 

Ace who was carrying him also looked equally pleased. The flames from the young man's hands looked like his bazooka bullets, which then fired and made an explosion almost as explosive as Cale's own.

 

The ugly zombies, the strangely colorful subordinates, as well as the shouts from their leader watching at the top of the tower brought out the sweet euphoria in him.

 

This!

 

Is this what chaos is all about but it feels good?!

 

YES! YESYESYESYES! CALE IS FINAL-fucking-LY ON THE SAME PAGE WITH ME-!!!

 

DROWN XXXX EVERYTHING, CALE-!

 

Don't forget that fucking asshole, Cale.

 

Super Rock's cold words brought beautiful redhead Cale Henituse's focus to the empty space between the zombies. Where the surrounding wind elements kindly informed him of the position of the pervert who had slapped his ass.

 

What a defiling of Cale's body.

 

"Ace-ya."

 

"HUUHH???"

 

Cale's voice as he called out to the younger man sounded small but the reply brought a grin to the beautiful face of the owner of garnett eyes. One free hand then landed on Ace's head, patting it twice accompanied by a thoughtful hum.

 

"I'm not satisfied yet."

 

This time Cale could feel the movement of Ace's neck, glancing up at him with expressive eyes before darkening and repositioning Cale's arms so that their faces now faced each other.

 

"That fucking perverted bastard is here?" the red-haired man nodded innocently, contrary to his evil thoughts.

 

"I'll pay him back first." A grin made the bright gray eyes arch.

 

"Hooo~!? Of course! Do we need to approach him right away?!" Cale shook his head.

 

Then there was a crash and Ace reflexively tried to dodge the attack. The sudden movement caused them to hit their heads in a non-elite manner. Cale winced at the violence on his forehead, glaring mentally as the other young man did not react.

 

Instead Ace looked amused, able to sense the frown of the man he was carrying.

 

"Keep running as usual but more calmly. We're going to create a solemn and marvelous scene."

 

"Ready, Mistah!"

 

Cale immediately took a comfortable position -assisted by Ace- and placed the bazooka around his neck. Feeling the mana fire start to recharge, which was amplified by Super Rock's mana earth, created a power as hot as lava and Cale was ready to see the bastard destroyed-

 

-DUAR!

 

"AAAKHHH-! WHY IS THAT WEAPON SHOOTING AT ME-?!"

 

The same voice. The red-haired beauty's smile widened sweetly.

 

Cale's shot was right on target haha.

 

The smile disappeared in an instant and was replaced with a flat face, which mercilessly fired at the perverted bastard. No matter that the bazooka bullets were now scattered, creating further damage and the two lovebirds witnessed many black shadows coming out of the zombie's body that were hit by The Cheapskate's holy fire.

 

"-that fire is weird-!"

 

"-m-my shadow-!"

 

"Wh-what's going on?! Why am I-!"

 

"Huwaaaa-!!! My shadow is back-!!!"

 

"Thank you, savior-san-!"

 

"SHIT-!!!"

 

Reddish-brown eyes widened slightly. Did you see the incident where the shadow that was abducted by the Shichibukai Zombie was released after hitting the power of the fire? Did the effect of the holy fire make the shadow come out on its own? Like dark mana purified by light mana?

...

And why is the way it works similar to something...? Like... exorcirms?

 

"STOP YOU-!!! STOP-!!!"

 

Both of the man's eyes then fell on the man who was plump but so tall and large. He had pale corpse-like skin, gothic purple lips, an inhumanly long neck that had strange stitches, maroon hair and horns on his forehead. While his clothes were a mix of noble outfits that Cale would never wear.

 

Orange, yellow pants paired with a gray undershirt, white ribbon and a purple suit??? Ugh.

 

"WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT, HUUUUHH????!!"

 

Ops. Like Gecko Moria could feel the condescending gaze of Cale who immediately looked away. Getting a snort from Ace, trying to dodge the attacks of some poor zombies thrown by Shichibukai Zombie.

 

Hey, isn't that rude?

 

Why is he throwing his own subordinates like throwing damn rocks?

 

Cale disliked this corpse bastard more and more.

 

Then several small-sized bats began to approach and surround them. Snorting, Cale activated the power of Glutton's shield, satisfied to see that the bats could not attack him. Making the Shichibukai even more hysterical.

 

"MOBILIZE ALL MY ZOMBIES!!! HOGBACK!"

 

Geez... this was getting boring.

 

"Cale! Brook has given the signal!" Cale nodded, picked up another light gun and fired it into the sky. A sign that they would leave after finishing the destruction of Thriller Bark.

 

Eyes looking at the mess he caused hoping Ace's younger brother crew would like the gift he prepared.

 

Inhaling and exhaling, the garnett-eyed man slowly closed his eyes. Then whispered a few words for the wind elementals to tell the water elementals that they would be leaving soon.

 

When it came to where they had to climb up the Thriller Bark ship's large dividing wall, despite being physically exhausted, Cale spoke to the man who had been carrying him running.

 

"Let me take us-"

 

"No need," Ace cut in immediately, grunting but keeping his eyes focused on the road ahead. Where there was a river of crocodiles waiting to eat them. However, if Ace said there was no need, shouldn't Cale believe him?

 

After all, if it failed, he could-

 

"Ouff-!"

 

The hands around his thighs and legs tightened, reflexively making the red-haired man hug Ace's neck tighter. Cale felt the young Portgas man take a stance on the ground and leap with a height of 3 meters. Not stopping there, the elder Henituse saw Ace stomp on the air, which resulted in a cool burst of fire. The technique was the same as when they tried to get off the wall. The difference was that Ace's position now had to go up.

 

As the black-haired man tried to climb up, so did Moria's bat attacks increase. His subordinates like the pink-haired girl were no less numerous. Some zombies with flying animal features are getting closer, not forgetting the firearms prepared by the Zombie doctor attacking from a distance.

 

Annoyed that his running was being interrupted, Cale stretched out his left arm, while his right hand held the bazooka and loosely hugged Ace's neck. The sounds of Crazy Kid and The Thief echoed cheerfully in his mind.

 

Then, in a moment of stunned silence, everyone watched as the waters surrounding Thriller Bark's island began to slowly rise. Creating the terrifying appearance of a Tsunami, accompanied by The Thief's powerful wind waves surrounding the Tsunami waters. Producing a water storm that in seconds could mercilessly destroy Thriller Bark.

 

He's harassing our friends!

 

Destroy them!

 

Drown them!

 

We'll help you!

 

We're happy to destroy all enemies for you!

 

As soon as Ace's footsteps reached the top of the wall, so did the two of them watch the Tsunami water accompanied by a pickaxe hit the place. Making the sound of Gecko Moria's screams sounded very pathetic and Cale was satisfied to hear it hehe.

 

The smile slowly disappeared, feeling Ace's gaping face covered by the mask. But the man being carried knew that the gray-eyed man was very surprised now.

 

"...Cale? Y-you who-?"

 

"To the speedboat!" Although somewhat hesitant, Ace nodded. The man used the same technique with ease, then landed on their waiting ship.

 

"Cale-san! Ace-san! You're back!" The man with freckles on his face nodded, saying nothing. Immediately seated Cale in the center of their ship.

 

The red-haired man on the other hand began to feel dizzy and familiar pains. His vision blurred even more with Crybaby in his mind trying to heal the effects of the power he had unleashed earlier. Coughing began to break the euphoria of victory and Cale felt Ace remove his black mask.

 

Warm hands caressed his cheeks, hair and face with care and tenderness.

 

"-Cale, stay awake, okay? Don't fall asleep just yet-"

 

A rough sigh and a blurry look of worry on Ace's face.

 

"-you can rest later. I'll take care of everything, hm-?"

 

The young man looked so pale and scared for some reason.

 

"Brook! Grab a towel and a bucket of water quickly-!" Cale's coughing was getting worse and-

 

The familiar liquid soaked the front of his clothes.

 

Garnett's eyes glazed over looking dazedly at Ace's colorless face. While Brook on the other hand hurriedly brought a basin of warm water from the cabin, along with another towel and compress.

 

Faintly, Cale could hear the sounds of nature's worried elements. The ocean of the Florian Triangle also sounded equally anxious, whispering the promise that it would bring the little redhead out of that dark region soon.

 

"-a-apple pie-" wordlessly, Ace reached into his spatial bag and held out Cale's favorite food. Patiently, the man fed him and gave him warm water.

 

Brook, by their side gave off an anxious aura. Despite the confusion, instead of giving the usual treatment, Ace fed Apple pie to the choking person with his own blood?

 

"Grab a blanket, Brook-" the living skeleton moved before the sentence was even finished.

 

A second later, Cale felt so warm and cozy. Although the throbbing in his heart and head was still painful, this feeling of safety obscured the pain.

 

Still in a daze, Cale saw the young Portgas man wrap himself in a blanket. While painstakingly cleaning the blood around his mouth and wiping the sweat from his forehead. His face still had a worried look, grey eyes glazed over and panting roughly, but was soon relieved to see a healthy rosy color returning to our beauty's cheeks.

 

"Sleep, Cale. I'll take care of the rest, hm?"

 

"Gold?" Ace laughed wetly, lifting his spatial bag and hiding it under his favorite orange hat.

 

"Safe with me."

 

Cale nodded slowly. Deciding to lean on the other young man's firm shoulder. Humming happily as he felt a hand run over his limp red hair. It briefly reminded him of the strokes of Eruhaben, who accompanied him to rest with Raon by his side.

 

"Have a good rest, Cale-ya."

 

Huh...? That's new... and adorable?

 

Ace felt like the coziest blanket in winter.

 

Cale's eyes closed and the man fell asleep in the warmest embrace ever.

 

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[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

Seeing the redhead who had already fallen asleep in his arms, peaceful and calm, without any painful wrinkles from the impact of his power, brought a watery smile to Ace's face.

 

His originally tense body, wilting and leaning completely against the cabin wall, seemed to have lost all its energy. But now it was accompanied by a sigh of relief. Cheeks helplessly rested on the red hair, inhaling deeply of Cale's sweet and soothing citrus.

 

The image of the garnett-eyed man vomiting blood was still uncomfortable to watch and in an instant reminded Ace of the moment Spade's pirate crew was killed in the attack.

 

His grip on Cale's body tightened.

 

Not anymore.

 

Ace had already lost Sabo.

 

Then some of his friends in Pirate Spades.

 

He had also failed to protect Thatch.

 

So, don't let his weakness make Ace lose Cale too.

 

Although... the smaller man said that vomiting blood was a side effect of his power... how long would it last? If it happened repeatedly, wouldn't the effects get worse? What if it happened when Cale was out of Ace's sight-?

 

"-ce-san!" Gray eyes widened in surprise. Reflexively hugged Cale tightly and hid the redhead into the crook of his neck.

 

"Ace-san! It's me, Brook! Are you okay?"

 

... not an enemy.

 

The black-haired man sighed for the umpteenth time. Cheek leaned back against the red hair and closed his eyes softly.

 

"I'm... fine," he replied choked up, almost a whisper. Brook was silent in front of him, unmoving.

 

Then the living skeleton strangely pulled out a violin from nowhere. There was a small sound of laughter from the skeleton, with a wise aura that Ace did not expect.

 

Without saying anything, Brook started playing the violin notes and oh the ocean, was the skeleton a musician before he died?

 

The music was so soothing.

 

It flowed serenely, washing Ace in safety, whispering to his heart that everything would be alright.

 

Unconsciously bringing a small smile hidden behind a light peck on the top of the red-haired head.

 

"Just go rest, Ace-boya." Grey eyes calmly observed Brook, analyzing every movement and action of the other skeleton with enhanced Kenbushouku Haki. After two long minutes, only then did Ace nod.

 

"I'm going in." Brook nodded. Wisely not commenting when suddenly the two lovebirds' ship moved quietly away from Thriller Bark.

 

Ace rose from his seat, easily carrying Cale who was still cozy in the blanket around him. Smiling briefly at the serene face of the man in his arms, the Shirohige commander stepped into their small cabin space.

 

The dark-haired man then laid Cale down on the hanging mattress. Ignoring the sudden heartbeat with red on his cheeks, Ace tried to look at other things while undressing Cale.

 

... u-uUh-! W-what's wrong with him-?! I-isn't Cale a guy? Why did Ace feel like he was undressing a girl-?!

 

Jojo Bizarre's manga-style hardened gaze then nodded to himself with determination.

 

Ace and Cale were both men!

 

There's nothing to look at and feel embarrassed about, right? Haha-

 

Cale's smooth skin was on display. Pearl white with a soft reddish glow. Gray eyes were glued to the slender line of that body, almost gasping at the tattoo carved in front of the redhead's heart (because that's sexy-?//PLAK) then traced it to Cale's jaw. On the wet reddish hair, it clung to form a carving (just Ace being dramatic guys) along the slender neckline. The head tilted gently, making the red bangs frame to one side enchantingly. Soft lashes, brushing the equally beautiful skinned cheeks and... and...

 

-BLUSH!

 

Hot steam exploded imaginary, escaping above his head while Ace's face was now bright red.

 

Hands trembled violently as the poor young man dumped Cale's black clothes onto the bed of dirty clothes beside their small sink. Gray eyes then stared blankly at the black pants, an inner tremor that he should also open-?

 

... there was no blood.

 

The freckled man breathed a sigh of relief (why THE FUCK did he feel disappointed-?), now all Ace had to do was find Cale's clothes.

 

While shaking his head aggressively and slapping his cheeks repeatedly, the dark-haired man walked over to the small cabinet hanging on the wall near the nightstand. Opening it, he smiled a little as he saw the folds of their clothes separated in two places. Ace's on the bottom, and Cale's on top.

 

Picking up a soft cream shirt, accented with laces on the chest and light ribbons on the sleeves. Inhaling and exhaling, while strengthening his resolve, Ace turned to the still topless Cale.

 

... look at how those pink lips parted slightly, making those pretty features soften with an air of innocence that was so sweet-ARRGGHHHHH!!!

 

Blushing, Ace, who was still determined to make Cale sleep comfortably, quickly put the clothes on. Although it was trembling and took about 5 minutes, the young man could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Now Cale was fully covered and there was no more pearly skin that would catch Ace off damn guard!

 

Snorting, the gray-eyed man tried to dispel the hot steam on his cheeks. The young man then moved to remove Cale's boots and wiped his floppy red hair with a warm towel. Looking at Cale who was back clean and comfortable on their bed, Ace nodded proudly.

 

He got through the crisis so well, didn't he, guys?

 

Now it was his turn to pack and clean up. There were many traces of dirt and the zombie's blood on him, making Ace's face flush.

 

After finishing cleaning up, the young man walked back out of the cabin, finding Brook still sitting on the edge of their ship. There was a light humming sound coming from the skeleton.

 

"Why don't you rest, Ace-san?"

 

"I'll rest after making sure we're safe." Brook nodded in understanding.

 

"But don't worry, the fog suddenly thickened and Moria can't reach us." Brook's explanation suddenly made sense. The young man himself did not realize that the fog thickened and their ship was moving on its own.

 

Frowning, the man surnamed D. tried to glance underwater near their ship.

 

It couldn't be that Cale's pet Jon Snow had come along, could it? In the history that Ace knew, no Sea King had ever survived entering the Florian Triangle. Therefore, their ship that was usually pulled by that creature, why was it moving on its own?

 

"-ah! That's my ship! Yohohoho-!" Another skeleton suddenly exclaimed, pointing forward, as Ace-Cale's ship stopped at that ship's side.

 

Feeling strange and creeped out, Commander Shirohige tried to ignore the feeling of dread. A powerful and tough pirate should not be afraid of something as trivial as this-

 

The young man gasped as he felt a hand rest on his right shoulder, almost screaming at the sight of a skeleton with an eerie glow emblazoned on it.

 

"Damn you, perverted skeleton!" Ace hissed, cat-like. Making Broom laugh in amusement.

 

"This time take a break, Ace-san. The ocean is doing us a favor and those with evil intentions won't hurt us."

 

That sentence brought a strange warmth to Ace. Brook gave a strange smile typical of his skeleton, then disappeared in the mist as he flew onto his own ship. Leaving the dark-haired man alone, with the soft air and the thick fog.

 

Sighing, gray eyes glanced at the fog from a distance.

 

There were many questions within him ever since Ace had gotten to know the young man named Cale Henituse. And until now his questions had no answers.

 

There were many strange things about Cale.

 

His magic bag.

 

The various unique powers.

 

An annoying laziness, but a brilliant mind.

 

Can communicate with the Sea King.

 

Knowing the way even without a map.

 

Now the ocean... helping them?

 

Shaking his head, to bury those questions, Ace bit his lip lightly.

 

After all... why get to know more about Cale when they were about to part ways?

 

The chances of meeting were slim.

 

Ace didn't know what the future held when he met Teach and the young man was prepared for any risk. As long as Thatch's grudge was successfully embedded in his fist against that bastard Teach.

 

With a heavy heart, the gray-eyed man walked into their small cabin. Glancing at Cale's undisturbed sleeping form and looking so sound and comfortable. Somehow that sight unconsciously brought a smile to Ace's face.

 

Without saying anything, the Shirohige commander took the empty spot next to Cale.

 

As if noticing Ace's presence, the red-haired man turned over until his arms half embraced him. The head was already resting on Ace's chest, not letting the other poor man react.

 

Face flushed lightly again, frowning that Cale was so easily leaning on someone he barely knew like this... how would it be when they parted ways later?!

 

The handsome face darkened, thinking of the other foreign men or women who didn't understand Cale's attitude, then letting the red-haired man hug them like this... and in the end wouldn't they get too fuckin' comfortable themselves? Hey, isn't that called exploiting weakness?!

 

Snorting, the black-haired man brought his arm carefully under Cale's back. Guiding the other man to lean fully on top of Ace's chest and was satisfied to see the other feel supple under his touch. Comfortable and humming like a cat.

 

If it was someone else who took Ace's place and saw Cale like this... che, this red-haired man is really hopeless, right?

 

Holding a small grudge against the stranger formed in his imagination, Ace decided to close his eyes and rest.

 

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

 

They had to get out of the Florian Triangle safely, without the Thriller Bark crew stalking and attacking behind them.

 

Well... although Ace thought everything would be fine tomorrow.

 

( Surprisingly, if he was with Cale, Ace could feel the pain from the past that haunted him disappear. This man is like his 'One Piece' in this endless blue sea-)

 

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[Third Person's POV]

 

This time, Cale was the first to wake up from the two due to the hunger in his stomach.

 

The 21-year-old man rubbed his eyes grimly with a small pout on his lips. It was a bit reluctant to leave the warmth of his other traveling companion's embrace, but hunger and Glutton's whining interrupted that rest.

 

Apparently, Cale's movement made the dark-haired youth reflexively wake up and immediately sit up. Still with Cale on his chest being forcibly dragged. Immediately getting a whimper from the smaller man.

 

"C-cale-?! W-what are you still in pain? Where are your wounds? Are you feeling tired-?" Two large hands cupped his cheeks again, gray eyes glanced here and there and then ended with a sharp glare from the red-haired man.

 

"You woke up too soon, fool. My body hurt from the sudden movement," Cale said grimly, to which the bigger man winked twice and then sighed in relief.

 

"I'm sorry."

 

Seeing Ace's weak response, which was very unusual, made Cale frown. What was wrong with this young man in front of him? Cale was in pain why was Ace so lethargic?

 

"I'm hungry," said the redhead in a calm voice.

 

"Okay. Just a moment," Ace replied immediately, very obediently, getting up from the hanging bed. Not forgetting to give one last glance, looking Cale up and down then only then did the man exit the cabin.

 

... seriously. What happened?

 

Probably tired? The Thief said nonchalantly.

 

Let's get ready, Cale! It's time for breakfast!!!

 

Cale nodded and moved from his position. His feet stepped over to the small sink, blinking as he realized that his clothes were already changed. No wonder, Cale's sleep was so comfortable? Smiling slightly, the garnett-eyed man went about his morning activities as usual.

 

******

 

At the table, there was already Ace preparing breakfast.

 

The black-haired man was wearing a black unbuttoned shirt, knee-length baggy jeans with hand accessories in the form of Log Pose and bracelets. This time there was no orange hat and a red bead necklace around his neck as usual.

 

Sitting at a small table, Cale's eyes now looked around him, at the thick fog and was instantly confused.

 

"The fog has thickened since yesterday." The red head tilted at Ace's words.

 

"Really?"

 

Right, right! We're helping!

 

The ocean helped!

 

Feel guilty!

 

Get well soon!

 

Hide, okay? We'll help you!

 

Ace, on the other hand saw his temporary traveling companion looking dazed. Although his eyes glanced left and right, as if someone was talking from one ear to the other, ending in a strange little smile.

 

Thankfully, Cale's condition returned to normal.

 

No blood stains.

 

A pale face.

 

And a body shaken by a very bad cough.

 

"We can go today," Cale said suddenly with determined eyes.

 

"But the fog is so thick?" The red head shook his head casually. Started gathering the meat onto his own plate, which was assisted by Ace. The black-haired man arranged cherry tomatoes, then bacon, scope, avocado and a slice of bread. Cale's favorite warm milk and orange juice for himself.

 

"I will lead us." The firm words brought a small smile to Ace's face. As usual, if Cale had a voice like this, how could Ace argue? Instead, he was rewarded with a deadly glare.

 

"What about me?"

 

"AAAKHHHHH-!!!" cried Ace, startled by Brook's sudden presence at their side. Sitting quietly with a cup in his bony fingers.

 

"You're staying here," Cale replied casually. Taking a sip of his milk, making those cheeks puff out a cute redness.

 

"But-"

 

"It won't be long-" continued the red-haired youth again. Reddish-brown eyes now shone with the knowledge and secrets hidden there. Vaguely, Ace could feel the ocean breeze through them, making the flowing red hair frame the face with a small smile.

 

"-you will find a 'new home'."

 

This strange attitude of Cale's, Ace found himself having no desire to comment or argue. It was as if there was a power of its own in those words, just like the strange instinct that led the red-haired man to survive until now.

 

On the other hand, Cale's current face really distracted Ace. Especially with the white whiskers above his lips -a result of the milk he drank-, making his previously serious-looking face turn into an adorable face.

 

"...why are you looking at me like that?" muttered Cale feeling strange by the smile on Ace's face and the amused aura around Brook. Without saying anything, Ace reached for the tissue he had provided in the center of the table to wipe the milk marks above Cale's lips.

 

"Aahh..." Cale murmured, his voice lowered with a reddish blush on his cheeks. The garnett eyes then looked at Ace and nodded once.

 

Brook, again fell silent as he thought about the red-haired man's words. Who was now speaking lightly to his partner, Ace. Occasionally pouting which the other man laughed back. Then grinned mockingly, which immediately got Ace's usual ferocious reaction.

 

Were these two seriously not lovers?

 

A blind person could even sense the two seemed to like each other, just by hearing their arguments.

 

Ace, despite his explosive attitude, rough talk, physical play, permanent scowl on his face, was a caring man on the other hand. His worried face, glassy eyes, cooking, and protectiveness were not out of Brook's mind.

 

Cale has the opposite traits of Ace. Quieter, graceful, lazy, but smart. The red-haired man could adjust his interlocutor and match Ace's aggressive temperament, which melted instantly when faced with a softie like Cale.

 

Hey, Brook found himself liking the dynamic of these two men.

 

"Brook-ssi ?"

 

Blinking mentally, the living skeleton saw Cale's garnett eyes glancing at him calmly. While Ace across the table also looked at him indifferently, but still attentive in his own way.

 

"Do you remember our promise?"

 

Ahh... that promise.

 

"Of course, Cale-san!" The red-haired man nodded happily.

 

"Are you sure Luffy's crew will like it?"

 

"Why are you hesitating?"

 

"W-well... I guess Nami will go so fuckin' mad?"

 

"Even if the reward is money?"

 

"Then, she'll like it, even if she complains." Ace's laughter was defeated, it always had and always would melt when it came to Cale.

 

Brook loved the dynamic between these two men... but there was no place for him to join in.

 

Maybe... like Cale said, soon Brook will be in the right place ?

 

"In that case, see you again?" It felt a bit heavy, that Brook would part with these two great young men.

 

Although all they did was to ravage Thriller Bark, their actions were enough to make Brook satisfied. The revenge for having his shadow stolen was also half-treated and the living skeleton found himself having a lot of fun yesterday.

 

Cale even helped him design a bomb manually and very quickly!

 

The other man made a suggestion of another skill that could be a distraction if a fight broke out. Isn't that a very good thing?

 

"Well, good job."

 

Ace smiled behind his hand seeing that the skeleton had a faint blush on his cheekbones.

 

Gray eyes glanced at Cale, who had already finished his third plate. The rest of their companions also ate after Ace offered it to them, as a parting gift.

 

With almost melancholic eyes, Ace wove every inch of that face into his heart and their moments into the recorded memories.

 

It must have been hard... to adventure with him, right?

 

Because Ace was unable to protect-

 

"Ace-ya?"

 

Seeing the silence of the black-haired man, Cale could not help but ask. Especially when the ocean faintly whispered the gray-eyed man's sadness.

 

"Are you okay?" Blinking in surprise, Cale added in a light teasing voice.

 

"Sad to part with Brook-ssi?"

 

...

 

"Aaaawww really, Ace-san?! You're making this skeleton's heart skip a beat! Even though I don't have a heart, yohohohoho!"

 

Realizing what Cale's words meant, Ace's face immediately darkened, pale with a slight blush in his ears.

 

"HAH! WHAT'S THE FUCK SO SAD ABOUT-?!"

 

"You?"

 

"Just confess, Ace-san! Yohohohoho!"

 

"NO, YOU BASTARD! STOP YOU PERVERTED DAMN SKELETON-!"

 

Well, at least for now Ace was back to his normal self.

 

It felt really bad to see the man's calm face.

 

Especially his empty gray eyes, devoid of any strong desire like the beginning of their meeting.

 

Cale would make sure that gaze returned before they were separated-

 

-to their own worlds.

 

.
.
.

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

The ocean of the Florian Triagle disappeared as the fog thinned and the weather around their ship changed.

 

After giving a few parting words to Brook, who returned to his big ship, Ace was led by Cale to the end of the waters (which the red-haired man said) of the Florian Triangle.

 

"What's that paper for?" Ace pointed, trying to sound nonchalant, but still curious about the thin object that had a yellowish paper hue, some strange symbols that carried a strange eerie air.

 

"A parting gift for the Shichibukai zombie," Cale replied innocently and the paper was ruthlessly torn off.

 

As they exited, there was a huge explosion. Accompanied by Gecko Moria's screams, promises of revenge and pitiful cries that disappeared behind the sea of Florian Triange.

 

The atmosphere between them was silent for a moment and Ace gulped.

 

Cale really was a scary person when it came to grudges.

 

Ace had already experienced the Sea King, that Jon bastard Snow who bit the hem of his clothes, then mercilessly took Ace to frolic in the water until Cale was satisfied.

 

That shivering body and satisfied smile could really be a tremor charm for the enemy.

 

"We're already outside," muttered Ace. Glancing at the Log Pose, he saw that it was back to working as usual with the arrow pointing in one direction.

 

The Sabaody Islands.

 

The place where they would part ways in the future.

 

Ace would go after Thatch.

 

And Cale would be safe in the Sabaody Islands, his family would be able to find him there.

 

Because Sabaody was neutral territory. It had no possessions, each of the pirates and marines had their own borders there. So, Cale would be temporarily safe there.

 

... why does it feel heavy?

 

"We're going to Sabaody, right?"

 

"Yep."

 

The reverie broke and Shirohige commander found the red-haired passenger eating something. Like an ice cream bar. Especially this.

 

"Want some?" Remembering the Goguma Ppang and Jon Snow incident, Ace just gave a frown. Cale snickered and offered another ice cream anyway.

 

The dark-haired man reluctantly accepted it, but chomped on the ice cream with a savoring hum. Chocolate, vanilla and peanut melted sweetly in his taste buds.

 

After adjusting the steering wheel, Ace walked over to Cale who was lounging on a chair at the edge of the platform and sat beside him.

 

"There we'll be separated, right?"

 

Ah, this Cale.

 

Breaking the calm atmosphere with that ugly damn question.

 

"Yeah," Ace replied. Frowning as his voice sounded glum. As if unhappy or whining? Huh. That's funny.

 

"Aren't you going to wait for Luffy-ya?"

 

"-ya?" Beo Ace, ice cream forgotten suddenly. It felt strange because his stomach felt uncomfortably hot, even though the nickname was for his lovely younger brother.

 

"Hu um. Because he's your little brother?" The beautiful face tilted gracefully, making the red hair frame the sweetness of his innocent expression. The wind was blowing, the sun was shining, Cale's features looked so dreamy.

 

Currently, Cale was wearing his usual white shirt -how many white damn shirts did this man have-, slightly tight brown pants and dark brown lace-up boots. The red hair was left down, but the left side was now clearly visible as there was a braid on the left side of the hair that was held in place with a gold-engraved brown ribbon.

 

Ace himself on the other hand wore a black shirt accented with red flames that was left open as usual. Black baggy jeans, an orange belt, black boots, hand accessories, a red bead necklace around his neck and an orange hat that he had now taken off, hung on the back of his neck.

 

"And... we're not waiting for Luffy-ya?" Did Ace dare to hope that from Cale's tone of voice, that the other man was also reluctant to be separated immediately?

 

"Well, after we arrive, shouldn't we explore everything first?" Ace joked, eating his ice cream again.

 

"Is it that vast?" The taller man nodded.

 

"Actually, Sabaody is not an island. It's a mangrove forest that grows from the bottom of the sea to the surface-" Ace's explanation left Cale speechless. Reddish-brown eyes would widen with interest, while occasionally muttering in his native language.

 

"-so, there is no magnetic force in Sabaody. Furthermore, Sabaody's territory is close to the Red Line that leads to the New World section." Ace blinked as the bar supporting the ice cream disappeared in an instant. Staring blankly at Cale who blinked innocently.

 

Portgas D. Ace found himself not even surprised if Cale Henituse claimed to be from another world.

 

"A neutral territory?"

 

"Yep. Marines and Pirates have their own areas. Areas 1-29 are the base of pirate territory and there are no specific laws in these areas. Then 30-39 is Sabaody Park, an attraction with various bubbles."

 

"Bubbles?"

 

"The humidity of the mangrove creates them. Sabaody residents used to use these bubbles in their daily lives. They are strong enough to withstand ocean currents, you know. When trying to get to Fishman Island."

 

"Fishman Island?" Ace gave him sharp, annoyed gray eyes.

 

"You once asked me to be a Mermaid but you don't know Fishman Island?" Cale complained lightly as Ace pinched his cheek.

 

"I know," replied the innocent redhead.

 

"So?! Why the heck are you asking-?!"

 

"You explained it well?"

 

//BLUSH

 

How could Ace feel embarrassed to hear those unfiltered damn words come out so lightly on those thin, sweet rosy lips? Damn Cale, damn.

 

"E-ekhem-!" Holding back the hot steam on his cheeks, Ace corrected his sitting position to be straighter and looked away. Feeling unable to bear the sight of Cale's smile.

 

His heart was not safe. How many times had Ace repeated it, huh? You guys must be bored, right? But it can't be helped, bish.

 

"As you said before, Sabaody is neutral territory, but that doesn't mean you can just walk through it." Two fingers raised and Ace's face turned serious.

 

"The first is Marijoa, the palace of the World Nobles that is heavily guarded by the World Government and Marines. It is located at the top of Sabaody and the Red Line. While below the two is Fishman Island, the sea route. The pressure to get to this region is heavy and many pirates often die in this section," Ace explained, glancing at Cale's pensive expression.

 

"And this bubble is able to withstand that water pressure?" Ace nodded.

 

"Incredible but strange," muttered the redhead, her forehead beginning to wrinkle comically.

 

"... troublesome," he complained again and Ace couldn't help but laugh.

 

"Here we go again. Area 40-49 is the shopping area. There are many shops and souvenirs here, as well as various tourist attractions. 50-59 is the ship area. Then 60-69 is the Marine base and finally 70-79 is the best service area in Sabaody."

 

Cale was silent for a long time and oh. His gray eyes were widened by the smile that was slowly forming on his lips.

 

"Best service?"

 

"Didn't you hear what I said? That area is close to the Marine base!"

 

"So? Don't they know my face?"

 

"But you already got the bounty-?!"

 

"News Coo!"

 

At the same time Ace said that sentence, the seabird that usually worked as a mail carrier arrived and stood not far from them. Cale had subscribed since Water Seven but it was always Ace who paid for the newspaper.

 

"Thank you for subscribing to News Coo!" After giving the newspaper and the updated bounty paper, the two read carefully.

 

"Wow, my bounty went up dramatically," marveled Cale, looking at the photo of 'Red Riding Hood' now having a bounty of 450 million berries. While Ace's own had risen to 650 million berries.

 

Hooo? From 100 to 450 million? That's very damn drastic.

 

That Shichibukai must have reported Cale's strange power. This time, Cale could not avoid the attention of the World Government and the Marines. Maybe even the World Nobles-

 

"Ace-"

 

"-no."

 

Cale pouted his lips AND! The mighty and formidable Portgas D. Ace would not fall on that face! Shouldn't Cale be worried about the impact of his bounty going up this drastically!?

 

"You agreed to it last time-"

 

"-when?! I'M NOT YOU FOO-!"

 

"But, we can do a diversion like in Thriller Bark-"

 

"You serious-fucking-ly want to turn your-damnself in and take Berry's then run away from the prison?! DID I FUCKIN' EXPLAIN THE IMPEL DOWN TO YOU?!" Hysterical Ace, unable to understand the red sloth's train of thought.

 

"I'm a prison escape expert-"

 

"-AARRGHHHH!!! THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!!!" Seeing that the idea still hadn't died from the pretty garnett's eyes, Ace quickly grabbed the bounty photo and held it up high.

 

"You can't. I won't let you-!"

 

"That's my bounty-?"

 

"You damn red sloth! I can't save you! Impel down that sea rock nest!"

 

"It weakened you?" Cale's brow furrowed comically and damn, Ace was caught off guard by that face. Moreover, his question was provocative, as if mocking Ace's weakness. Making the bounty paper return to the redhead's hand.

 

"I-I'M NOT FUCKING WEAK, HUH?!"

 

"No, no," hummed the redhead, hardly caring. Instead staring at her bounty photo with various ideas running through his smart brain.

 

"You hear me, HAH?! NO YA NO, HUH?!" Seeing Cale who did not respond, made the black-haired man anxious to choke him.

 

Ace, who was taller, bent his body. One hand grabbed Cale's waist to bring them closer (currently in a standing position), while the other grasped the top of Cale's bounty paper, then lowered it.

 

"No, Cale." Reddish brown eyes blinked innocently. There was a false rosy hue on those pale cheeks, bringing a tingly feeling to Ace's own stomach.

 

"Okay?"

 

Their faces were so close together.

 

And faintly, in the silence of the two beads of eyes staring at each other, a heartbeat could be heard.

 

"No promises but hu um... okay," replied the red-haired man, sounding almost weak and innocent.

 

Snorting, feeling hot and embarrassed, Ace nodded in satisfaction.

 

At least, it wasn't as bad as the first time Cale's bounty was revealed, the man was even ready to return to Water Seven to launch the action. It took a strong restraint at the waist to stop the other man's movement, which thankfully was because Cale was physically weak, so the smaller man always lost.

 

"I-I'll prepare dinner." Glancing at the approaching evening (they talked that long?), Ace hurried down from the bridge to the cabin.

 

"Take care of the steering wheel! Check out Log Pose and the map!"

 

"Okay."

 

They returned to their usual activities. But, Cale on the other hand was noisy, both physically (still feeling hot and flushed) and mentally (filled with the babble of ancient powers).

 

Portgas D. Ace in serious mode really had to be taken into account by Cale.

 

... could sometimes be as terrifying as Choi Han.

 

Although it strangely made Cale's stomach tingle, but nothing tickled him. So strange.

 

Sharp gray eyes, a handsome face that frowned seriously with a small frown. Black hair parted, framing a handsome face, clean from blemishes, having light freckles on his face as well as a cute redness that accentuated that feature.

 

... Ace isn't that bad?

 

Aaaaawwww kiw kiw kiw AHAHAHAHHA

 

What can I say, uri Cale knows but doesn't know.

 

HAHAHAHAHAH you're secretly a XXXX simp, right-?

 

Huh, where did you learn those words-?!

 

Shut up!

 

His mental shout was answered by his partner's cheerful laughter.

 

Ugh. How annoying.

 

******

 

[Nighttime]

 

The center of their ship now had a simple decorative lamp that Ace had installed. It made a soft yellowish glow, and the shadows of the lights on the water made for an alluring sight.

 

The two young men with black and red hair were now sitting on a folding chair, near the edge of the ship. In each of their hands were glasses filled with hot chocolate, a recipe from Cale's hometown.

 

Both of them were quiet. Enjoying being together in silence and the soothing voices of the sea breeze. Although there was the occasional rumble of their sea companion, Jon Snow, who swam asleep beneath the ship.

 

When had Ace ever felt this comfortable even without Spade's crew, Shirohige's crew and his sworn brother? Even those mountain bandits?

 

Without worrying about his true identity, which had always been the source of his anger in the past. About a child of a famous, but most hated pirate, with a mother's name that even the child did not know.

 

What if... Cale found out-?

 

"Why?" The voice of the man beside him broke Ace's painful reverie. Glancing to the side, his breath was almost stolen for the umpteenth time.

 

Still sporting a banded braid on the left side of his hair, Cale's features were now washed by the light of their ship. Making him look so delicate, shining in that warm glow.

 

"That..." choking up, it felt hard to ask this question.

 

"... what do you think would happen if Gold Roger had a child?"

 

That question had been repeated a million times by Ace in his childhood. So thirsty to find out his true identity, helpless by the same cruel answer (althought he knew it wasn't true), then drowning in a sea of anger for so long. So prickly when anyone wanted to get close to him, because Ace felt so inappropriate.

 

That a demon child like him-

 

"Troublesome."

 

The heart felt like it stopped beating and a chill spread throughout his body. Gray eyes widened, glancing blankly at Cale's indifferent face.

 

"Troublesome...?" his voice small and... the dark-haired man did not know how to express how he felt right now.

 

"Yes. Troublesome." Cale nodded again, firm with his own thoughts. The gaze that had been glancing at the ocean now looked at him sharply.

 

"Having a famous father is troublesome. I feel sorry for that child," Cale continued, letting out a sad sigh and then nodding playfully with his lips curled down. But, his eyes sparkled with such sincere emotion.

 

"... really?"

 

That... was a completely different answer than Ace had ever heard.

 

Even the answer from Oyaji.

 

"Yep."

 

Silence engulfed them and Cale quietly sipped his hot chocolate.

 

"What do you think... what if that child decides to hate his father? Because he became famous and people called him a demon child?"

 

Reddish-brown eyes shone with secrets and wisdom. Ace's heart was pounding with fear and hope, while his gray eyes began to glaze over and his gaze blurred.

 

"First of all, I have no right to judge Gold Roger and his child," Cale explained, beginning in the softest voice Ace had ever heard. Oh how his heart shook with that voice.

 

"Secondly, it is entirely the child's decision to hate or love his father." That look was shaded and drowned in nostalgia for a moment.

 

"Third, there is no such thing as a demon child." At this sentence, Cale's voice was hard, like a storm that could blow everything away. The eyes flashed sharply, seeming to want to destroy something.

 

"All children are pure, Portgas D. Ace," the voice said in a soft whisper.

 

"They are pure. So pure that they can grow into anything. Their purity becomes an opportunity and their environment becomes a vessel for it."

 

Gray eyes were caught in the eyes of burning embers.

 

"Just as all children are pure, so is the child of Gold Roger." Then a gentle smile was etched on that face.

 

"As much as that child wants to hate his father, I wish he would do as I did in my first answer. To not judge first."

 

It was like being slapped-

 

"Get to know how that famous father looks like. Then we can decide for ourselves whether he's worth hating or loving. Not anyone else."

 

-but at the same time made Ace relieved.

 

"I hope you do too, Ace-ya."

 

Feeling better, with his burden slightly lifted, Ace chuckled.

 

Getting a confused look from the other man. He could guess the look, like there was something wrong with him.

 

"So, is the child worthy of love?"

 

Cale nodded firmly.

 

"Of course."

 

"Even if he grows up to be a bad person?"

 

"There is always a chance to change."

 

"If that child feels unworthy?"

 

"Then someone will come along and make it all worth it."

 

Ace's gaze blurred even more at the tears he was holding back. So, the man turned his face away so as not to be seen by Cale.

 

"If that someone doesn't come?"

 

"Will come."

 

That firm answer really made hope bloom sweetly within him. Cale seemed so confident in that statement, that it made Ace want to trust him.

 

Swallowing saliva against a choked throat was painful. His breath was coming in gasps and he was sure Cale noticed how shaky Ace's shoulders were right now.

 

"Even... if the child doesn't manage to protect his friend?"

 

"Children shouldn't have the burden to protect."

 

"Even if the teenage child gets his friend killed?"

 

"If they're really the child's friend, then his friend will be sad."

 

"...even if the big child is still unable to protect?"

 

"Is it his duty to protect?"

 

"... if it is?"

 

"What a pity," Cale whispered and Ace wanted to lean into those words.

 

"No man is created alone. Not even for Gold Roger's child."

 

A firm nod was felt.

 

"Gold Roger's child was born pure. He is worthy of love, worthy of respect, and free to choose."

 

A soft touch was felt around the shoulder, and Ace leaned into the touch. Closing his eyes, he felt the finger gently caress his shoulder, then travel down to his cheek and dark hair.

 

"Failing to protect a friend is very painful. But to love the life as well as the opportunity given by the friend, think from this view, the child's friend will be happy for him."

 

"R-really?"

 

"Yes, Ace-ya. Isn't this Gold Roger's child deeply loved by his friends? They have encouraged that child to survive until now." The swipe brought strands of black hair behind the ear in a thrilling, heartwarming touch.

 

"The child is truly loved."

 

Wet laughter rang out and Ace nodded to himself. The larger hand then grasped the smaller one. Leaning it against his cheek, while the man would lean there. Still not daring to face Cale, but comforted by the presence given.

 

The burden began to lift little by little.

 

That night, despite their awkward position, Ace began to fully accept Cale's embrace. Without being worried by the noise in his head, the stormy-eyed man went back to sleep peacefully tonight.

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

At dawn, in the early morning hours, the man surnamed D. was already standing at the edge of the ship.

 

The place that was the most vulnerable moment in Ace's life.

 

Face flushed to resemble a boiled crab.

 

Heart beating so fast that it felt like it could burst out of its place at any moment.

 

The head was dizzy, but that was because of the hot steam on his cheeks.

 

Unsettled feet, walking back and forth near the deck of the ship.

 

Occasionally, the man would unconsciously let out the fire in his hands. Remembering the embarrassing moment he cried with Cale by his side.

 

How damn embarrassing!

 

Even though Ace had promised not to cry in front of others!

 

He didn't even cry when Thatch was buried?!

 

B-but, why did he... could-?

 

"ARRGHH-!!!" His hand reflexively covered his mouth. Afraid that his scream might wake Cale up. The smaller man must be exhausted.

 

Having slept beyond his prescribed bedtime last night (9pm), listening to Ace's question, calming him down with short but reassuring words of wisdom.

 

His footsteps halted, a soft unsolicited smile returned and in an instant he slapped his cheek.

 

"You idiot, Ace! Don't be shy! Don't be shy! Don't-!" he hissed repeatedly, again blushing ridiculously with the imaginary hot steam above his head.

 

Although... there was no denying that Ace's heart was filled with warmth and interest by Cale's words-

 

"Aaaaaakkhhh-!" The stifled scream was not elite, it felt like throwing oneself into the sea. UGH.

 

H-how should Ace deal with Cale later? What if his voice sounded stuttering? What if his face was still red like a tomato? Then... what if his yelling temper came back (aiyyoo, always dude-)? What if Cale would laugh at him-? Ah, no way. Cale was even willing to calm him down last night-?

 

"Ace?"

 

"AAAKKHHHH-!!!"

 

Reddish-brown eyes stared flatly at the young man who shouted so manly, jumping back almost two meters away. Although it was still dark, with the dim light of the ship, Cale could see the other young man's flushed face.

 

Is this Ace boya feeling embarrassed? Glutton giggled fondly.

 

How could he not? He cried like a crybaby last night-

 

Hush. You're rude, Cheapskate.

 

It's true what XXXX grandpa stone said! Don't you XXXX ever cry? You're a man too! And a man can XXXX cry too! Seeing The Cheapskate being cornered by his fellow ancient powers, The Thief and Cale could only chuckle. Meanwhile, Crybaby observed the situation as usual with a smile.

 

"We're almost there?"

 

They had been traveling for almost a week.

 

Yesterday was the highlight of the day when Ace had been behaving strangely, until the man asked him a unique question and was now back to his usual self.

 

Cale knew very well why Ace had asked that.

 

The dark-haired man was not good at hiding his secrets and feelings.

 

"Wh-why are you looking at me like that?" Cale shrugged, still wrapped in the blanket because the dawn was very cool. Moreover, the cold was increased by the sea breeze.

 

"I'm going back to sleep. Wake me up already, Arra ?" Somewhat awkward and still blushing with embarrassment, the man with the freckled face nodded absentmindedly.

 

Earning a chuckle from the redhead who re-entered the cabin.

 

The moment his head hit the pillow, he fell back asleep in an instant.

 

Leaving behind Ace who could not sleep, staying at the edge of the ship with cold breath vapor.

 

Gray eyes glanced around.

 

On gently undulating seas, and in normal weather.

 

They would soon arrive at Sabaody in about five hours, signaled by the magnetic field beginning to malfunction as usual.

 

That meant that the time of separation was approaching.

 

They would certainly spend a short time together in Sabaody.

 

Introducing Luffy and his crew to Cale.

 

Preventing the other man from infiltrating the Marine base to steal his own bounty money.

 

Guarded the man, explaining how to protect himself in the pirate area, so as not to stand out and not be pursued by the Marines and the World Government who wanted his power.

 

Then taking Cale around the entire Sabaody Area.

 

Even if he could, Ace wanted to show him the Sabaody bubble that could withstand water pressure.

 

There were... there were so many things Ace still wanted to do with Cale.

 

To show him how beautiful the world can be when we adventure wholeheartedly. To see the twinkle of interest and admiration on that face. To savor every weird, funny but unique expression of this red pretty sloth. And of course to spend more moments with that beautiful man.

 

But...

 

"Huft. Let's see what the future holds, huh?"

 

******

 

[4 hours later]

 

Cale was awakened by the sound of the noisy sea breeze.

 

Jon Snow, who had been keeping watch below their ship, also sent out a million alarms that disturbed our young lord's deep sleep. Suddenly, both eyes opened wide and he immediately sat up.

 

Somewhat panicked then when he realized Ace wasn't by his side.

 

Is that guy still outside?!

 

"-tay in, Cale!"

 

Then, there were sounds of fighting, explosions, and fists. The ocean was restless, the winds looked annoyed and the Sea King growled.

 

What was going on?

 

Someone was attacking!

 

Attacking!

 

Bothering our Cale's sleep!

 

Exterminate!

 

Sea King, do your job!

 

Not yet! Let me see the situation first!

 

All the voices were reluctant to follow his directions but remained obedient with the intense atmosphere.

 

The roar of motors (?) and the sound of wings being flown were heard. Eyebrows furrowed in bewilderment at the unlikely combination, but immediately gaped mentally at the appearance of a group of motorcycle gangs (can Cale say that?) with the usual gothic style, black leather jackets, feathers around their faces, black robes, colorful cropped hair, riding a flying damn fish ?

 

"Ho-! Boss! There's a Pretty Gurl !"

 

"We can sell her at a high price !"

 

"That man is a Devil Fruits user !"

 

"Catch them! Fire is a rare element and that beautiful woman can be sold for a high price !"

 

"Throw the sea-rock net !"

 

Ruthlessly, almost haughtily, Cale took out his shields. Grinning as he watched them bounce along with his strange flying fish.

 

"That woman is a Devil Fruits user too! Jackpot!"

 

"She's so pretty! Maybe it could be for you, boss-!"

 

"-DAMN IT! DON'T FUCKIN' DARE TALK TO CALE LIKE THAT YOU PERVERTED DAMN PIGHEAD ASS BASTARD-!"

 

"Is there that asshole on ship ?!"

 

The boss of this gang, had a body so big, it was almost 2 meters? With his face hidden in a mask. Wearing a black leather jacket that was open, revealing his chest that had crossed scars. Black pants, a white-feathered cloak on the shoulders, then iron armor and a weapon with an iron spear punch inside.

 

"Hmmm NO, boss! There are only two passengers-!"

 

"-YOU'RE IGNORING ME?! YOU BASTARD-!!!" Ace pulled out a special technique, climbed into the air and attacked them with a Mera Mera move that shot out like bullets. Two of the entire gang were hit, the rest of them were favored by aerial combat.

 

Meanwhile, Ace was vulnerable. The field of cover was narrow with the sea surrounding around them. Their ship was also small, despite using Adam wood. It was still small.

 

"That's a powerful force! Capture both of them-!"

 

"-CALE!"

 

There were so many of them. No matter, the ocean was also Cale's battlefield. The air would help. The clouds would drop their lightning and it could even reach the ground at sea level if Cale wanted to.

 

The gem-eyed beauty could easily defeat this gang. Hands began to stretch upwards, as Ace restarted the fight with expert adjustments.

 

"We can send another slave tonight-!"

 

Hands stopped.

 

Slaves?

 

This gang kidnapped people for slaves?

 

Cale's carelessness allowed one of the flying fish riders to dart close to the ship. Using a strange gray-black net, it caught him easily. It then dragged his body up to the ceiling, accompanied by the joyful laughter of the other flying fish bikers.

 

"CALE-!!! SHIT! DON'T TOUCH HIM, YOU ASSCOCK BASTARD-!"

 

The red-haired man could hear Ace shouting ferociously. Until the veins appeared around his jaw and forehead, his gray eyes stared at each gang member's face. Making some of them intimidated by the aura released.

 

The heart began to beat faster at the sight. Strangely feeling hotter for some reason... huh! Now was not the time to think about that!

 

"Ace!" called Cale, almost like a shout. His intention was to get Ace's attention, that he was fine. But it seemed that in the eyes of the man surnamed D., the owner of garnett eyes looked like a frightened distressed woman.

 

That carelessness also made the black-haired man instantly weak. Especially when all the flying fish riders shot out strange nets, one of which caught the man.

 

Ah, this net is made of sea stones.

 

They must also think Cale was a demon fruit user.

 

"-sell their ship! Find all the valuables-!"

 

Reddish-brown eyes widened at the audacity of the damn tall man.

 

Sell the ship? The one that Ace had bought for Cale, named, adventured with, decorated with pretty lights and Cale had added cozy furniture to... selling-?!

 

"Take care of my ship, Jon Snow!" Cale commanded, his voice sounding so annoyed that the net-caged Ace shivered. It was a very scary tone if you understood the meaning behind that look.

 

"And you, fish leader-!" The redhead's eyes stared intently at the gang leader. The wind blew, making his red hair flow like waves. Uniting in the swish of the sea and the cloudy sky.

 

"If you sell our ship, the ocean will sink your damn base."

 

Everyone flinched at the flat, somber voice. Ace was no exception, realizing that it was the truth and damned to those who didn't believe it.

 

I can sink it now! Crazy Kids said enthusiastically, to the hum of the ocean that was so sweet and tempting to smash things.

 

Not just yet. There are still slaves that Cale must free-

 

Reddish-brown eyes then caught gray eyes. Ace looked weak in that cage, the influence of the sea stone. But his hands were clenched with a worried twinkle in his eyes. Making Cale smile a little.

 

Still worrying about others when he himself was so weak?

 

Their ship was dragged by two motorcycle gangs, ignoring Cale's warning. Not noticing Jon Snow's shadow under the ship, ready to pounce whenever Cale gave the order.

 

"It's alright, Ace-ya." The dark-haired man grew increasingly uneasy.

 

"What's okay?! I can't protect you-!"

 

"Fool. I have a plan." The last sentence was said with a lip gesture.

 

Thankfully Ace was smart enough to read the gesture and instantly fell silent. But the gray eyes smoldered in silence, not going to stop fighting even if he was weak.

 

They were taken to a large ship, with several other gang members guarding it. Ace, who was still weakened by the sea stones, couldn't dodge when the sea stone handcuffs were put on him. It was truly horrible the sea's influence on them. Can't that guy even eat seafood?

 

"Thinking of something?" Ace joked amusedly, beside the redhead as they were forcibly taken under the ship.

 

"Can you eat seafood?" Cale asked seriously, making the other man blink his eyes in surprise. Then burst out laughing.

 

"You seriously thought about that when we were kidnapped?"

 

"You're weak for everythings from the sea... so... I guess.." the two gang guards assigned to them had a look on their faces as if the two of them had gone crazy. Discussing seafood while in handcuffs.

 

"Che, I can eat seafood, silly. They're cooked and processed into food."

 

About to reply to Ace's words, the sound of cacophony and crying then began to be heard. Suddenly, both pairs of gray and reddish-brown eyes hardened, darkening fearfully.

 

In such a fantasy world, filled with crazy adventures and sweet wonders, there was a dark side to it all. Cale had heard it from Ace. About the system of slavery that was still legal, under the auspices of the World Nobles. Genocide, wiping out a race, hunting them down, even to the point of destroying an island because their existence threatened the Nobility and the World Government.

 

In the darkness beneath the ship, Cale saw several children of different races there. Pitifully confined with eyes that had lost hope. Some were extremely beautiful women, with colorful hair and unique features on their faces. Some even had animal ears. And then... a Skypiean ?

 

"You will be placed as a fighting slave!" Said the gang man, dragging Ace into the cage that had various scary men in it.

 

"You'll be in your place, pretty," they laughed, pushing Cale into the place where various beautiful-looking girls were locked up.

 

"Cale-!" Ace moved from his place. Alarmed to see the red-haired man being pushed roughly. Growling at the thought of a wound on that body and if Ace could, he would break that bastard's hand-

 

"I'm fine, Ace-ya." The whisper was accompanied by hand gestures that Ace had learned from Cale in their free time. There was no fear in those eyes, instead they were so calm it was eerie.

 

Like the calm waters of the sea. Hiding all horrors in that calmness. One could not expect what would rise to the surface of that sea.

 

We must free these slaves.

 

The movement of the hands and the words on the lips left Ace speechless. What could they do in this handcuffed state? Moreover, he was helpless now. The sea stone's effect on the devil fruit also affected his energy towards haki.

 

I can free us.

 

Suddenly, that brought an amused smile to Ace's face. The man leaned against the bars, not caring about being looked at strangely by the other captives because well, what else could he do now?

 

If Cale had put it this way, wasn't it Ace's job to escort the man?

 

Seeing his traveling companion nod, Cale sighed for a moment. The eyes behind the reddish bangs glanced at the caged women, all of whom had frightened expressions. Even so, there were some who were flat-faced with a sharp glint in their eyes watching.

 

Hoo...?

 

"Adjust your face," Cale said in a whispered voice to the woman. Having dark hair, the bangs slanting to the right side covered the eyes just as dark. A typical pretty face that immediately changed expression, realizing Cale was speaking to her.

 

"You're... a man?" One of the frightened women whispered, noticing the redhead's voice.

 

"S-so p-pretty..," whispered another captive, a teenager with tears in her eyes. Although there was admiration on her face, which brought a small smile to Cale's face.

 

"They even use men as sex slaves-?" The black-haired woman growled, eyes glaring with intense hatred.

 

"F-forgive us," whispered the woman closest to Cale, trembling afraid to take his hand. Which was returned with a gentle gesture by the red-haired man.

 

"Not your fault," Cale replied calmly, though his eyes were raging like a storm. Not escaping the black-haired woman's sight.

 

"Do you want to get out of here?"

 

This question changed the atmosphere among them. Some seemed to want to underestimate him, but seeing Cale's gentle face cooling down immediately changed the perception.

 

"You want revenge?" A wide, sweet grin appeared on that beautiful face.

 

The sunlight that shone bluish by the ocean penetrated through the bottom glass of the ship. Right into the reddish-brown eyes that burned with fiery determination but were wrapped in sincerity.

 

"B-but we're just weak women..." whimpered another woman, near the dark-haired woman.

 

"Women are not weak," Cale retorted almost ferociously, aggressively.

 

"They can be just as strong as men." A hand came up, to stroke the hair of one of the youngest captives.

 

The eyes then locked onto the dark eyes of the dark-haired woman.

 

"You can fight." The woman's body tensed.

 

"Fight with me to free them." Those eyes were still assessing, as if Cale was a very strange person but that twinkle of trust was there.

 

"... what should I do?"

 

Bingo.

 

Over his shoulder, Cale glanced at Ace doing the same. A hand made a small movement and a second later the handcuff lock of the stormy-eyed man opened with a clink disguised by a cough.

 

The two stared in silence.

 

Then grinned.

 

And nodded.

 

It's time for action.

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[Third Person's POV]

 

"Wh-what the hell is wrong with this ship?! Why is it so hard to pull it away?!"

 

"Y-you see something underneath?!"

 

"Hiiiikkk-!!!"

 

"You guys are overreacting! There can't be anything-!"

 

Everyone froze as the majestic creature suddenly appeared beside the ship that was about to be sold. Along with thousands of sharp teeth and slitted eyes that stared wide-eyed.

 

"S-SEA KING! SEA KING ATTACKING-!!!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

I'm sure... this chapter is really messy 〒▽〒)
I'm sorry if it seems rushed eheheheh

The next chapter will explain in more detail, as usual if you are familiar with my way of writing (✿◡‿◡)✌✨

Btw, the group that kidnapped Ace/Cale is called the Flying Fish Rider, the leader is Duval... who looks a lot like the Sanji poster in the bounty? Whose face was forcibly changed with Sanji's leg? 😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣

The scene that I like the most so far is the scene where Ace confides in and is calmed by Cale... honestly, I cried while typing that scene :")

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PS. Please let me know if there are any mistakes in character names, terms or anything else.

PSS. If there is anything you want to ask, you can contact me on wattpad (virtual-nerdie) or X (heefa171hf)~
We can even be friends on telegram~ (❁´◡`❁)💛🌻✨

Chapter 11: MINI OMAKE #2

Summary:

The OP character's reaction to the chaos Ace/Cale created in the previous chapter.

... what happened in the TCF world again...

 

MINI OMAKE :

[Bartholomew Kuma's POV]

 

"...do you want me to help-?"

 

"HELP YOU WHAT?! LOOK NOW HOW THOSE TWO DAMN BASTARDS DESTROYED MY PRECIOUS PALACE!"

 

Bartholomew Kuma, who still retained some of his human mind gave a concerned pat to the Shichibukai's shoulder.

 

The news that Thriller Bark was attacked had reached the ears of headquarters. Bartholomew, as a colleague who was quite close to Moria decided to visit and see for himself.

 

Could only gape a little mentally by the damage done to the small island of Thriller Bark. Some destroyed zombie armies that Dr. Hogback was strangely unable to repair.

 

Some witnessed a reddish-gold lightning bolt adorned with roses, let alone that a strike or its petals hitting them would make all of Moria's shadows return to their original owners in an instant. Witnesses said they were greatly frightened by that power, which soon became the eternal enemy of Moria's power.

 

"Do you still remember what they looked like-?"

 

"THEY WERE WEARING DAMN MASKS! ALL BLACK! AAARRGHHH-!!!" Moria hysterical again, destroying some furniture in his castle courtyard. Bartholomew wisely stood on the periphery.

 

"Just tell me what you remember."

 

That sentence made Moria's footsteps stop. The gothic-clad Shichibukai made a pensive, thinking sound.

 

"There were two of them. I think one had black hair, the other had red hair." Hooo? That's familiar. The same person was reported to have that feature during the incident near Water Seven.

 

"I think I know who they are," Bartholomew said in a flat voice. Unfazed as the non-human Shichibukai shook his collar. Hysterically asking for names with a crazed look.

 

"The black-haired one is a Fire Fist Ace by the name of Portgas D. Ace. The other one is his traveling companion, Red Hiding Hood, real name unknown yet." The semi-human-pacifista's eyes glanced at Moria who widened his eyes at the identity of D. one of his attackers.

 

"I will raise their bounty price-"

 

"RAISE IT UNTIL THEY'RE WANTED BY THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD! THOSE BASTARDS! RED FUCKED UP MY ENTIRE ZOMBIE ARMY WHILE PORTGAS BURNED DOWN MY FAVORITE FOREST-! AAAAAKKKHHH-!!!" Moria screamed again, yelling ferociously at Dr. Hogback to create more zombies. Occasionally muttering vengefully to the two Thriller Bark vandals who had already escaped.

 

Leaving Bartholomew to contemplate Red Hiding Hood's new information.

 

In addition to his power that had shocked the World Government, namely controlling ocean waves, there was the power of lightning-fire that could repel any form of power that contained... darkness? Witnesses also said that the man controlled the wind, creating a terrifying whirlpool of water storms that led to a small Tsunami.

 

Dragon should at least know of a new individual with this power.

 

The Celestial Dragons would not remain silent.

 

Neither would the World Government, especially their leader.

 

The Marine General would also pursue this individual.

 

The World Laboratory did not want to miss out on interesting research samples.

 

Bartholomew's head started to hurt.

 

More than one demon fruit power? Or even if it was the original power, then a new unregistered race?

 

Would be a good addition to the Revolutionary Army.

 

He looked forward to meeting this guy.

 

( Bartholomew Kuma sighed, staring at the Thriller Bark that was again destroyed by Monkey D. Luffy and his crew.

 

The D. family did not stop making interesting messes. )

 

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[Boa Hancock's POV]

 

"You were saved by... a MAN?!" Pointed out the Queen of the Kuja tribe, the leader of the Amazon Lily who had just rescued one of their own who had been kidnapped.

 

The black-haired woman nodded, dark eyes twinkling with pleasure in a wide smile.

 

That face!

 

Boa Hancock recognized that damn face!

 

"She's in love!" Screeched her sister, noticing how their tribemate was now blushing with embarrassment.

 

"She must perform the ritual immediately!"

 

"Are you pregnant?!"

 

"MEN ARE UNFORGIVABLE!"

 

"Do you still have your brain?!"

 

"That man has instigated you!"

 

"Hey!!! That's rude!"

 

Ran, the woman who survived the kidnapping of the slavery candidate protested when someone insulted this red-haired man.

 

"Boa-sama! You won't believe it until you see it in person!" Ran said with teary eyes. Hands stretched out to the ocean, starting with a poetic voice.

 

"Hair as red as the sunset!"

 

"Skin like a pearl!"

 

"A smile that thrills the heart!"

 

"Strength that puts the storm to shame!"

 

"That man is so beautiful that all gazes cannot be drawn away from him-!"

 

A man who is... BEAUTIFUL?

 

"Even more beautiful than me?" Hancock's haughty voice silenced Ran for a moment. And dark blue eyes widened in disbelief, that her own tribe dared to think first when questioning her beauty!

 

"He's just as beautiful and majestic as you, Boa-sama!" Ran said enthusiastically. Hands clenched in front of her chest, still with a flushed face.

 

"He's kind like you! Beautiful like you! Strong like you! And praises women can be just as strong as men! He freed all the slaves and would-be slaves, then hugged the children! He's like you but a male version!"

 

...

 

"I kind of see you in him, Boa-sama!"

 

A small smile formed behind the palm of her hand. Reluctant to start imagining a strange man who was described as the same as herself.

 

"... how b eautiful is he?" Both sisters glanced at Hancock with incredulous looks.

 

"So beautiful that his eyes look like jewels! Hair as red as roses, looking soft! Smooth pearly skin, delicate hands! Thin lips, a sharp nose and a sweet flick of eyelashes! His beauty is the highest price among all of us in captivity-"

 

Mentally, the man's image began to form in her mind. Although his gender was male... no individual has the right to have a beautiful face if not a special person, right? Moreover, this man had helped her fellow tribesmen? Unless...

 

"Is he really a man?" This question caught Ran off guard. The woman wanted to answer, but her words were slurred. Of course, Ran didn't really know how a man was identified as a man. Even if this figure's chest was flat, that didn't mean women weren't flat-chested too, right?

 

A sadistic grin appeared on Hancock's face.

 

Maybe... he was a woman disguised as a man?

 

"But, the voice sounds heavy-"

 

"It's not uncommon for women to have heavy voices," Hancock retorted dismissively.

 

"And sometimes there are women who feel that they are men."

 

The dark-haired woman got up from her throne. The beautiful face was still grinning fiercely, making the Queen's aura eerie. Hands caressed the snake at her neck with gentle movements, purring at the thought of one of the additions to her tribe wandering out there. Possessing warrior qualities, the will to protect and on the plus side, a beautiful face.

 

Dark blue eyes flashed with anticipation, to appraise this beauty.

 

Then snorted because well, how could one have a beauty like Boa Hancock?

 

"We will take this woman home."

 

( "So, s-she's going to be my sis-ugh bro-brother-in-law?!"

 

"Wake up, Hancock!"

 

"Our sister is going crazy." )

 

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[Cale Family's POV]

 

"The circle failed, nya?! :("

 

"Failed, nya?! :("

 

"IT MUST BE THE WHITE STAR BASTARD!!!"

 

"Hush, your language, Raon-nim."

 

"B-but, strong Choi Han! That bastard has already decided on the mana circulation for the dozens of times! Unforgivable! This mighty Raon is going to-! ... Goldie Gramp?"

 

All of Cale Henituse's companion watched their eldest companion, the figure of an ancient golden dragon with even more terrifying power emanating strongly. Up to his wildly flowing golden hair, dark golden eyes with small slits, sharp teeth and elongated nails.

 

"DAMN HUMANS! EVERYONE PREPARE, WE WILL GUCKIN' KILL HIM, TORTURE HIS DAMNASS AND SACRIFICE HIM TO MY SON LATER-!"

 

Alberu held his amazement in his palm. Watching how the ancient dragon was mumbling to himself out of their research site. Followed by Raon and Choi Han who gave off their dark auras. Then the terrifying Molan father-daughter pair. The sadistically grinning mage Rosalyn, Lock's flat face, and Mary's jovial cackle.

 

And many more of their counterparts with reversed personalities on the battlefield, full of murderous lust and ready to slaughter anyone.

 

...

 

...

 

Cale, my dear donsaeng! Hurry back before they go crazy! This hyung can't hold it anymooohhhh-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Then we get a new character! Kumaaaaaa huwaaa uri samcheon is so good and epic story *sob! ಥ_ಥ)
I want to make a chapter where he is saved by Cale :")

And Boa Hancock HAHAHAAH
She refused to believe that Cale is a man 🤣🤣🤣

And for Cale's family... it's still a long time before they arrive in the OP world ಠvಠ)🙏

Chapter 12: #7 - A Wave of Justice!

Summary:

"Sssshhhh."

Cale raised an index finger in front of his lips, eyes curved by a hidden smile. While Ace glanced at them over his shoulder, a hand rested on the slender waist of the red-haired man with a gentle touch.

"Don't tell anyone,"

The wind blew soothingly, making the hearts of those who witnessed the captivating beauty flutter.

"Arra ?"  

Notes:

Well... It's been 2 months, huh? (*glances at Altalune 👀)

As always, THANK YOU to my dear readers for remember, visiting, liking and loving this fic (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
Thabk you for 2.2k Kudos, 480+ Bookmarks, and 37+k hits?!
The previous chapters was also filled with so many sweet comments! Thank you so muuucchhh guys 🥺😭🌹✨
Even if I haven't had a chance to reply, I always reread all the comments to make my day colorful again! 🥺🤧🙏💛🌻✨️

Happy reading, guys! 🥺🤧🍓❤✨
PS. (Again) sorry if the story is too messy to read... I edited it myself with help from DeepL... ψ(._. )>

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Okay.

 

Inhale.

 

Then exhale.

 

We did it three times, while repeating Luffy's name and his younger brother's silly behavior, Portgas D. Ace was now trying to calm down.

 

Ignoring the flat stares of the captive would-be slave fighters. They were currently in the same prison so, just fuckin' accept Ace's behavior if it's annoying, huh!

 

Having calmed down enough, the light gray eyes glanced at his traveling partner, the redhead, who was in the prison some distance away from him. In the shadow of his bangs, Ace was gloomily realizing that the order of the prospective slaves -prisoners- was arranged from the ugliest to the one with the most beautiful face at the very end. It was the place where Cale was locked up.

 

Thankfully, out of all the kidnapped captives, there was not a single Merman in sight. If indeed one of the lands guarded by Shirohige's crew was caught, then they pirates would face Tenryuubito. 

 

... their actions now carried a considerable risk. 

 

As if realizing the gloom in Ace's mind, the redhead turned his head. The bright garnett eyes blinked calmly then tilted his head in confusion and worry. It must be unusual to see such a fiery, seemingly quiet man. 

 

Suddenly, Ace chuckled and shook his head. Raising his uncuffed hands with a simple wave. Cale nodded curtly, before returning his attention to the other female captives.

 

The Portgas man then leaned his body against the bars of the cage, but his gaze did not leave the red-haired figure.

 

Cale... what a strange man. 

 

Ace's first impression of him was a lazy bastard who attracted a lot of trouble.

 

( No. His first impression was that Cale was the most beautiful person he had ever seen- )

 

His next impression changed to that of a cunning person who loves money.

 

Then it became a man with a calm face but wild behavior (in terms of money), creating a childish aura (again, when it comes to money). 

 

Ace snorted at the thought of that impression.

 

Cale also has a surprising sense of compassion.

 

There was tenderness in his eyes when he saw children. An obvious fondness when noticing people's laughter. Can't stand the sight of injustice. Has a strange belief that innocence deserves to be protected. 

 

The man looked at the surrounding scenery in silent admiration. As if this world that Ace once hated, was worth liking. Occasionally, at the edge of the ship's deck, Ace caught Cale reaching forward. The thumb and forefinger formed a rectangle towards the ocean, as if trying to capture it.

 

Nature seemed to adore this man.

 

His steps were always light, as if the land had blessed him.

 

The wind caressed his hair, so indulgent.

 

The sunlight was warm, washing over the pale alabaster skin. 

 

His humming was soothing, harmonizing with the sound of the ocean waves. 

 

The man was calm with a wicked and cunning nature, but had a gentle innocence that was enchanting.

 

The jewel-eyed figure was a walking contradiction, which he never expected.

 

Cale Henituse's presence changed Portgas D. Ace's world in an instant.

 

"Is she your lover?" A question asked from another captive broke Ace's reverie.

 

However, it seemed that the word 'lover' shorted out Portgas' brain for a moment.

 

Like... 'hah heh huh'. 

 

Until-

 

"HUH?! WHAT DE HECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Ace's smoldering snarl earned a sharp glare from the guard standing not far from the prisoner's prison. 

 

"AND! HE IS HE! NOT SHE!" 

 

Cheeks flushed bright red, eyes trembling with clenched lips. Sweat poured down his skin accompanied by a rapid heartbeat. This spontaneous reaction quickly received many mixed reactions from the other fighting captives.

 

"Unrequited love?" Mocked one of them, voice amused.

 

"The sweetness of youth," chimed in another, venturing to pat Ace's shoulder.

 

"I totally understand that feeling, bro," sighed another, eyes staring out the porthole. In those youthful days of love and affection-

 

"AAARRGHHH-! NOT LIKE THAT!!!" the Portgas exploded again, shaking off all the hands that tried to taunt and tease him. They even dared to ruffle his hair! 

 

"Your lover is looking at you!" 

 

Almost reflexively, Ace turned his head, seeing the redhead looking at him with raised eyebrows. Head tilted playfully with sweet pouting lips-

 

What the hell!!!

 

Why does everything about Cale suddenly look damn cute in his eyes?!

 

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH YOU'RE A SIMP, DENSE FUCKER-!" laughed the biggest captive, patting Ace repeatedly on the back.

 

We could see imaginary smoke starting to come out above the crown of black hair. 

 

Before the gray-eyed man could dodge, another voice cut him off.

 

"Don't deny your feelings, young man."

 

All heads turned to the aged captive sitting at the very back, close to the wall of the ship. There was a melancholy smile on that wrinkled face, but it seemed to have mesmerized some of the others. 

 

Just a single smile, it had so much meaning.

 

"Say it while you can." 

 

That glare could not make Ace angry, so instead, the freckled cheeks flushed bright red. Hands crossed in front of his chest and immediately looked away. Didn't want to see those annoying shit faces that wanted to tease him again.

 

If foreigners are already acting like this, what would happen to Shirohige's crew if they found out about him and Cale?!

 

The gaze unconsciously glanced back at Cale, who had a serious expression on his face. Hearing the words of a teenage girl who was explaining something. Those eyes closed, thinking about something before replying to the words and raising his trademark thumbs up with a calm face. 

 

Almost as if sensing Ace's own gaze, the red head turned his head. The shoulders reflexively straightened but his carved expression asked 'what's wrong?' to Cale.

 

"We must persuade all the captives to cooperate," said a whispered voice in his right ear, giving Ace an amused shiver. 

 

Even though their bars were far apart, how could Cale-? Ah, never mind, Ace had already given up trying to understand the crazy power that resided in that beautiful body-

 

Uggrhhh... goddamnit, stop admiring him!

 

"My voice is inaudible," Ace finally replied, clearing his throat repeatedly. Cale gave him a flat stare, as if looking at a very stupid person. That face made Ace's cheeks fall victim to his embarrassment, again and again.

 

"My friend will help. You'll talk to the bars around you. Don't worry, your voice will only go to the people you want to pay attention to."

 

Cale nodded again, a comically serious face as he held up both thumbs. 

 

This behavior drew amused laughter from Ace himself.

 

"Nah, he's totally a simp." 

 

Eyes widened again, cheeks flushed but not denying anything.

 

Don't get him wrong. Ace was just tired of protesting to people who wouldn't understand despite repeated explanations. 

 

Okay?

 

Now, we need to focus on the mission and finish it quickly.

 

Ace missed their little ship. 

 

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

"...even if I'm free, how do I get home?" Came the voice of a teenage girl, sounding moody and sad.

 

Suddenly, this question made Cale pause. Because the man understood the context of what was meant and how heavy the responsibility of saving a life was. 

 

Saving a life meant that you would be fully responsible for that life too. 

 

He had learned that during his time as Kim Roksoo and Cale Henituse himself. 

 

However, when did he take impulsive action?

 

He was a calculating man. 

 

He would try if it was worth saving.

 

So-

 

"It's fine," Cale replied with a bright smile. A rare genuine expression that made many eyes mesmerized instantly. 

 

"Nature is my friend."

 

Jewel-like eyes stared deeply into the girl's eyes. So that the teenager could see Cale's faith, to not hesitate, and reach for that small hope.

 

For the sake of a world that was already broken. It was better to prevent and repair it into a better place to live.

 

"Alright," nodded the teenager with teary eyes, but determination shining brightly. So nostalgic was the image of On being eager to help in the war.

 

The red-haired man then instructed the other female captives to persuade all the nearby bars. Briefly explaining about The Thief's wind power that helped deliver voice messages. 

 

"What is your name?" Another voice asked and she was the first woman to agree to his invitation to rebel. 

 

Eyes gazed intently at the dark-haired woman's expression for a moment. Seeing that trust was still layered with doubt, and at a moment like this, it was better not to lie.

 

"Cale."

 

"What about you?" Just like Cale, the woman was silent before nodding and bowing politely with one hand in front of her chest. Like a greeting from where she lived?

 

"Ran." 

 

The garnett-eyed man gave a small smile.

 

"Strong name." Ran smiled too and nodded happily.

 

"Well then, Cale, what's your plan? Don't worry about some of the other captives. I can fight and defend myself," explained the woman with sharp dark eyes and Cale did not doubt it. 

 

"Wait a minute, let me first check how many people are on this ship-"

 

There were 4 people on guard below the ship. 2 people 5 people in the cabin. And 20 people on the deck. And 15 people with their flying fish. The Thief said, immediately providing information.

 

What about their boss?

 

In the cabin. 

 

Cale explained the information he had gotten to Ran, while the woman immediately commanded the other female captives to focus on the plan.

 

"There are many things we can utilize around. Like iron, wood, rope and everything under this ship," Cale began in a small voice, but The Thief helped him so that the voice could only be heard by all the captives who agreed.

 

"Since we can't defeat them right away, so you can focus on the three parts that are fatal. At least make them immobilized for a while." A wide, deadly smile appeared on the beautiful face, curving the garnett's eyes and being so charming. So that the others felt the same burning desire to hunt.

 

"You can strike directly at their neck, back of the head, and private parts." Cale then briefly explained the effects produced by the blows and added further attacks. Such as sprinkling sand into the eyes, hitting the nose, Adam's apple, and chin. 

 

"There are about 31 people on board and 15 people riding their flying fish." Cale's eyes looked at Ran.

 

"How many people agreed to be free?" The woman's eyes lit up.

 

"All of us."

 

In that case, there are about 78 prisoners, Cale.

 

"In that case, you can form 4 to 6 people to fight one person. Ace and I will take care of the rest." Some nodded in understanding. Although there were some who had a look of fear as well as hesitation on their faces, the companion by their side would calm them down. That they were doing this together.

 

"No need to worry about them, Cale-san. I'll keep an eye on some of the other captives," Ran said, grinning sharply. A second later, eyes flickered, glancing at the bottom corner of the ship.

 

"Can you get my weapon? They took it and I don't really know where they hid it." 

 

Well, they had a separate cabin that collected weapons as well as gold. The Thief's direct words made Garnett's eyes suddenly shine brightly.

 

Gold?

 

Yep! Although not as much as in the zombie castle, there was... 3 chests full?

 

Well done. Thank you for your hard work, Thief-nim. Said Cale seriously, earning a soft laugh from the ocean below him. The lapping waves had whispered the promise of safety over and over again and the man whom nature loved smiled a small smile of anticipation.

 

"Ace-ya," Cale called out and the man who was having a serious conversation with the one-bar prisoner turned around. The gray eyes were attentively watching him and somehow Cale's cheeks felt a little hot instantly. 

 

"There's gold in the second cabin," the redhead said seriously, eyes lit up by stars and mild enthusiasm. 

 

The black-haired man's eyes widened slightly for a moment then chuckled, making Cale frown.

 

"Then I'll take you there," Ace replied with a bright grin. His energy made Cale grin cheerfully as well. 

 

Well, our beloved Alberu-hyungnim.

 

What Cale is referring to, this kind of person, you know.

 

Someone who gets excited when it comes to money!

 

The kids would be happy if Cale had a fun partner like Ace when they were looting money.

 

"Make those four faint first," the redhead pleaded with his traveling companion. With the help of The Thief's wind-cutting power and the chorus of waves, the lock holding Ace's place open. 

 

The black-haired man nodded.

 

All eyes locked in the bars watched as Ace came out with slow steps and made the other two guards faint in the blink of an eye. While the other two were instantly silenced by The Thief's wind power.

 

If you're asking why not use another ancient power? Would it have been natural for Cale to send out a tidal wave while he was inside the ship? Or using the ground beneath the surface of the sea that could cause a tsunami? Volcanic golden lightning that could burn the ship's wood? Zon't zo it, bro, zon't ಥ_ಥ)

 

After the four men guarding the bottom of the ship fainted, Cale gave instructions for the captives to remain silent. Aided by Ran, Ace and the other fighting captives, they all worked well together. 

 

Cale moved to smash the lock, looking carefully at each captured tribe and race. 

 

"Help me too! I'm here! Here, my beautiful savior!" cried a small voice, making Cale look up, at a small prison hanging not far from the second cage near the door. 

 

Cale approached the prison, somewhat amazed to see a small human (?) with features of glowing purplish white hair, dark violet eyes, a white hat and black striped pants. Without another thought, the red-haired man immediately smashed the door of the small cage, allowing the little human to land on his shoulder.

 

"Thank you for saving me!" She exclaimed, giving a smile full of relief. Cale simply nodded and approached Ace who was talking to the animal-featured captive.

 

"How was it?" The taller man nodded lightly.

 

"There are a lot of kidnapped tribesmen," muttered the sailor Shirohige a little grimly. Gray eyes glanced at the small human who sat holding Cale's red hair tightly on his shoulder.

 

"A dwarven race," he said, earning the dwarf's smug smile.

 

"My name is Cotton!"

 

"Kuja tribe," Ace continued, glancing at Ran who was already standing to Cale's left.

 

"Ran," snorted the woman, somewhat wary of the many men in the room.

 

"Wotans," he murmured again at some of the fighters who had a mix of human and fish features.

 

"Longleg." The man in question walked over, blue-haired, tan and towering over them all. 

 

"Blue Gilly," said the man, giving a confident smile.

 

"Even Mink," sighed Ace, glancing at the person he had just spoken to. A... woman? But her face had the features of a deer with light blue hair. 

 

"My name is Tristan," greeted the Mink in a soft voice.

 

Cale's expression remained calm as the younger man growled softly. That face had a dark, disgusted twinkle in the eyes at the sight of so many different tribes and races being sold into slavery. 

 

"Put aside how all of us got caught. Right now, it's important that we conquer this ship first," Cale said, his voice calm and firm. Smiling slightly at Ace who nodded. The dark-haired man walked over and took a position to the redhead's right.

 

"Just say the word! I'll help you kick them all!" exclaimed Blue Gilly with a cruel grin.

 

"Cotton can help too!" exclaimed the female dwarf enthusiastically 

 

"Ran-ssi, you can focus on taking over the navigator room. We'll keep this ship intact, since we'll be using it." Eyebrows raised for a moment, then the woman nodded firmly.

 

"No problem."

 

"The rest of you just beat the crew aboard." All heads turned back to their rebel leader. One of them was a pair of gray eyes that gazed with gentle devotion.

 

GO GO GO! I CAN'T XXXX WAIT TO KICK THEIR ASSSSSSS-!!!

 

THROW THEM IN THE OCEAN AND I'LL GENTRIFY THEIR DIXKHEAD-!

 

Do you need this grandpa to cause an earthquake? ^^)

 

Leave the shield to me, Cale! No one will get hurt!

 

I-I'll take care of your plate!

 

Hoo~? What are you waiting for? Cut them all up, dear~

 

Cale smiled sweetly. The wind blew softly, making the red hair float with restrained strength.

 

"Let the sky be my battlefield."

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

"Are you going to be okay?" asked Ace anxiously, approaching the smaller man while the others helped instruct the other captives to protect themselves.

 

"Sure," Cale replied lightly.

 

Their current position was in a corner of the captor ship's lower chamber. If Cale was fiddling with the items inside the crates, then Ace was standing to his left, close to the ship's wall.

 

"Don't use too much of your power," chided the freckled man again, now with a frown on his handsome face. Leaning his shoulders against the ship's wall while crossing his arms in front of his chest. 

 

"Hm?" 

 

The black head tilted with a soft pleading expression. So that their faces now faced each other. Two eyes of different colors and hues collided with each other, gazing for a long time. 

 

Cale, who was surprised by Ace's sudden appearance tried to calm his heartbeat. Why had he been caught off guard lately by the strange nature of the young man in front of him? Where had all the fire and grumpy gone?

 

"Cale?" 

 

Clearing his throat softly, trying to dispel the heat on his cheeks, the red-haired man nodded.

 

"Of course not, I value my life." Cale's eyes curved with a lazy grin.

 

"So, you should take over the responsibility." Ace chuckled and gave an equally grin and purred lightly with anticipation.

 

"Mark your words," the steel-eyed man retorted. Breaking eye contact and pinching Cale's cheek with light force.

 

"Appo. Don't pinch me," grumbled the redhead, trying to push the tan-skinned hand away.

 

"Don't be naughty then."

 

Ran, with Cotton on her shoulder glanced at the two men's conversation with a flat look. 

 

"Are they lovers?" wondered Cotton, a twinkle in her violet eyes.

 

"Isn't it obvious? There was love in Ace-san's eyes at the sight of that beautiful human!" exclaimed Tristan, having a face just as mesmerized as Cotton's.

 

"But, they look married?" asked Blue Gilly innocently, making Ran quickly move away from the long-legged man. The Kuja tribe still didn't really like being close to men, btw. So, no offense.

 

"Okay, minna*, let's focus," cut in Ran, before the three people of different races could argue. (*guys/all in Japan)

 

"Cale," she called then, watching with both interest and amusement at their reactions. The brightly flushed dark haired one immediately looked away with a hand rubbing the back of his neck. Cale himself snorted, having a charming blush on his cheeks. 

 

"Are you ready?" Ran nodded.

 

"Then let's get started."

 

Ran couldn't wait to tell Boa-sama everything!

 

******

 

Let's call him the B crew.

 

His job in this gang is to guard the second cabin, which is where the weapons and gold collected by their boss are kept. 

 

Today was still peaceful as usual. 

 

Potential slaves ready to be sold.

 

The sea is calm.

 

Delicious food.

 

The rest of the crew were laughing merrily, discussing the captive they had captured who was so beautiful. Red-haired with a fragile, seductive body.

 

However, the tranquility ended when the door to the ship's lower cabin was suddenly blown off by a strong wind. It didn't stop there, their gang members who were in the sky were also inexplicably swayed.

 

There were shouts coming from the bottom of the ship. 

 

"The captives is loose!"

 

"Damn it! Prepare the nets!" 

 

"Catch them all!"

 

"Don't let them escape!"

 

Crewmate B growled, trying to hold back the captives that were coming out like a horde of ants from under the ship. In a matter of minutes, the deck of their ship turned into a battleship. 

 

"L-let me go! 😭👊" 

 

"Aaaackkk🦅🦅🦅-! MY COCK-!!! IQVDKAHAKDBSB-"

 

"How dare you lowly women-WEK-!😨"

 

"KOGHHHHH-💀"

 

"AAAAKHHH MY EYESSS-!!!" 💥□💥

 

Crew B witnessed several of them being held down by about 5 captives, and two of them attacked the vital area, neck, and eyes. The nameless NPC grimaced as if sharing in the pain as his gang member's anu was 'broken' a lot and pounded by the released captives.

 

"You-"

 

Damn it! He was caught off guard!

 

Eyes glanced at a beautiful black-haired woman with onyx eyes standing in front of him. Huh, just a woman-

 

"Cotton."

 

"I'm readdyyy!"

 

Before he could protest, his body was suddenly immobilized and his neck hurt. Numbly, Crew B realized that there was a thread wrapped around him, while the perpetrator (a female dwarf) giggled merrily. 

 

"You male bastard," hissed the sexy-clad woman, kicking his waist mercilessly then striking the side of the neck-

 

"KOGFFH-!" 

 

Before darkness fell, the mind gaped as a pair of waters suddenly rose to a height of 8 meters on the side of their ship. Lightning flashed from above, the sound of a whirlwind, and the screams of his tortured air comrades were also... what... what happened-UGH-

 

A slap on the cheek knocked the NPC unconscious.

 

.
.
.

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

The atmosphere on the ship was chaotic but it was going well?

 

Cale had the terrifying power to arouse the victim's motivation to become a warrior. 

 

The gem-eyed man himself stood on the deck near the bridge, red hair fluttering in the wind and power. Hands raised, a cruel smirk of satisfaction etched on his beautiful face. Watching the gang riding the flying fish fall one by one effortlessly into the sea then being centered by the lightning that appeared from the sky. 

 

No Mercy Anymore.

 

Ace himself easily dodged the remaining clowns' attacks. They shouted out a sea stone net but the wind Cale who was at his side quickly deflected the net's bullets.

 

A sharp grin was etched on Portgas' handsome face. 

 

Hands covered in haki then with fire. Careful not to hit the ship's masts or the wooden edges of the deck, the man attacked all the captive kidnappers fiercely and wildly. 

 

"W-WHAT THE NANI IS GOIN' ON-?!" 

 

Ace snorted, seeing the leader of the kidnappers with the mask not removed from his face looking overwhelmed. Trying to dodge attacks from the released captive and occasionally growling. Trying to make himself look more intimidating. 

 

"Look over here, idiot," Cale chided, voice lazy and seductive, very sexy-/PLAK.

 

Ace missed how the person he punched reacted, looking as if the dark-haired man was crazy for slapping himself.

 

"You-! How FUCKIN' dare you destroy my ship?! YOU ALSO SET THAT SHIT FREE-OOHOOCKK!!!"

 

Ace immediately punched the cheek of the pathetic leader. Then kicked the right side of the waist, making the body swerve to the right. But Slim was hit by Ace's left knee and ended up being knocked down by a kick from Cale coming from above. 

 

"I-IT'S HURTS-ARGHH-!" Resisting the attack aimed at Cale, Ace then flipped the masked man onto his back  

 

"Want to see the fireworks?" Asked the red-haired man, smiling a pretty little mischievous smile.

 

Instantly, there was a burning turmoil within him, exclaiming how this kidnapping bastard did not deserve that rare smile. Mixed with feelings of awe, fascination and excitement. To see this wild side of Cale further and bask in his embers

 

"Try taking off the damn mask, Ace." 

 

"DON'T-!!! DON'T TAKE OFF THE MASK-!" not caring, the steel-eyed man took it off only to freeze then.

 

"... Sanji?" 

 

"BASTAAAAAARD! DON'T MENTION THAT DAMN NAME-!!!" The revealed man raged. 

 

Ace gaped. Instantly remembered the poster of one of his younger brother's crew, before bursting into laughter.

 

"Ppfffttt-!!! BUAHAHAHAH-! Your face! Oh goddes sea, you look so damn much like the poster-!"

 

"FUCK! STOP! STAAAWPPP-!!!"

 

"Ace?" Seeing the confusion on Cale's face, the taller man grabbed his hat and opened one of the posters of Luffy's crew that he kept. Never mind, Ace give the poster and-

 

"Pfftt-"

 

The red head turned his head and the shoulders trembled to hold back the laughter that almost came out of his mouth.

 

"Ggggrrr... You... YOU-!!!"

 

The two black and red-haired partners had identical grins. 

 

To others, they appear as a frightening menace.

 

Their presence created chaos as well as a sea of embers.

 

Unstoppable.

 

"Boom." 

 

Cale snapped his fingers and the ceiling above the ship exploded creating a firework-like effect. 

 

Ace bowed lightly, legs moving to hold the shoulders of the man with Sanji's poster face still. The redhead on the other side draped her arm around the black-haired man's right shoulder. There were still identical mocking grins on their faces.

 

"Now-" began Ace

.

"Listen to me, you pathetic bastard." Ended Cale, preparing to start the negotiation.

 

No one was prepared to witness such a terrifying, merciless, one-sided negotiation.

 

And Ace was there to adore at every hot moment of it. 

 

******

 

[20 minutes later]

 

Ace didn't know what kind of rope Cale had given from his magic bag, but it didn't break no matter how hard he pulled. 

 

"I've tied them all up!" Exclaimed the tallest of them, Blue Gilly, grinning with satisfaction at his new appearance. 

 

Apparently, all of the man's outfits and weapons were locked up in the weapons+treasure cabin room. 

 

"Same goes for me," Ran continued, followed by the little dwarf behind him.

 

"Cotton helped a lot too!" Said the dwarf with white-purple hair cheerfully. Looking at everyone with admiring gazes and Ace guessed, this dwarf must be very trusting of strangers.

 

"T-thank you," a Mink deer named Tristan came over and smiled embarrassedly. 

 

"No problem," Cale replied calmly, returning to his usual expression. 

 

Currently, they were gathered on the bridge deck of the ship. One of their rescuers, Wotans was holding the steering wheel, sailing at Cale's direction towards the headquarters of this slave trader. 

 

Ace himself led Cale to sit on a chair near the edge of the bridge deck. Wiping the sweat from the man's temples, he grabbed his red hair and tied it up higher so that the wind could access his sweat-soaked neck. 

 

Cale's face was pale, as usual after using his ancient powers but Ace was relieved that the man wasn't coughing up blood. 

 

"Eat this," Ace ordered, grabbing a piece of apple pie from Cale's magic bag. 

 

"Is the Beautiful Savior sick? He looks pale!" Cotton exclaimed with a worried look on her face. She flew off Ran's shoulder to land on Ace's. 

 

"Just a little tired," Cale murmured, thanking him quietly as he accepted the warm milk Ace had prepared. 

 

"Is it the effects of your powers?" Ran asked, one eyebrow raised with the same worried expression. 

 

Cale simply nodded and continued eating in silence. Everyone also didn't ask any more questions at Ace's sharp gaze, not wanting his partner to feel even more exhausted.

 

"How did you guys get caught?" After two minutes of silence, Ace asked in a flat voice. Steel eyes glanced at the Mink tribe who gasped in fear. 

 

There were two of them, one named Tristan, the Deer Mink. The other was Neko, the Cat Mink. The Mink tribe lived on an ancient giant elephant (as Ace recalled, from Marco's explanation), and the two leaders were very protective. Given the state of the village, which is quite isolated from the world, like Wano.

 

So, how did they get damn lost in the Grand Line and almost get captured to be sold as slaves? 

 

"You too. The Kuja tribe really doesn't like to get involved with the world other than Amazon Lily," Ace snorted, looking at Ran. The way she dressed was familiar and the leader herself was one of the Shichibukai.

 

"I-I and Neko w-were captured by a group of in-intruders. We tried t-to escape but, we got lost and ended up being captured by this group," Tristan explained, trembling with teary eyes. She looked so shaken that her fellow Mink stroked the reindeer woman's shoulder. 

 

Ace could understand the fear.

 

For a civilian from an isolated place, facing the harshness of the New World and the Grand Line and surviving was an achievement.

 

"I myself got separated from my group while we were on patrol," Ran said, sounding reluctant and embarrassed.

 

"What about you guys?" Ace asked, glancing at Blue Gilly and Cotton. 

 

"I was on my way to the Grand Line and was caught sleeping," Blue Gilly said loudly and laughed at himself. 

 

"Why the fuck are you heading to the Grand Line again?" wondered Ace, hearing that the long-legged man was apparently from the New World. 

 

"I want to see the Worst Generation gather in Sabaody!" 

 

... that guy sure likes to have fun, doesn't he?

 

"If Cotton is captured! An intruder to Dresrossa captured Cotton and then Cotton woke up on this ship!" For a human the size of a dwarf, her excitement was quite entertaining. 

 

"Where are we going?" Blue Gilly, who finally felt more relaxed decided to sit on the floor of the ship.While Ace sat beside Cale who was already eating his third apple pie. 

 

"To the Sanji-impersonator base-"

 

"I'M NOT THAT DAMN BLACK LEG-!!!" The gang leader's voice cut off Ace's words, sounding full of anger, disgust and frustration.

 

"Are we going to destroy it?" Cale nodded firmly at the blue-haired man's question.

 

"It's better to destroy the nest than to finish them off one by one," said the red-haired man indifferently. 

 

"After that?" Asked Neko, who decided to speak up. 

 

"This ship will send you home." All eyes focused on Cale, while the man turned to stare at the ocean. 

 

"Are you sure?" Tristan whispered, sounding incredulous. 

 

"At least until you meet the people who are looking for you," Cale continued, smiling a small smile with shaded eyes. 

 

After staring at the sea for a long time, as if thinking about something, the heart-faced man looked at them all and snorted.

 

"The lost will be found," said the garnett-eyed beauty, his soft voice whispering the secrets of the universe. 

 

"The ocean will make sure all its promises are fulfilled." 

 

Although still confused by Cale's usual enigmatic words, they all remained silent. However, Ace recognized that face.

 

A face filled with relief and trust. 

 

It was always like that. 

 

If you were supposed to be wary of things you didn't understand, but none of that applied when it came to Cale Henituse. 

 

"Ace?" 

 

Eyes blinked as reverie was broken by the redhead's call.

 

"Are you alright?" The head tilted playfully, making the red hair frame a beautiful face. A calm face, but his eyes sparkled with mild worry.

 

Ace rested both arms on his knees and leaned forward. The left arm was then raised to support the chin, the head tilting to see the entirety of Cale's expression. 

 

Red eyebrows raised, expression questioning playfully.

 

The blush returned and Ace immediately looked away. Lips hidden behind palms, and a look of embarrassed annoyance in his eyes.

 

"... I'am okay." 

 

Silence engulfed the two people. 

 

"Want some apple pie?" 

 

Ugh. 

 

Even the sacred moment of Apple pie sounded cute now. 

 

Ace accepted the apple pie with great honor.

 

*******

 

[10 minutes later]

 

"Jon Snow!" 

 

Everyone gaped, seeing how the base was already half-destroyed. Who else could it be if not the massive Sea King. The terrifying creature approached the flying fish gang's ship while dragging a smaller ship behind it.

 

"They... ruined it," Cale said sadly, seeing the railing of the back deck of the ship destroyed, due to the dragging of course. 

 

"Who's making our Savior-san sad?!"

 

"Those bastards!"

 

"They destroyed our beloved couple's ship!" Eh?

 

"Destroy this group of bastards!" 

 

The freed captives seemed to be burning with resentment when they saw the figure of their beautiful red-haired savior now looking very sad. Garnett's eyes were glazed over, regretting that his small ship was damaged by these slave trader bastards!

 

"For those who can still fight and have the strength, just focus on finding food and anything else that can be sold," Cale said, cutting off the rescued man's scathing words, smiling a small smile that looked like it was holding back sadness. 

 

Although originally the man was cursing and promising a series of vengeance that had destroyed Cale and Ace's precious ship. Moreover, that Shirohige commander had been kind enough to buy the ship at a high price... did they not know how fuckin' expensive Adam tree wood was?!

 

"I'll come along to keep an eye on them." Cale nodded at the gray-eyed man. 

 

Seeing that the other man still looked glum, Ace approached while taking a maroon cloak to cover Cale's shoulders and lifted his hood over his red head. The black-haired man then knelt down so that the face was focused on him.

 

"I will bring you gold," said the Portgas man with a strong voice. A hand rose and ruffled the red hair with a gentle motion.

 

"So, don't be sad, Cale-ya." 

 

The Shirohige commander followed a group of fighting Wotans and Blue Gilly who did not want to miss the moment of slaughter. 

 

Leaving behind Cale who blinked in surprise at Ace's actions earlier. However, his reaction was instantaneous. Where the alabaster pale cheeks began to blush even more, accompanied by a racing heart.

 

Hey...

 

How would you feel if someone came to give you gold so you wouldn't be sad anymore?

 

Absolutely the puuurrrfect husband material! Glutton cheered, followed by Crazy Kid and The Thief who chuckled.

 

He's very different from many of the young men we meet in Cale's world... Super Rock muttered, calculatingly.

 

What about that Cookie Prince?  The Cheapskate grumbled, earning a mocking snort from The Thief.

 

He gave a gold plaque if Cale won a war or wanted to do something, right? 

 

He also intends to nominate Cale as Minister!  Glutton continued vehemently. 

 

It would be damn better if Portgas brought a lot of gold. The Cheapskate chirped again, earning a 'woooohhhhh' from the three female AP. 

 

You called him Portgas! Crazy Kid laughed cheerfully.

 

Shut up!

 

Guys...

 

"Are you okay, Cale-san?" Asked Cotton, after seeing the red-haired man suddenly cover his face with both hands.

 

"...I'm okay."

 

But not with his heart.

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

"You like him," said Blue Gilly suddenly, approaching the gray-eyed man running in front of him. Dark brown eyes watched with big interest and amusement as the human almost swerved from his run. 

 

Portgas D. Ace. The famous Fire Fist Ace, who was also the commander of the respected Shirohige in the New World, was blushing red like a teenager.

 

"Ugh. No," Ace grumbled ferociously. Earning a mocking snort from the blue-haired Longleg.

 

"It's normal, you know. To fall in lo-WHOAH, calm your ass down, buddy!" Blue Gilly laughed again, then acrobatically dodged Ace's leg kick. Earned a hateful sneer from the freckled man. 

 

"You idiot." Disconnected the man in gothic clothing again, nodding wisely at his conclusion.

 

"HEH! I'M NOT IDIOT, HUH?!"

 

"But you denied it repeatedly when it was so damn obvious. So, what else if not stupid?" Said Blue Gilly making some nearby Wotans snort in amusement. It was funny to see how a powerful pirate like Portgas D. Ace blushed with embarrassment at being caught in love.

 

"Just shut up, okay? Shut fuckin' up, you dipshit," sneered Ace, his cheeks still flushed and moved away from their group towards one of the half-destroyed buildings. Suddenly, that action distracted the blue-haired Longleg. Realizing that it was probably that strange Sea King that had caused this place to be destroyed.

 

Was that Sea King their pretty savior's pet?

 

Blue Gilly tilted his head, having so many questions for the red-haired man who had released the captive who would be the future slave of the Tenryuubitou. Taking a quick glance at the figure watching them from afar, wearing a maroon robe, the Longleg man thought back to how powerful Cale was. 

 

Nor did he expect that he would see firsthand the identity behind the famous Red Riding Hood.

 

Was that pretty man a demon fruit user? Well, eating more than one would make the body explode and that man having about... three damn forms of power? There's fire, water and air, right? (Head dodges the attack of the slave trader gang's, then gracefully counters the ugly kick with his beautiful long legs.)

 

If not a demon fruit user... could it be some kind of experimental creature? Given that the results of the experiment had been widely spread in the world. Blue Gilly grimaced, thinking that the cause of them appearing as well as being destroyed, was the World Government itself. It was quite plausible that Red Riding Hood was the result of the World Government's experiment.

 

Was that why Cale was willing to help these would-be slaves? Even if he had to face Tenryuubitou's wrath?

 

Respect rose sharply within Blue Gilly.

 

Also, about the Fire Fist Ace.

 

Why else would this powerful Shirohige Commander be wandering around the Grand Line? (Blue Gilly ducked down, sharply kicking the attacker's thigh with his aesthetically pleasing foot.)

 

Didn't the pirate realize that his actions could cause Shirohige's crew to face the wrath of the World Government... 

 

"You stoopid," Blue Gilly muttered to himself. Because it was dumb to worry about a crew as powerful as Shirohige, who was one of the 4 Emperors of the Ocean (Yonko).

 

After all, the group that Red Riding Hood and Fire Fist Ace freed were still captives who were about to become slaves. So, it had not been listed directly in the Tenryuubitou auction. 

 

Hmmm...

 

"Aha! Here it is!" Ace's joyful exclamation broke Blue Gilly's reverie.

 

Blue-haired Longleg saw that the black-haired man was opening some chests and found that there was a lot of gold inside. Gray eyes shone brightly, smiling and chuckling. Then, a gentle expression was etched on that face, as if imagining how the red-haired beauty would react when he received the gold.

 

Anyway, he was having fun here!

 

All this World Government and Romance drama was none of Blue Gilly's damn business.

 

Blue Gilly looked forward to seeing how these two would develop in the future. 

 

News Coo.! Keep covering the news of these insensitive lovebirds and be prepared to accept him as regulars~!

 

******

 

[20 minutes later]

 

Less than twenty minutes later, Cale saw Ace's group returning with a dozen crates carried by Wotans, Blue Gilly and the others. They jumped onto the ship and were immediately surrounded by the others with cheerful cheers shouting back and forth.

 

"Cale!" The red head stepped down from the bridge towards the center of the ship with slow steps. Observing the satisfied expression on Ace's face as the man opened the 50 cm wide chest, which was filled with various gold and diamonds.

 

The crowd around them exclaimed 'whoooaahhh' in unison. Seeing that the red-haired man was now smiling so sweetly, he walked faster and stopped in front of the black-haired man. 

 

"For you," Ace said happily. The handsome face then tilted lightly, making the front black hair fall lightly over the forehead, accompanied by a gentle smile and expectant gray eyes.

 

"Not sad anymore?" 

 

They watched as the red-haired man chuckled and shook his head.

 

"No," Cale replied with a hum. Both of his hands rose up to grasp Ace's hand that was holding the golden chest.

 

"Thank you, Ace-ya."

 

The two men looked at each other, then smiled sweetly.

 

Oh no, my heart...

 

Hang in there, Glutton-noona! We have to see this XXXX moment through to the end!

 

"Ekhem-"

 

BASTARD! WHO fuckin' DARED TO INTERRUPT URI CALE'S MOMENT-?!

 

Tsk, calm down, Noona. I'm preparing the wind machete to slit that bastard's throat-!

 

Several eyes gave disapproving glances to Ran, who was mediating the sweet scene between Ace and Cale. 

 

The Kuja Tribe member tried to ignore the unpleasant stares, to step forward and face Cale. 

 

"Take this for you, Cale-san," said the dark-haired woman. Handing him the bag of gold she got from the pathetic gang leader's cabin.

 

"Then, this gold chest is for you too!"

 

"Take these artifacts too! They could be worth millions of Berry!"

 

"Take some food and clothes!"

 

"Are you hurt? Let us take care of you!"

 

"Take all these treasures-!"

 

"One moment," Cale cut in, stopping the last sentence with a sharp glance.

 

"Everything?" .... for me?

 

"Isn't that your own gold? I didn't help with anything." Some looked at Cale as if the man had gone mad. 

 

"You didn't lose hope of saving us!" 

 

"You helped us!"

 

"Your ship was ruined because of us!"

 

"Yes! Our Pretty Savior shouldn't be sad! >:( "

 

 "No, no." Cale shook his head and Ace was stunned.

 

A Cale Henituse who loved gold, rejoiced over gold, smiled and grieved over gold... now rejected the damn gold?

 

(wAittt a mInUTe, wHo aRe yOu-?!)

 

"You should use the gold for yourselves," the red-haired man said calmly.

 

"I can't escort you one by one, but I will fully guarantee that you will get to where you want to be," Cale emphasized. The man then walked over to the little girl standing near him. Cale knelt down and thrust a gold coin into the child's hand.

 

"You will need the Berry to buy supplies as you travel from island to island," said the red-haired man. He looked up to gaze at each face that was focused on him.

 

"This ship will not stop until the task is complete."

 

"So, distribute and keep this gold for each of you. Think of it as a reward for surviving."

 

Ace gave a small smile. His heart warmed as he saw several people begin to cry and utter words of gratitude. Children and teenagers who gathered around Cale to hug him, as well as some parents who rubbed the red head lovingly.

 

"Kajja*," Cale said, standing up abruptly and walking towards the outskirts when. Ace, who had already placed their gold chest away from the other piles of gold, followed the red-haired man. (*Alright in Korean)

 

"Well, we need the final touches," the jewel-eyed man said in a sweet whisper.

 

His hand then rose and everyone watched as the wave of water began to rise up to 10 meters high. In one fell swoop, they gaped as the base was destroyed in an instant. Leaving only the supporting poles and some wood, it was tossed pitifully in the ferocious waves.

 

Before they could react, they saw the beautiful man turn his head and peek over the shoulder of the taller man -Ace was behind Cale-. 

 

"Sssshhhh." 

 

Cale raised an index finger in front of his lips, eyes curved by a hidden smile. While Ace glanced at them over his shoulder, a hand rested on the slender waist of the red-haired man with a gentle touch.

 

"Don't tell anyone," the red-haired man said with a soft intonation.

 

The wind blew soothingly, making the hearts of those who witnessed the captivating beauty flutter.

 

"Arra ?"  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

What was in my head when I wrote this scene...

[ "I will bring you gold," Portgas man said in a strong voice. A hand cupped the face with indulgent tenderness. Then he planted a sweet kiss on the top of the head of red hair.

"So, don't be sad, my dear." ]

 

AHSHSJAJ SHAJDHAKBDMAKQJS ajdjsh-KYAAAKKKKKK-🦅🦅🦅😭😭😭👊👊👊

But, because they're not Official yet... so yeah, it's still the crush stage... ಥ^ಥ)

And OMAIGAWDD why Ace character is getting more and more charming in this fic?! HEH, HOW CAN YOU BE... THIS GREENFLAGGG???!!!! ✨️✨️✨️🛐🛐🛐

 

 

If anyone is wondering where Duval and co went, they were thrown into the sea :)
Don't worry, they're still alive and they'll be punished by Luffy-oyabun HAHAHAHHA.

Chapter 13: MINI OMAKE #3

Summary:

The OP character's reaction to the chaos Ace/Cale created in the previous chapter (again).

[ Sabo's POV]

 

RED RIDING HOOD FREES SLAVE TRADER CAPTIVE WITH FIRE FIST ACE! IS THIS A SIGN OF THE RISE OF THE 'HOTTEST' CHAOS COUPLE-?!!

 

There was a snort as he read the headline on the newspaper he was reading. Suddenly, his reaction received a questioning look from his blue-eyed companion.

 

"Find something funny?" Asked one of the Revolutionary Commanders, tilting her head lightly with an interested smile.

 

"Read this," said the man with wavy blonde hair. Handing over the newspaper and pointing at the biggest headline printed by News Coo. this morning. 

 

"Whoah! Fire Fist Ace has a girlfriend?!" exclaimed the ginger-haired woman, amazed and snatching the newspaper straight from the Staff Chief of Revolutionary Army.

 

"Koala, don't be so rude," said their other companion, who was a fish-man with the firmness of a grandfather to his grandchildren. Even so, it also anticipated how the news that had been trending the world lately.

 

"Also! Look, Hack-san! We need to focus on one thing here!" pointed the dark blue-eyed woman, at the words 'Slave Traders Captive' with fervor.

 

"There's another person who dares to oppose the government!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, giggling at the newspaper as she read more articles.

 

"Why are you pouting, dear Staff Chief? It's not like you're alone," their other companion chuckled. Purple hair with a bobbed style and pale green eyes peered behind her glasses. Seeing every expressive reaction from the force called number 2 in the Revolutionary Army.

 

"I'm not pouting, Betty. No!" retorted the man with a scar on the left side of his face, the scowl remaining on his face. 

 

Sabo didn't know why he was upset like this.

 

News of Fire Fist Ace, the famous Shirohige Commander had never bothered him. But, somehow, this time was different! It was strange, because Sabo felt disturbed by a person he didn't know, and that disturbance increased many times over when he saw this photo in the news.

 

Where Fire Fist Ace half-hugged Red Riding Hood who was peeking over commander Shirohige's shoulder.

 

The rumored lover hid her face under her trademark red hood, but a finger covered the mysterious smile on her pale alabaster skinned face. Meanwhile, Portgas D. Ace turned to the camera, sharp eyes almost protective with his arms wrapped tightly around the Red Riding Hood's waist. As if to prove his claim that they were indeed damn lovers.

 

But.... BUT-!

 

Why does Sabo keep getting annoyed?!

 

Like... how dare Fire Fist Ace get to him first?!

 

Without saying a word, the Staff Chief got up from his seat to walk out of the room. Cheeks were burning for some reason, especially when Betty started cheering because of his weird reaction ugh-

 

What's wrong with Sabo?

 

Why is he reacting like this-?!

 

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[Shirohige's Crew POV]

 

"Hooo~?"

 

Eyes narrowed trying to read the newspaper headlines handed to him by his dear right-hand man, Marco. The man with the power of the Phoenix chuckled along with the Oyaji. The rest of his children had happy, smiling faces. Some were annoyed but filled with amusement and affection.

 

"Ace is a man now!" chuckled Edward, patting his thigh twice. 

 

"Read it louder, Marco~!" 

 

"That bastard! He's officially claimed his girlfriend! Damn it!"

 

"Her smile looks beautiful!"

 

"Lucky bastard ugh-"

 

"The youngest has preceded us!"

 

"New daugther-in-law!" Said Shirohige's captain, laughter was booming and full of joy. Suddenly the response made the others join in the laughter and the main ship filled with excited cheers.

 

"Marco!" called Edward, eyes sparkling brightly, almost ferociously. There was a grin of anticipation as well as rare excitement etched behind his white mustache.

 

"When are we going to prepare for the wedding?"

 

Silence engulfed the ship.

 

"Wedding party?! Not yet, Oyaji!"

 

"We have to get to know her first!"

 

"Youngest may like her, but we don't necessarily!"

 

"Call him now, Marco!"

 

"Yare, yare, wait a minute. You guys-!" sighed Marco, overwhelmed by the Oyaji's as well as his crew's enthusiastic reactions. 

 

"Let's just wait for Ace to come introduce his girlfriend to us, yoi. Isn't that more polite and private? Maybe Ace doesn't want to be disturbed right now?" Edward thought about his dear eldest son's words and hummed softly. 

 

Marco said something that made sense.

 

Remembering how they first met. Then to gain the youngest's trust as well as his touching 'Oyaji' call. Not forgetting his hurtful identity that led to low self-esteem. As well as the recent events where one of his children was killed by a traitor.

 

"I guess... the waiting would be more touching...," Edward murmured, beginning to like the idea of Ace coming home one day. He took his lover by the hand, introducing him to Edward with a smiling face and loving eyes.

 

( "Oi! Edward! You must meet my love! And, hey, hey!! Prepare to see her beauty-!" )

 

The crew watched as their leader sighed fondly and leaned back against the mast. There was a strong nostalgic expression on that face, softening his stern features in an instant. Marco, who was standing close by Edward's side could understand the meaning of the longing gaze, which gazed out over the ocean.

 

"When was the last time we had a wedding party?" 

 

Marco gave a small smile. 

 

"Well, it was a long time ago. Before Ace was even born, yoi."

 

Edward laughed. Arms rested on his knees to support his chin.

 

"Keep an eye out for news of our youngest." 

 

The dark eyes shone brightly with affection.

 

"Display this photo in every hallway!"

 

Shirohige's crew threw a party that night. 

 

Filled with joyful laughter and the anticipation of seeing the new members join.

 

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[Mugiwara's Crew POV]

 

"Luffy," Robin called out as they were resting after cleaning up the rest of the 'playground' in the ocean of Florian Triangle. The 28-year-old woman waved a hand, instructing their young captain to come closer.

 

"Ace-san and Cale-san are here," laughed the Ohara woman at Luffy's amazed expression, thrusting the newspaper in front of the teenage boy with a gentle gesture.

 

"Here, try reading it," Robin coaxed in a motherly tone.

 

The rest of the crew (except Franky and Brook who had just joined) were gaping at the dark-haired woman's actions. 

 

Zoro, who was enjoying the time to fall asleep, woke up immediately and hit his head on the railing at the edge of the ship.

 

Nami dropped the pencil she was holding, the lines of the graphic map underneath went off instantly while her pretty face turned pale.

 

Ussop gaped so wide, shamelessly, and dramatically covered his mouth with both hands.

 

Sanji's cigarette slipped out and the plastic drink cup in his hand fell over.

 

Lastly, Chopper, as if having a heart attack, pointed at the rubber man with an expression of disbelief.

 

"Ho!" Everyone held their breath as Luffy cheered after scanning the newspaper for so long.

 

"Ace and Cale freed the people from the slave traders!" Hands clenched with eyes filled with stars as well as admiration.

 

"Suuggeeee!!! Σ(っ✨Д ✨;)っ" The fist was swung up and down repeatedly.

 

"We have to do it too! It's not fair! Ace is doing cool stuff with Cale! I want to do it too! I want it!!!" 

 

"Really?" laughed Robin again, so melodious that Sanji melted on the spot. Then froze again as the woman urged Luffy to read the contents of the article further.

 

"Then, Luffy should read and learn more from them," said the dark blue-eyed woman, pointing to a few sentences of the important article that highlighted Ace and Cale's actions in rescuing and taking responsibility for the captives they saved.

 

Luffy, with an adorable innocent look on his face, occasionally nodded seriously -very cute- and read a few sentences, then asked Robin.

 

....

 

"Serriiousssly! AOOUUWWW, what's going on!"

 

"What a wonderful progress from our belove couple, Ace-san and Cale-san! I read it eagerly even though I don't have eyes! Yohohoho~!"

 

While the two new crew members joined the Luffy-Robin reading together, the rest of the crew was left in silence.

 

Watching one of the miracles of the world unfold....

 

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[Third Person's POV]

 

"Ace-ya."

 

The black-haired man turned his head from his morning cooking. At the redhead, who was still wrapped in a thick blanket, walked over with a paper in his hand.

 

"Let's go to the Marine base."

 

Huh? Wha-

 

Ack! Ace saw the Berry symbol printed in those garnett's eyes! 

 

"No fuckin' way! Are you crazy, ya?!!"

 

"My bouty is up," Cale said innocently, pointing at the photo of 'Red Riding Hood' who now had a bounty of 600 million Berrys. It horrified the Shirohige commander that in just a month, the price of this sloth and annoying pretty man's bounty had risen drastically.

 

"Your bounty too," Cale continued, showing Ace's bounty poster that had risen to 770 million Berry.

 

"So..." 

 

Oh no.

 

Ace was going to face that deadly eye attack again-!

 

"Let's go to the Marine base-"

 

"NO!"

 

 

 

Notes:

Luffy is reading?! 😨😨😨🤣🤣🤣

Robin be like :

Chapter 14: #8 - Vivre Card and The Promise

Summary:

Ace simply instructed the man to place the paper on top of their palms. Watching how the two pieces tried to get close together.

 

"No matter how far the distance between us will be-" cheeks flushed, voice sounding more nervous but eyes firm with certainty.

 

"-if you need me, I will come to you." 

Notes:

As always, THANK YOU to my dear nakama for remember, visiting, liking and loving this fic (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
LET'S PRESERVE THIS RARE SHIP WITH FULL RRRRAAAHHHH 😭👊❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Thank you for 2.4k Kudos, 500+ Bookmarks, and 43+k hits?!
The previous chapters was also filled with so many sweet comments!
Thank you so muuucchhh guys, reallyyy 🥺😭🌹✨
Even if I haven't had a chance to reply, I always reread all the comments to make my day colorful xixixi! 🥺🤧🙏💛🌻✨️

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Happy reading, guys! 🥺🤧🍓❤✨
PS. (Again) sorry if the story is too messy to read... I edited it myself with help from DeepL... ψ(._. )
PSS. Chapter will be edited by Beta Reader when they have time, heheh :"
PSSS. We will meet interesting characters in this chapter~!

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Gray eyes glanced at how the freed captives began to rearrange the former slave trader's ship. 

 

This handsome, unpretentious young man was helping to transport goods. His eyes then glanced at Cale who was in front of the cabin door. Tristan was beside him with Neko and Ran, then a Wotans and two other men. 

 

It seemed like they were the people Cale trusted to lead this ship. 

 

Putting a box of food down, Ace walked towards the surface and looked at the noisy scene around with a small smile.

 

Of course, there was no telling how Cale could guarantee that this ship would not stop performing its duty to deliver all the freed captives... like, there were about 70 people to be delivered home? But, their eyes were all filled with trust and devotion. 

 

Cale was truly a unique and strange person.

 

"Can't Cotton come with you, Mr. Pretty?! You are so kind and have saved us! Cotton wants to help as-!"

 

Ace's brow twitch. 

 

Thinking of the presence of another person who would interrupt their journey.

 

Enough with Brook. That annoying and perverted living skeleton.

 

Now this dwarf elf wanted to come along-?!

 

"I'm sorry, Cotton-ssi. But, our journey is temporary," Cale replied calmly. His index finger rose to stroke the purplish-white hair of the female dwarf who was giving a sad expression.

 

Hah! 

 

Of damn course! 

 

Other people can't come with them! 

 

A threatening grin was etched on the lips before disappearing in an instant.

 

Soon, they would be separated on the Sabaody... 

 

"Isn't Dressrossa in trouble too?" Said Gilly Blue, who was approaching the group with Ace following behind.

 

"Trouble?" Asked the Kuja woman, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. 

 

Why the Kuja woman seemed to be wandering around like this, Ace did not know. Considering this tribe of women were quite isolated from the world and were notorious for hating men (based on the nature of their leader). 

 

"Well, I heard that one of the Shichibukai controls the island and his power is quite strong. It's new, but there's unrest among the people of Dressrossa," Gilly Blue explained with a shrug.

 

"After all, what's interesting about them is the Gladiators! Inviting many strong men to fight against each other! I should show them the beauty of my tribe's legs-"

 

"That's enough," Ace cut in grimly. 

 

The dark-haired man walked behind Cale, then lifted the hood of the maroon robe over the shorter man's head. Not stopping there, Ace put both ears to cover the beautiful redhead's ears. Simultaneously resting his chin on top of that head with gray eyes twinkling in displeasure. 

 

Both to Gilly Blue, then Ran, then Cotton. 

 

They were all threatening-

 

"Ace-ya," Cale called, clasping the back of his hand and looking up. 

 

Making out the reddish-brown eyes that were hidden behind his bangs and the hood of his cloak. They stared at each other for a few seconds until suddenly a snort was heard. 

 

"Why?" Ace asked irritably, trying to get the face to focus forward again. 

 

"Your nostrils are funny-" reflexively, Ace covered Cale's mouth. Blushing as the others started laughing at them by the red-haired beauty's random statement.

 

"E-khem! N-now, is everything ready?" Asked Ace, releasing the smaller man in his arms. There was a light nod from Cale who handed some papers to Tristan.

 

"The food on the ship is sufficient. They can buy more food later when they arrive at the ports of the various islands."

 

Ace nodded seriously. His hand moved to the pocket of his jeans, taking out one of Portgas' signature red beads that he designed himself. By condensing the fire of Mera Mera no Mi mixed with iron materials. 

 

"Take this." The gray-eyed man gave it to Gilly Blue. 

 

"When you arrive at Fishman Island, just show them my red bead. The island is under the protection of Shirohige and will not harm you." 

 

There were relieved looks on the faces of the few people who peeked at them.

 

"T-thank you, Ace-san! W-we'll use it after dropping off some passengers from West Blue and North Blue," Tristan smiled happily, bowing several times to Ace and Cale who had flat faces.

 

"What about you?" All eyes glanced at Ran who blinked twice at the sudden attention.

 

"Well, Boa-sama will pick me up. Probably when we head to West Blue, so don't worry. Boa-sama often patrols near those waters," Ran explained with flushed cheeks and teary eyes. Clearly missing her tribe and home.

 

"Alright then, we'll head back to our ship." 

 

Cale walked first to the edge of the ship close to their small boat. Some people started to follow them and cheered with smiles and tears. Ace could see the awkward expression on the calm mask. Clearly, the red-haired man was not quite comfortable with the attention he was getting. But still, Cale waved his hand lightly. While his gaze focused on the children standing near the Mink tribe.

 

Ace winked, always surprised by that gentle look.

 

"Yo! See y'all!" 

 

As if it had become a habit, the youngest Shirohige commander picked Cale up and gave a quick wave to the occupants of the large ship. The man nimbly jumped up and landed lightly in the center of their deck. He also greeted Jon Snow who had been guarding their ship on the sea creature's side.

 

Turning towards his traveling companion, Ace already saw Cale's sleepy eyes. 

 

His heart was instantly filled with fondness. That a lazy man like this red sloth would spend his sleeping hours being kidnapped and then make plans to free the prisoners. Cale was secretly an affection man, wasn't he?

 

"Go to sleep," said the taller man. Encouraging the red-haired beauty to get into their single cabin.

 

"Hmm... okay," muttered the shorter man. Somewhat grumbling with his shoulders hunched forward. Really sleepy. 

 

"I'll wake you up when we arrive at Sabaody harbor later." Cale just gave a thumbs up.

 

Grinning amusedly, Ace gave the reddish hair a pat. Resisting the nosiness as those reddish-brown eyes stared at him sharply with a pout on his lips. 

 

"Don't," Cale concluded, closing the cabin door and the silence. 

 

There was only Ace and their ship, Jon Snow, and the large ship that was slowly moving away. 

 

Removing the black coat with red flame accents, the dark-haired man draped it over the ship's steering wheel. 

 

A second later, he began to stretch his arms forward. Turning his head to the right, left, shrugging his shoulders and started randomly doing light exercise. If you asked what Ace was doing, the man was just relaxing his muscles. 

 

"What?" annoyed the steely-eyed man, able to sense Jon Snow's flat stare. 

 

The sea creature just snorted and disappeared underwater. 

 

Ignoring the behavior of a pet that was just as annoying as his master -in terms of ignorance-, Ace adjusted his hat and draped a black coat over his shoulders. His hands were raised on the steering wheel while his eyes focused on the sea ahead. 

 

"Well, we're off to Sabaody." 

 

An information center with pirates and marines living side by side. 

 

It was thrilling and infuriating.

 

Portgas D. Ace would find that bastard Teach information and would not miss it for a damn second.

 

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[Third-person POV]

 

The scenery of Sabaody Island was still as stunning as when they arrived. 

 

The bubbles surrounding the giant mangrove forest glistened in the twilight. The bustling harbor was busy receiving many passengers from various circles and merchants. Ace turned his head to the side, propped his chin on the hand that rested on the railing of the ship and grinned happily at the mesmerized face of Cale -the man Ace had woken up before arriving-.

 

It was the same expression as the face that saw the view of Water Seven. 

 

Commander Shirohige couldn't wait to show Fishman Island later when they headed for the New World. His gray eyes widened at that thought and immediately shook his head mentally.

 

After waiting for Luffy -while looking for information on Teach- and showing Cale all the areas in Sabaody, as well as leading him to an area where he could contact his family, the two had promised to part ways there.

 

Cale who was going home, picked up by his family.

 

And Ace who continued his mission, chasing Teach. 

 

The gaze darkened. Turning his attention from Cale's face to the ocean waves with a guilty expression. 

 

How could Ace be relaxing and having fun like this when Thatch's killer was still roaming freely out fuckin' there?

 

"Ace," called the redhead. Glancing curiously at the taller man, now silent with a gloomy aura around him.

 

"Hm?" Ace muttered. Shifting his palm on his chin until the fingers covered his mouth. Eyes widened, as if trying to keep his attention on the red-haired man.

 

"We're going to land at the harbor of area 27, right?" Cale asked. The Shirohige commander was quite impressed by the garnett-eyed one's recollection.

 

"Yep. Get ready. We're going to be quite busy, you know." Ace chuckled, the man saw Cale nod and walk towards their cabin. Meanwhile, the dark-haired man headed for the bridge and turned the steering wheel to choose a good place to dock the ship in the harbor. 

 

Small bubbles began to pass through their ship. Ace raised a hand and waved with a nostalgic smile.

 

The cabin door opened, Cale blinked in surprise at the new view where the sky was faintly greenish. Wanting to call out to Ace, the red-haired man was surprised when a bubble popped near his face. 

 

Resulting in Cale ungracefully trying to spit out the rest of the bubble that entered his mouth.

 

"Ppffftt-hahahahah!" Ace laughed at the funny and rare sight.

 

Why rare? Considering Cale's every quiet movement was so very graceful and awake, how could it not be rare when he was spitting something?

 

"My eye," complained the redhead and the laughter immediately died out.

 

"Which part hurts? Don't rub it too much, Cale. Although Sabaody's bubbles are harmless, but-" Ace came closer and cupped the shorter man's face, trying to prevent Cale from touching his eyes. Then carefully wiped away the water around the eye using the hem of his own black coat.

 

"Geez, your eyes are so weak," grumbled the youngest commander, pouting with embarrassed flushed cheeks. Especially when those teary reddish-brown eyes looked... so damn pretty and tried to look at him-

 

"N-never mind. Still hurts?" clearing his throat, the gray-eyed man let go of his hand. But instead of pulling it away immediately, he moved behind Cale to pull up the hood of the maroon robe he was wearing. 

 

Given that Cale's true identity had not yet been discovered. The world recognizes this sloth as the beautiful girl 'Red Riding Hood' and h-his... h-hi-his... lo-lo-lov-LOVER-!

 

/BLUSH

 

Aigooo, what's wrong with this bro again, sighed Cale, seeing his traveling partner suddenly blush and cluck. Before distancing himself from him while occasionally stomping on the deck of the ship. No doubt also ruffling his black hair, adjusting his hat, ruffling it again and straightening it. This was repeated for almost three minutes.

 

You're not good for his heart, Cale (✿◡‿◡) Glutton's laughter echoed with The Thief in his mind. Making Cale furrow his brow.

 

Cale caused a heart fuckin' attack?!  shocked The Cheapskate. Somehow aggravating the laughter of the two ancient power.

 

T-that's strange... h-how could it be? U-usually it's Cale's heart that often c-causes heart attacks...

 

All was strangely hushed by Crybaby's response.

 

Never mind. You're the oldest but you're the most innocent, sighed The Thief as if resigned.

 

Maybe that's also the reason uri Cale is dense? Glutton continued, clucking like an old woman.

 

"Are you done?" Reddish-brown eyes were flat as the gray-eyed man approached him with a red scarf covering half his face. A blush peeked out on his cheeks, making those cute freckles stand out even more to him. 

 

"Hm. Let's go," Ace said, extending his hand to Cale.

 

"I'll drop you off first," the man said and the redhead nodded.

 

"Did you tell Jon Snow that we'll be in the Sabaody area for a while?" once again, Cale nodded. Before they disembarked, he had instructed the Sea King not to wait for him. Even though the whispered voice of the ocean said that Jon Snow would be waiting for him on the way to Fishman Island later.

 

They landed perfectly and Ace dropped Cale off. Instantly, someone came to register their ship, so the elder Henituse let Ace take over the conversation. 

 

The reddish-brown eyes hidden under the hood peered at the surrounding scenery. The hustle and bustle in this harbor could beat any city in the royal cities where she lived. Added to that were the sightings of various people of different ethnicities and races roaming the harbor. 

 

For some reason, a gray and empty feeling came over Cale.

 

This world was indeed unique, extraordinary, and amazing with its own history. The people, the excitement, the races, the tribes, the cultures, the magnetism of each island, even snails as a communication? Even so, Cale realized that the peace that enveloped this world was only a thin, pseudo blanket. 

 

Because of the Marines and the Pirates.

 

Two side that made civilians the victims more often than not. 

 

"-le?" Blinking, the red-haired man turned his head. Seeing that Ace was done with the conversation and called out to him.

 

"Hold my hand, otherwise you'll get lost in the crowd." Saving his energy, Cale only replied with a dazed nod. 

 

Ace's hand grip was strong.

 

Warm.

 

And so protective.

 

When Cale was slowly dragged by the other men to enter the crowd, strangely Ace's hair that had a fire-red glow at the ends of its strands stood out more. The strong shoulders that turned back, as if they could withstand anything that would destroy them. And when that handsome face looked back, gray eyes curved. Forming the outline of a cheerful smile that was very charming, although it was somewhat obscured by the scarf. 

 

As if affected by Ace's joy atmosphere, a small smile was etched on Cale's beautiful face. 

 

The sight of a pair of garnett eyes peeking out behind the rose hair, framing a beautiful face that was very indulgent, was a beautiful painting that Ace noticed as he looked back. There was a smile on Cale's face with eyes that looked at Ace so lightly. Filled with warmth as well as tenderness. 

 

The heart pounded with a gaze that Ace had never seen in his entire life. 

 

Then the sweep of the crowd made the hood of Cale's cloak almost fall off. Reflexively Ace used his free hand to prevent the cloth. At the same time, Cale's hand also held the cloth. Automatically making their hands touch-

 

"Are you okay?" asked Ace, his tone filled with worry. His gray eyes then stared at the origin of the crowd. Slightly deploying his Haoshoku Haki with annoyance. 

 

"I'm fine," Cale replied softly and ugh-Ace's heart started pounding again.

 

Clearing his throat, the dark-haired man nodded and led them to a less crowded alley, where they began to enter the main area of 26.

 

"Are you hungry?" asked the 2nd Division Commander, trying to make small talk again after almost a minute of silence. Cale didn't reply, just nodded. Occasionally casting a glance around him as Ace began to lead them towards area 24.

 

Along the way, the pirate tried to lead the two to a safe path. The taller man would act protectively as some eyes watched Cale with a disgusting gaze. After all, they landed in an area filled with pirates, bounty hunters, and slave trading grounds. Instantly, Ace regretted landing the ship in this area, when they could have at least landed it in area 50.

 

"There's a lot of bars," Cale muttered under his breath. Garnett's eyes could see that there were many pirates crowding almost all the bars in the alley.

 

"Well, since this is a pirate area," snorted Ace.

 

Silence fell over them and the gray-eyed man now felt very guilty :")

 

There was nothing interesting in the pirate area other than the rampant bounty hunters, the slave traders who oppressed many captives, the annoying laughter of pirates, and the annoying stares as they walked.

 

"Hey, isn't that Red?" 

 

"The red robe... and that hat..." 

 

"Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood?!"

 

"-why are they here?"

 

"Whoah, Red is smaller than I thought..."

 

"Must be damn pretty, right? Muehehehe-" *slurp

 

Motherfucker. How dare that dickhead-?!

 

"-of course! A pirate like Fire Fist Ace must have a beautiful lover. He's also the commander of Shirohige's second division-"

 

"Should we try looking at her face-?"

 

"Her skin must be fuckin' glow-"

 

"Very small shoulders... hahhh... perfect for me to grasp-"

 

"What a perfect view, to be under us-"

 

"-HAHAHAHAHAH-!"

 

Perverted bastard fucking pig dog cockhead motherfucker asshole piss-

 

"Ace," Cale called softly, stopping them in their tracks. Instantly his anger was perfectly hidden. However, Haki seeped out and tightly gripped anyone who dared to speak foul of Cale. 

 

Gray eyes gave all their attention to the red-haired master who was dragging him away. While a hand pointed at one of the notification places and-ahh...

 

"Bounty Hunter wall," said Ace without further explanation.

 

"There we are," Cale continued in a whispered voice, sounding inexplicably happy and those eyes sparkling. So scary that the taller man instantly sighed and shook his head.

 

"No."

 

"But-"

 

"Once a no, always a damn no."

 

"We can rent-"

 

"-threaten you mean-?"

 

"-someone, then we can take-"

 

"-steal-"

 

"-but, it is bounty for our heads, right? So basically, it's ours, not ours to steal," insisted the stubborn Cale and you know what? Ace was horrified by that damn statement.

 

As a great and cool pirate that Luffy is also proud of, Ace is certainly happy with the skyrocketing price of his Bounty. Proving that Portgas D. Ace was a dedicated and powerful pirate! But... it was a different matter when it came to Cale Henituse.

 

"...still no," Ace said in a firm voice, no further refusal.

 

"Tch." 

 

Was it just his feeling that Cale was puffing out his cheeks? 

 

Shit.

 

So ador-fucking-able.

 

Snorting in amusement, Ace resumed their journey and breathed a sigh of relief when they found a sizable restaurant on the border of areas 25 and 24. 

 

"This is exhausting," Cale grumbled. His eagerness to see the new surroundings instantly vanished as his shoulders began to hunch languidly forward.

 

"Let's eat first, hm?" Ace understood that the other man only had two hours of sleep before landing at the harbor. As a civilian with strange powers and based on Ace's observations during their month together, Cale's physique was as weak as a pampered noble child. 

 

"Okay," Cale murmured obediently and they entered the restaurant. 

 

The restaurant was quite crowded.

 

Ace was relieved that there weren't many pirates in this restaurant so Cale could feel safe enough to eat. 

 

The civilians also looked happy with their appearance, which certainly didn't look too much like pirates. They definitely looked like merchants or travelers. 

 

Ace and Cale were led to sit at a table by the window. The redhead immediately took out a strange cat-shaped neck pillow (which they bought at Water Seven) while the dark-haired man ordered food. Occasionally asking what Cale wanted, who requested a lot of meat sandwiches and warm milk.

 

"Do you know someone here?" Asked the red-haired beauty, rare for starting small talk first. 

 

"Hmmm... not really," Ace replied, shrugging casually.

 

"As you know, this island is kind of neutral territory and is considered a place to... rest for a while? Before moving on to the New World. So, it's rare for a pirate crew to settle down." Cale nodded in understanding and leaned back fully on his neck pillow. 

 

Eyes drooped and began to droop. 

 

"Go to sleep. I will wake you up when the food arrives." The red-haired noble nodded again and fully closed his eyes.

 

Leaving Ace in a nostalgic silence.

 

Watching the Sabaody crowd behind the restaurant window with a blank stare.

 

There were many things that graced his mind right now. 

 

Cale and his family.

 

Luffy and his crew.

 

Oyaji, Marco, and the others.

 

Thatch and Teach. 

 

Gray eyes looked grim, like clouds ready to devastate the land with their thunder and rain. Lips pouted hatefully behind the scarf, cursing themselves for having the audacity to relax like this. When there was a possibility of that bastard Teach killing more people out there.

 

Then, the stormy eyes glanced at Cale's calm sleeping face. Instantly softening until his heart ached at the thought of the two of them meeting. 

 

Why did Ace have to meet Cale at a time like this?

 

Making his heart waver instantly.

 

Torn between wanting to keep Cale until his family arrived or going after Teach to exact his revenge on Thatch.

 

"Here you go, sir!"

 

The waiter's exclamation broke Ace's reverie and woke Cale from his short nap. Eyes blinked sleepily under the red hood but absentmindedly grabbed the meat sandwich and ate it.

 

Instantly Ace's heart was thrilled by the sight in front of him. The Shirohige commander snorted in amusement and began to take care of his cute spoiled noble. The taller would adjust food, drinks, and even feed Cale while occasionally grumbling at how slow the pretty man was to chew.

 

"You sloth," Ace taunted, earning a flat stare.

 

"You muffler." 

 

Huh?

 

"Why muffler?!"

 

"Because it's hot and always brum brum." As he said 'brum brum', Ace blushed bright red because by all the seas and oceans, why did Cale sound so damn adorable?! 

 

"Aaiisshh, this spoiled sloth. Finish your food!" Ace scolded, forehead furrowed as if trying to intimidate.

 

"Yes, Mummy." 

 

Ace gaped.

 

This pretty lazy bastard-!

 

.
.
.

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

It felt like Cale could fall into a dream flower at any time. 

 

Consciousness was already on the verge, all it took was a pair of drowsy scissors and the restraining cord to the real world would break. Bringing Cale into a pleasant deep sleep-

 

Vaguely, Cale heard Ace cluck. At times like that, the pirate Shirohige sounded like Alberu who looked exhausted by his paperwork. Or even Eruhaben who was annoyed that they disturbed his nest, again.

 

Then, he felt the steel-eyed man carrying him bridal style. For a moment, Cale flushed, his pride somewhat tarnished at how easily the younger man carried him like this.

 

... It's not like Cale is resisting, okay? It's just that, sleepiness was really attacking him now...

 

"Hum um..." muttered the redhead, resting his head on Ace's broad shoulder. Feeling perfectly safe to fall asleep in such a warm embrace...

 

Was Ace's body warm because his fire power?

 

Unconsciously, Cale strengthened his embrace around Ace's neck. Increasingly nuzzling his head and ravaging it on the arch of the other dark-haired man's neck. Giggling at the rare comfort he felt right now. 

 

Do you know what Ace's warmth feels like?

 

Think of it when it's pouring rain. The sound of the water outside echoing like a soft radio. You're lying on a bed with thick blankets and pillows surrounding you. Ace's warmth is like the warmth of a blanket in the rainy season.

 

If he could, Cale would love to invite Ace to his Black Castle.

 

The kids would love Ace.

 

"Sleep." 

 

With that, Cale Henituse fell into the most comfortable sleep ever.

 

*****

 

[9 hours later]

 

Outside the window, it was already night when Cale woke up from his sleep. Sleepy eyes glanced at the watch near the nightstand of the hotel they rented, showing it was almost 10pm.

 

Wake up, Cale! Wake up! It's time for us to eat before bed! It's not good to fall asleep on an empty stomach! Glutton exclaimed, further chasing away the sleepiness and the red-haired man grumbled.

 

Reddish-brown eyes then blinked in realization that there was no certain tsundere man's voice that had burst out the moment he woke up. Where had the noisy figure like a hot muffler disappeared to? 

 

Well, Cale is hungry. 

 

We can look for him later after eating. 

 

Ace was a pirate with a strong status and high bounty. 

 

They were also in a pirate area, not a marine base.

 

So...

 

"Can I order some food?" Cale asked as he entered the nearby hotel bar. Complete with the usual maroon hood, considering he was known by a different identity.

 

"Sure!"

 

"I'd like Fried Rice, Ice Tea, with a Mid-Level Beaf Steak..." the waitress glanced up and down Cale. Probably wondering why a skinny guy like him could order that much food. 

 

"Alright. Also, please enjoy our special beer before your food arrives, sir!" Cale nodded, accepting the beer with a happy smile.

 

The man took a seat at a place a little further away from the crowd. Seeing the bar full of laughing pirates, Cale's mind screamed to get away from trouble.

 

Slinging his right leg over his left, then crossing his arms in front of his chest, Cale leaned his back on the chair. His eyes took in the view of area 25 (he had a bar with a 2nd floor location (?) of mangrove trees). So even though it was filled with pirates, the atmosphere was lively every night like a festival. 

 

"-crazy bastard! What's your problem, huh?! You must be fuckin' cheating!" 

 

"-bastard, old man. Is your body just a display?!"

 

"Check his hands!"

 

"He cheated!" 

 

"AAAAHHHH FUCK-!"

 

Our young master sighed gracefully. Shook his head and wisely chose to remain silent and turn off his hearing.

 

"Here's your food, sir." 

 

YESSHHHH! IT ALL LOOKS SO TEMPTING-!

 

Slowly, Glutton.

 

Enthusiastic hands grabbed the fork and knife. Cut the steak and mixed it with the sauce. Putting it on the fried rice and eating it-

 

BRAK!

 

The table that supported his meal was instantly shattered by the throw of someone's body. 

 

Reddish-brown eyes became a blank stare, but the mouth kept moving to eat the first and last meal he ordered himself.

 

There were shouts from waiters, angry grunts from pirates who were annoyed by the noisy atmosphere, and pirates who started fighting at the bar. 

 

However, Cale's eyes did not leave the food he ordered, all of it crumbling under the body of this middle-aged man with silvery white hair. The glasses reflected the light so Cale didn't know what emotions were visible in those eyes, other than a nervous chuckle and embarrassment. Dressed in shabby clothes with a small robe and a scarf draped over his shoulders.

 

"Huh... you guys are really meanie, aren't you? Throwing an old man's body like this?" The man sighed, trying to stand up and clean his clothes from the food Cale had ordered.

 

"Whatcha problem, old man?! You're the one cheating! You're trying to steal our damn money, aren't ya?! You lowlife! Damn slave-!"

 

Our pure noble's ears heated up at this gutter babble.

 

The thrown old man wanted to retaliate for a moment but was stopped when Cale decided to get up.

 

Actually, the eldest Henituse had no problem with fights. After all, before becoming a commander, Cale Henituse was known as a troublemaker. Even when leading a war, the red-haired man would drink tea and apple pie when his comrades didn't really need it. 

 

All would be well if his food wasn't the main target.

 

Especially if Cale ordered it himself. Not a treat.

 

A life lesson as Kim Roksoo who had a difficult childhood and the apocalypse, food was a precious thing. Especially if it was the result of your hard work.

 

"Wh-what?! Why are you stand up?!" The annoying pirate snarled.

 

"Wait! She must be a beautiful woman! Her shoulders and waist are gorgeous!"

 

"That maroon robe... could be Red Riding Hood?!"

 

"Damn. Is there a Fire Fist Ace here?!"

 

"Yak*." *(Like, Hey! or Oi! in Korean :v)

 

Everyone fell silent as Cale spoke in a soft tone.

 

Why were they all suddenly become red like damn tomatoes? 

 

That meant they were perverts.

 

SO XXXX DICKHEAD! SLAP THEM XXXX ALL-!!!

 

Eyes glanced at how almost everyone in the bar was flushed and had stupid flabbergasted faces that Cale wanted to punch. 

 

"You ruined my dinner," grumbled the garnett-eyed man. Crossing both hands in front of his chest while tilting his head. Observing with a condescending look behind his rose hair.

 

"Ah? Are you upset that we're bothering you, beautiful? Join us-!"

 

"No need. Pay back my food." The man grinned ugly and Cale snorted mockingly. This NPC didn't even deserve to be an anchovy-class villain. 

 

"Where?" Cale reached out, receiving a bill of about 100 berries and a gold coin. 

 

"Extra for you, pretty. Do you want to play games with us-?" 

 

"Pffftt-" 

 

Cale threw away the money and wiped his hands on the sleeves of the robe. As if he had touched something disgusting. 

 

His actions in an instant extinguished the ugliest expression of lust the garnett-eyed man had ever seen.

 

"Hooo? You're an 'expensive' bitch, aren't ya?"

 

"And your eyes are blind, huh?" Cale replied with a cold stare. 

 

"Wh-what are you saying, asshole-?!"

 

"This-" Cale lifted his small spatial bag over the ugly NPC's head upside down.

 

"-is what 'expensive' means." 

 

Gold fell over the pirate's body.

 

Everyone was gaping at the sight, too speechless to utter a word as the gold that came out had already drowned half of the ugly NPC's body. 

 

"G-gold?!" 

 

"S-she took out all the gold from such a small bag?!"

 

"W-whoah!"

 

"Ha-!" The NPC's eyes twinkled greedily with the ugliest, ugliest, ugliest grin on his lips. 

 

"HAHAHAHAHAH! You're special, huh, pretty?! G-GOLD! HAHAHAHAHAAARGHHH-!" Not even a second into the excitement, the NPC started screaming and trying to get out of the surrounding golden pool. 

 

"H-HOT!" 

 

In Cale's mind, The Cheapskate was laughing maniacally and according to everyone's point of view, there was a rosy aura emanating from Red Riding Hood's figure. 

 

"Weak," Cale snorted. Picking up the one on his arm. The spectators let out a gasp, remembering that some started to move away as they felt the burning heat of the gold coins.

 

One footstep closer and the ugly NPC fell pitifully. 

 

Cale did not bend down. His foot chose to step on the man's right hand. The more the man screamed for release, threatening him with ugly expletives, the more frightened he became as Cale dropped the gold he was holding on top of the man's body. It felt burned until it emitted a terrifying hiss. 

 

The redhead could feel the horrified gazes of the pirates around the bar. Moreover, this NPC was trying to throw all the gold on top of his body.

 

Cale chuckled cruelly as he was about to throw the gold coins, the NPC cowered in fear. 

 

"I curse you, Balley Crust." The NPC's eyes widened and looked at Cale with a pale face.

 

"H-how did you know my name-?!" 

 

"-you must pay that man, then that table, my food, and free all the slave captives you can in area 1. Bring your damn troopers and do this all within 7 days. Obey or I will fuckin' burn you and all your friends with this gold?" Cale threatened, voice lilting. Hypnotizing and promising death if the man dared to disobey.

 

"B-but-!" 

 

"If you dare attempt to steal this gold, they will melt your hands." Garnett's eyes widened menacingly. There was no mercy as the man nodded and approached the pile of gold.

 

They sizzled as they touched the gold and Cale snorted. 

 

The gold would be untouchable if someone intended to steal it. It was one of the magical evolutions of Rosalyn and Raon to guard their looted gold. Even if they touched it with cloth or iron, they would be burned and melted in an instant.

 

"ARRGHH-! DAMN GOLD-!"

 

His eating mood was already broken. 

 

The garnett eyes stared wide-eyed at his food that had crumbled on the floor. 

 

His heart was filled with resentment. 

 

However, the grin on Cale's face did not fade. 

 

He couldn't wait to see how that ugly NPC realized that he couldn't buy any food. Because any gold he touched would be hot.

 

This NPC had to change to appreciate food and people more.

 

Cale's intentions were good, you know? :)

 

However, my food...

 

"Sir, please eat here instead!" Called a waiter, leading Cale to a new table. 

 

"No need to pay! We served it just like you ordered!" The waiter said again before Cale could protest and what crazy person would ignore free food?

 

"Hn." The red-haired man nodded innocently and went back to preparing dinner. 

 

Where was the spectacle of the pathetic men screaming as they touched the pile of gold. 

 

"Young man," someone called out. Interrupting Cale who was about to eat his steak. Again.

 

"Uh, I'm s-sorry if this old man is interrupting hahah. I just wanted to thank you-" 

 

"It's not like I'm helping you, Mister. They ruined my food," Cale cut in and hummed softly at the taste of his late dinner.

 

The man was silent for a moment, before laughing like crazy. 

 

Aigooo.

 

Everyone in this world wasn't normal.

 

"I like you, kid!" A frown creased his forehead. 

 

"Btw, you can stop by the bar-"

 

BRAK!

 

"RED!!!" 

 

All heads turned. 

 

Seeing a black-haired man in a black shirt accented with red flames slam the bar door. A face drenched in sweat, reddened to the point of accentuating the freckles around his nose. Sharp gray eyes scanned every corner of the bar, twitching in surprise at the pile of gold in the middle, then stopped at the sight of Cale and the old man who extended a hand towards him.

 

Garnett eyes caught a glimpse of the Mister's expression, realizing there was both surprise and melancholy there. 

 

Unlike Ace who was-

 

"HEY YOU, OLD MAN! GET FUCKIN' AWAY FROM RED! JUST FIND SOMEONE YOUR OWN DAMN AGE, YOU SON OF A-!"

 

"Ace." 

 

"Yes? What's wrong, Red? Are you hurt-? You okay-?"

 

"Nde." 

 

Still seeing the flames burning in his haki-covered hand, Cale dared to grab that hand to drag Ace to sit in front of him. 

 

"Let's eat." Ace's expression was as if he was crazy for asking to eat instead of taking care of Ahjussi who seemed to want to touch him -in Ace's POV-. 

 

"You? Why? Wh-what happened-" 

 

"Aaaapp-" 

 

"-why are yoo bribwing mweh--" 

 

"You're being noisy."

 

"But! Red! You disappeared!" One eyebrow raised.

 

"You need a mirror." 

 

"Ekhem! But-!" Could feel the silent gaze of the man who had not left, Ace's face turned cynical and hostile.

 

"Why are you still here? Or do you really want to touch Red?! Bastard-" 

 

"You guys are so cute," laughed the old man. It was as if he was reminiscing. Going back and forth between Ace and Cale with a big smile like a grandfather to his grandson. 

 

"Are you guys the hottest couple that's being rumored?" He teased them again with a wide grin. 

 

"S-SHUT THE FUCK UP! NANDE* THE HECK ARE YOU ASKING-!" *(Why in Japanese)

 

"Aaapp-" 

 

"-RWED AND MWE ISH NOT-!"

 

"Finish it first and then talk." 

 

Ahjussi patiently waited for Ace to eat, swallowed and then drank the cold drink Cale offered. When he was done, his face turned sardonic and his hand was ready to point irritably at the strange Ahjussi, while his face turned bright red with pouty lips. 

 

"Come to our bar in area 13! Shakky's Rip-Off Bar." The smile had a relaxed feel but the Ahjussi's aura changed instantly. 

 

"We have some information that might help you." The face stared at Ace for a long moment. 

 

"See you, kids!" The Mister laughed happily, as if there were no burdens in life and left the bar. 

 

"Suspicious man," Ace hissed, like a cat that was too sensitive to be touched.

 

"Let's not go to his place, Cale. He's damn old, okay? Even though his hairstyle is quite nice and well-maintained, still, it's real gray hair. Not dyed white hair! You're still young, look for someone your own age-!" Cale let Ace ramble on, watching every facial expression change carefully. His nagging exceeded Choi Han himself and could even rival Raon.

 

"Now. Tell me what happened." 

 

Cale took a drink, inhaled, exhaled and adjusted his sitting position.

 

"So, about this-"

 

******

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Cale's creativity in torturing someone was limitless.

 

Did this red sloth realize that his idea could be an evolution in terms of military and security?

 

So, along with this garnett-eyed man, Portgas D. Ace joined in on the spectacle. The two of them chuckled wickedly as this NPC pirate crew member still couldn't lift the gold. 

 

"And that gold will stay there until they give up their 'stealing' intentions?" Cale nodded.

 

"How so?!" Ace asked, his voice full of astonishment laced with excitement. 

 

"Secret." Although annoyed by that answer, the other man did not force Cale to explain further.

 

Because as long as Ace had known this pretty man, despite his lazy, lethargic, sluggish, limp, big eater, always hungry, and infatuation with gold, Cale Henituse's heart was in the right place. 

 

It could be... as Gilly Blue had said before they parted, that there was a possibility that Cale was an experiment of the World Government. 

 

Although there was no valid proof, Cale's hatred for the government system was the key to the answer. Could it be that Cale's ignorance of the world was a side effect of the experiment? Before he was banished?

 

"Who are you?" The murmur of Ace's traveling partner broke his reverie. 

 

His gray eyes saw that Cale's face was already bright red with tearful eyes -because the beer-. The golden light of the bar lamp washed over the other's beautiful features, softening the features and it was as if Ace instantly saw the embodiment of a human rose.

 

"U-uh-?"

 

"Who are you and what are you doing to Ace? He's not this quiet, nde, Speed-ah?" grumbled Cale while feeding Speedometer. In case you forgot, he was their Den Den Mushi.

 

Ace blushed furiously, but chose to turn his head and hide his facial expression. 

 

After two long minutes, the second Division Shirohige Commander opened his voice.

 

"Cale." 

 

"Hm?" Sleepy reddish-brown eyes glanced at him.

 

"Don't hold back, hm?" 

 

The head tilted in confusion. Ace smiled a little at the reaction.

 

"Those who have made you like this, will all get their just reward." The man then nodded confidently. 

 

"I'm right here!" Ace grinned brightly, puffing out his chest in a cool pose. 

 

"If you have any problems, you can call me! I'll help you!" The man with freckles on his face picked up his hat and took out a Vivre Card. The eyes softened momentarily at the thought of Luffy then, without hesitation rip it into two pieces.

 

"This is for you." 

 

"...why?" Cale muttered, still confused but took the piece of paper anyway. 

 

Ace simply instructed the man to place the paper on top of their palms. Watching how the two pieces tried to get close together. 

 

"No matter how far the distance between us will be, as long as we are still in the same ocean, I will find you. The Vivre Card will show our condition and distance. So-" cheeks flushed, voice sounding more nervous but eyes firm with certainty.

 

"-if you need me, I will come to you." 

 

Cale was silent for a moment.

 

Hands grasped the Vivre Card and raised it upwards, towards the bar lights. Reddish-brown eyes shone like gems, cheeks blushed charmingly, with lips that slowly formed a smile.

 

Ace also followed Cale's movements. Once again, the two watched as the paper twitched to get closer to each other.

 

"Interesting," said the pretty man, turning to Ace still with a smile curving his eyes. 

 

"Yeah, right?" The handsome chuckled, also looking at Cale's face with pure sincerity in his eyes. 

 

The two laughed in harmony. 

 

'Thank you' 

 

Ace's heart skipped a beat when he heard that whisper.

 

********

 

( "Human! What's wrong?! Why is your face like that?!" The redhead's gaze did not leave the paper in his hand. 

 

Why did Cale's Vivre Card catch fire? What was going on- )

 

.
.
.

 

[Silver Rayleigh's POV]

 

To say Silver Rayleigh was surprised was an understatement.

 

On the contrary, the man once known as Gold Roger's right-hand man was now in such a state of shock that he was tongue-tied enough to speak for several minutes.

 

That last night, he met the only son of his old friend, Portgas D. Ace. 

 

"They will come," laughed Shakky, seeing that it was late afternoon but the man Rayleigh had invited was nowhere to be seen. 

 

"He hates me," sighed the white-haired man, pouting like a child. Making his wife chuckle at her husband's childish behavior.

 

"He has a lover. You're quite lucky that his lover stopped him before hating you further-" 

 

"Shakky..." the former queen of the Kuja tribe laughed cheerfully as she inhaled her cigarette.

 

"They will come, don't worry." 

 

Rayleigh doubted it. 

 

It had been a wild night and the middle-aged man regretted being soft enough in the face of greedy pirates. As a result, Ace's first impression of him was ruined. He would be labeled weak by his best friend's son and even a pedophile for touching his girlfriend -even though he didn't-.

 

"Who could resist information from a Silver Rayleigh? The right-hand man of Gold Roger, the legendary 'Dark King'?" The master in question sighed. 

 

"I'm retired, you know. If that's the case, Ace should recognize me!" 

 

Rayleigh rested his chin on the bar table while his eyes gazed longingly at the door.

 

Portgas D. Ace. 

 

Rayleigh has been keeping an eye on his best friend's son since Ace first appeared as a pirate. Aided by the intuition and deduction of Shakky (who was very good at processing information), they never missed a beat.

 

Despite everything, there were two pieces of information that Reyleigh was quite fond of.

 

First. That Ace joined and was considered a child by Shirohige. Rayleigh respected Ace's choice. Decisions were not made without reason and he had no right to judge what kind of life Ace had gone through.

 

Then, the news about Ace having a girlfriend. Which made Rayleigh laugh out loud because the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. When you're in love, you'll see the hottest guy become very silly in front of his crush. Rumor also has it that Ace's lover is powerful and so beautiful just by the aura of her maroon robe. 

 

Sure enough, how lucky was Rayleigh? To be able to meet both of these people at once?

 

Oh, Roger.

 

'Your son has grown up,' he whispered inwardly, nostalgic for that moment. Seeing how expressive Ace was talking to his lover, Red. 

 

His face. His black hair. His freckles. His gray eyes. His grin. His worry. His height. His laugh. 

 

Everything about 'Ace' was a perfect blend of Gol D. Roger and Portgas D. Rouge. 

 

"Yare, yare, someone feels nostalgic here," Shakky sighed fondly, his wife's slender hand wiping away the tears that threatened to fall down Rayleigh's cheeks. 

 

"Roger would have cried his eyes out and Rouge would have come to soothe the spoiled child. Seeing that your son has grown up and is now dating a girl...," the white-haired man chuckled fondly.

 

"But, Shakky, do you know why Ace got separated from his crew?" Rayleigh asked seriously, forehead furrowed in surprise as Shirohige's crew rarely let their members wander around alone. 

 

Especially since Ace was the 2nd Division Commander.

 

"Well, I can't explain it accurately. But-" the black-haired woman took out a newspaper. Showing the headline of an article about internal conflict within Shirohige's crew.

 

"I think Shirohige's crew is trying to cover up that case." 

 

"And something about that case has to do with Ace personally?" Shakky nodded. 

 

"Is there any other strange information from the pirates? Like immigrants or-?" The former queen was silent for a moment, trying to remember something but shook her head slowly.

 

"No significant changes except for the Worst Generation news." 

 

About to continue, the door to the bar opened and clinked the entry bell. 

 

The two husband and wife turned their heads in unison. Both were stunned to see the two sources of their conversation there. 

 

Ace who had a sour expression, a frown, and eyes glancing the other way. Just not looking at Rayleigh. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Red, who was still wearing the maroon robe, entered with casual steps. 

 

"Red!"

 

"Hm." 

 

"Why the fuck are we here! You like him, don't you-?!" 

 

"I'm hungry."

 

"Why a damn bar?! We can eat at other restaurant!"

 

"This is the closest one."

 

"And why the heck do I have to carry every-damn-thing when you have a magic fuckin' bag?!"

 

Rayleigh found his wife trying to hold back a smile. The two lovebirds watched as the couple made their way to a table near the bar. Then, the Dark King realized that Ace was holding a lot of shopping bags, while Red was just carrying herself. 

 

"Redddd-!!!" 

 

( "Rougggeeee!!!" )

 

Oh my, even their whining sounded the same. 

 

Rayleigh covered a smile with his palm. 

 

"I'll go get them." The white-haired man nodded. Glancing with interest as well as hope at Shakky who was walking towards them. 

 

"What do you want to order at this Rip-Off bar? We also provide a free morning traveler's beer for the first time arriving in Sabaody as a gift!" 

 

Ace kept pouting. The familiar gray eyes glanced at Rayleigh both cynically and warily. So cute. 

 

"What do you want, Red?" 

 

To their surprise, Ace's lover decided to lower the hood of the cloak and wow, father and son are the same, right? They're good at choosing lover- 😭

 

Her hair was bright red, like a rose. Falling softly to frame a pretty face that gave off an aura of nobility. Bright reddish-brown eyes that sparkled uniquely, fluffy eyes, with a sharp nose and thin lips. 

 

"R-red! Why did you take off your hood-!?" The taller man panicked. Leaning forward to raise the hood of the maroon robe back up. The face of cynicism, caution, as well as annoyance instantly vanished with worry, amusement as well as pleasure.

 

"It's okay, Ace-ya," replied 'Red', eyes glancing at Shakky and Rayleigh fleetingly and smiling a little.

 

"Ahjussi and Noonim can be trusted," Red said nonchalantly, then began ordering food in portions equivalent to 5 people's portions. 

 

"Ahjussi? Noonim? You've been calling that guy Ahjussi over and over again," annoyed Ace, pointing blatantly at Rayleigh who grinned. Getting a surprised face then a disgusted frown that was very similar to Rouge's. 

 

Ah, his first impression of him is already ruined, isn't it? :")

 

"Ahjussi is an uncle call for people outside the family. Noonim is a respectful call for older women to men." 

 

Ace kept a displeased face.

 

"You just met them and al-fucking-ready call them that? You even called that perverted skeleton -ssi!" 

 

( "Damn Oden! You already have a wife! Don't call my girlfriend -chan!" )

 

Not father, not son. 

 

Both were jealous man. 

 

"Thank you, Noonim." Shakky smiled behind her palm and chuckled gracefully. Apparently, the woman already liked the young man in front of her.

 

"Ho ho ho, you're welcome, beautiful. Let me take care of your food~!" Her dark eyes then looked at Ace who was still wearing a 'betrayed' face.

 

"By the way, young man, introduce. My name is Shakuyaku, just call me Shakky. I'm the wife of that crybaby-"

 

"Ack! I'm not a crybaby!"

 

"Well, the point is that we're husband and wife, so, don't worry. Rayleigh wouldn't dare cheat on me." Shakky grinned brightly at Rayleigh.

 

"Isn't that right, Anata*?" *('Dear Husband' in Japanese)

 

Rayleigh chuckled in fear and nodded nervously. His wife smiled so broadly that she disappeared into the kitchen. Leaving him with a pair of young lovebirds who had different reactions.

 

Relieved but wary from Ace.

 

Flat but calm from Red.

 

"So-" pulling out a chair to sit facing them. 

 

"-let's just say you're in VIP service. How can we help you?" Rayleigh's grin turned into a businesslike smile. 

 

Ace still seemed reluctant to speak but his eyes gave his lover his full attention. Red on the other hand changed her sitting position to lean back on the chair while crossing her right leg over her left leg. Her body leaned forward and rested her chin on the hands. 

 

It was amusing to watch as Roger's son blushed in embarrassment with just one casual movement of Red.

 

"Ah, Ace-ya, don't you have anything to ask?" Roger's only son gasped.

 

"This is Silver Rayleigh," Red said again, giving him a small smile.

 

"The right hand of the legendary pirate Gold Roger."  

 

...even though he had retired almost 20 years ago. It was surprising that Ace's generation remembered his identity. Well, he was in no position to deny it either.

 

"Huh?" The gray eyes inherited from the Pirate King blinked in surprise. Mouth gaped small and strangely, why did his face look paler? As if that statement alone had already elicited displeasure from the young man.

 

Then, somewhat to Rayleigh's surprise, there was an expression on that handsome face that he did not expect... hatred?

 

"I'm already with Oyaji, you know?" Ace muttered, looking away. 

 

"Dark King-ssi, then," called Red as she tilted her head lightly to look at him. 

 

"How's your relationship with Gold Roger? What kind of person is he? Is he troublesome?" To the point, huh.

 

"Cale! Why are you-"

 

"Those who aren't curious, shut up." Cut Red -or Cale?- off with an index finger in front of Ace's lips. The poor man flushed again, gray eyes that began to glaze over with emotion, forehead furrowed and lips trembling softly.

 

Rayleigh sighed and chuckled. 

 

His black eyes looked at Roger's son who still wanted to protest but chose to remain silent. He could even say, there was a 'betrayed' look in those eyes. 

 

Red really affected him a lot, didn't she?

 

"Roger is my best friend and true, Roger is a troublesome person." 

 

He raised his finger and counted off the traits of his best friend.

 

"Spoiled."

 

"Careless." 

 

"Likes to laugh." 

 

"Cheerful."

 

"Cowardly." 

 

The more Rayleigh enumerated Roger's traits, the more he saw the incredulous yet astonished look on Ace's face. It was as if this statement opened up a whole new perspective for the young man, making Rayleigh's heart melt for him instantly.

 

All this time, he had no idea where Roger's son was. His best friend never told anyone-not even his crew-about the whereabouts of Rouge and his child. After years passed without any news of Roger and Rouge's child, how surprised was he when he saw Ace's Bounty poster three years ago? 

 

There were many questions underlying the middle-aged man's heart.

 

Like, how are you? What have you been doing all this time? Where did you live? Do you live with a harmonious family? Are you living happily? And..

 

-why do you seem to hate your father?

 

Did Ace even grow up without knowing and recognizing who his real father was?

 

"He's stupid too." Rayleigh shook his head fondly.

 

"Especially when it comes to his wife. We'll probably hear his whining for 24 hours if Rouge gets mad at him." 

 

Red chuckled and took a bite of the beer that Shakky had previously served.

 

"That..." 

 

A choked sigh and gray eyes hidden in the shadows of black hair.

 

"... so stupid." 

 

The sentence was spoken in a tone so sad that Rayleigh could only fall silent and drown in a sea of melancholy.

 

"Is he the type to give gold to people for free?" asked Red suddenly. Surprising the other two residents by her bold statement. However, Rayleigh on the other hand was humming thinking of an answer.

 

"Nah, no," chuckled the middle-aged man. 

 

"Roger's quite possessive of his gold, his wife and his child, and his crew." 

 

Stormy gray eyes looked back at him with an incredulous look. Rayleigh gave Ace a warm smile.

 

"What a pity," Red sighed inexplicably sad.

 

"The Pirate King's treasure must be a lot... we could be rich for seven generations, Ace. No, maybe even a decade-"

 

"Ppfftt-! Hahahahah!" 

 

Ace started laughing out loud while Red's face became flat with an unhappy look.

 

"If you don't want to taking our bounties from the marine base, we can steal Gold Roger's gold." The laughter instantly died down and Rayleigh was impressed by Red's realistic thinking-eh, wait... taking our bounties from the marine base?

 

"I fuckin' told you not to! Why are you so stubborn?!"

 

"I told you to steal Gold Roger's gold."

 

"Are you crazy?"

 

"Take a look in the mirror."

 

"Cale!" 

 

"Ahjussi. Do you know where Gold Roger keeps his gold-?"

 

"Shut up, old man!" 

 

"Unfortunately, that secret will be buried with my body." The pouting lips on Red's pretty face were adorable.

 

"Just tell us, that's hard? The damn gold is useless to you, right? You're old and retired," Ace's scolding was scathing and on point. His gray eyes now looked unhappy. But, not about Gold Roger, himself or their gold. Rather, it was because his girlfriend was unhappy.

 

The two couples were arguing again. 

 

Although Ace's dark expression when he told him about Roger still haunted his mind, Red's presence had calmed the stormy soul. Rayleigh watched with an affectionate glance at them.

 

"Did you wait long? Here, your dinner. Enjoy~" Shakky came and expertly brought the many plates of the order onto the table. Arranging them nicely before pulling out another chair to sit with them.

 

"By the way, thank you, Ace-san, Red-san," Shakky said suddenly, smiling a small smile with sincere twinkling eyes.

 

"Huh? Why?" Asked the black-haired man indignantly while eating his food.

 

"You've freed my tribe." It was Red's turn to give a confused look.

 

"Kuja tribe." 

 

The two men's eyes both widened then turned awkward and shy. 

 

"N-not a problem! You should thank Cale! My partner was the one who save all the captives!" 

 

Cale, huh? 

 

"Really?" Shakky laughed gracefully.

 

"It's nice to have a savior as beautiful and charming as you, Miss Cale." His wife's hand rested on Red's, or Cale's (?).

 

"...not miss."

 

The two old couples blinked in confusion.

 

"Pardon?" 

 

"Are you fuckin' deaf? Not MISS but MISTER!" hissed Ace at Rayleigh and unhappily at Shakky. He was really like a cat that was possessive of his mistress.

 

"Ara, you're that pretty, Mr. Cale," laughed Shakky, accepting reality more easily while Rayleigh took a moment.

 

"A man?" Gray eyes looked at him sharply, promising death.

 

"What? You got a problem, huh?" 

 

Just like when Rayleigh commented on Rouge's diminutive height compared to Roger. The mother figure's deadly gaze was perfectly passed on to the son.

 

"It's okay, Portgas-san. Just relax. As long as you're happy, it doesn't matter." 

 

Rayleigh smiled sweetly at the reddened ears while Ace looked away grumbling.

 

He couldn't wait to get to know these two.

 

Although it wasn't much, Rayleigh would help and guide them all the way around the island. 

 

Even tell him about Gol D. Roger and Portgas D. Rouge if Ace was willing to get to know them.

 

"Stop your stupid smile, old man. You're making Cale uncomfortable."

 

"Forgive my husband, dear Portgas. He's just a delulu who has no hope." 

 

Rayleigh laughed sadly.

 

At least, Ace's impression of him had changed.

 

.... right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

FINALLY AAAAKKHHH 😭😭😭😭

Finish to write this chapter in 3 days :")
Pls, I'm waiting the review from you, guys, onegaiii 🥺👉👈

If there are any flaws in this fic, whether plot or character, please don't hesitate to comment. Sometimes I also make mistakes in terms or meanings of words :")
Please understand, this is also typed without editing again hahah ੭ ᐕ)੭*⁾⁾
Sorry if it was rushed and weird to read :")
Hope Cale is not too OOC... althought he's already OOC lmao 😭🙏

Btw, the next chapter will be full of conflicts that can be categorized as fun, because the main genre of this fic is RomCom (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)👌✨️

And guysss, regarding the meeting of Rayleigh and Ace, hopefully it can heal the hearts of fans who are waiting for Ace to know his father ಥ_ಥ)
Original, I'm kind of regretted that Ace was made to just leave in the OP just like that? T^T)
Even though it is for Luffy's chara development, but still, there is something in my heart to make Ace know that his father is not that 'evil' 〒▽〒)

 

My selfish side wants to make Ace know more about his father and mother 😭😭😭.
Even though it will be mixed with my own AU, but, what do you think?

 

And... Cale's family has been spilled in a glimpse 👀✨️

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Anyways, thank you for always liking this fic! 🥺🥰🙏❤️✨️
May you always feel like home when u guys reading my fics, my beautiful and handsome friends (♡´艸｀)
(Is there male reader? :v)
Warmest regards and full of loveeee,

Neri 👋🌻💛✨️

Chapter 15: MINI OMAKE #4

[Water Seven]

[Mugiwara Crew's POV]

 

"-ITTAAAIIII-!!! IT HURTS, JIJI! ITTAIII-!!!" Mugiwara's crew members could only watch the scene before their eyes with shocked faces. 

 

That this Marine Admiral figure in front of them, Monkey D. Garp, was Luffy's grandfather. Who was hitting Luffy's head, pinching his cheeks, and even strangling him with his arms.

 

Then, the shock changed many times over when hearing that Dragon, who was the leader of the Revolutionary Army, was Luffy's biological damn father.

 

"The grandfather in the Marines..." muttered Nami absentmindedly.

 

"The father in the Revolutionary Army..." continued Chopper starting to tremble uncontrollably.

 

"And the grandson BECAME A PIRATES-?! WHAT KIND OF FAMILY ARE YOU-HIIIKKK-!!!" Ussop hid behind Zoro as Luffy's grandfather gave him a glare.

 

"If looks could kill, Ussop wouldn't be here anymore-"

 

"Robin-!" The poor sniper hissed with a terrified look on his face.

 

"BUAHAHAHAHA!" the dashing laughter was passed on to Luffy. 

 

"LUFFY!" Ussop's heart fell into his gut as their foolish captain dared to stare angrily at the Marine Admiral.

 

Oi oi OI! ISN'T THE SITUATION VERY SERIOUS NOW? THEY COULD BE IN DANGER OF BEING CAPTURED-!!!

 

"Calm down, you fool," Zoro complained, trying to get away from him.

 

"You're bothering Nami-swan and Robin-chwan!" Sanji scolded again, not seeing the situation and you know what, man? Fuck you-

 

"By the way, Luffy," Garp muttered as he gripped both of his grandson's shoulders. The old man had a serious expression on his face.

 

Everyone held their breath. Fearful that Garp was indeed asking for them to be arrested-

 

"Have you met Ace's lover?" asked Garp and the fierce aura around him immediately evaporated flowerily. Until Coby who was at his captain's side gaped and the Mugiwara crew members had blank eyes.

 

"Ace's lover?" muttered Luffy in confusion and frowned cutely.

 

"Hooo! You mean Cale?! He's so strong, jiji!!! Franky said he can wwuuusshh the ocean! So cool! I want to meet him and fight him! After that, we can eat NIKU* TOGETHER! And, and-! Also play-!" Their captain said enthusiastically while demonstrating Cale's attacks with his hands. While the marine grandfather listened carefully and nodded. *(Meat in Japanese)

 

If you don't recognize the original relationship between the two, then you can only see the general image of a loving grandfather listening to his grandson's daily ventures.

 

"He? A man?" Garp wondered, falling silent for a moment before bursting out laughing again.

 

"BUAHAHAHAH! ACE LOVER'S CHANCES OF JOINING THE MARINES ARE GETTING HIGHER!"

 

Luffy's face immediately soured as if he had eaten a lemon. 

 

Then stomped his foot on the floor childishly.

 

"CHIGAU YO*! CALE IS A PIRATE!" Luffy shouted, trying to get away from the grandfather who suddenly choked him with his big arms. *('That's not true' in Japanese)

 

"NO! THE SON-IN-LAW MUST JOIN THE MARINES!" 

 

"NAAIIIII NAI NAI NAI-*! ACE IS ALREADY A PIRATE, SO CALE IS A PIRATE! STUPID JIJI-ITTAAIII-!!!" *(Nai = no in Japanese)

 

"YOU'RE WRONG! YOU GUYS MUST RETURN TO THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!" 

 

Luffy was silent for a moment then exclaimed a light 'oohh'. 

 

"Oh yeaahhh! Since we're pirates, we're bad people and jiji is a marine, so good people, right?" 

 

Silence engulfed them again and everyone watched in amusement as well as amazement at Luffy's face which was contorted in displeasure. Eyes glazed over and lips pouted down in his typical childish manner.

 

"STILL NO! YADA YADA! CALE IS A PIRATE! I'M GOING TO MEET THEM AND DO LOTS OF COOL THINGS!!!" *(No in Japanese too)

 

"YOU STUBBORN GRANDSON-!" As Luffy began to protest again to be released from the grandfather's support, the man suddenly fell silent and grunted

 

Letting go of his stubborn grandson, the two D. descendants stared at each other so hard that there was an electric spark between them.

 

"Okay, then, whoever finds the son-in-law first wins!" For the first time, they saw the fire of determination burning in Luffy's eyes, which were usually relaxed and witty. 

 

"WHO'S SCARED!" taunted Luffy again, whining loudly as Garp ruffled his black hair. His movements looked almost affectionate.

 

"Stupid Jiji. Ace and Cale are still pirates even if you win-ITTAI!"

 

Everyone sweatdropped as Garp reluctantly grabbed Luffy's hair which was rewarded with a vicious bite on his free hand and a pinch on his cheek. They watched the two members of the D. family fight again. 

 

Well, as long as their strange relationship was okay, everything was safe, right?

 

.

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[Sengoku's POV]

 

"Stupid Garp," railed an Admiral, who had tried to retire repeatedly despite failing. Hand holding Den Den Mushi's communication, at one of his subordinates who lived in Sabaody. 

 

"Why are you leaving when your grandson and daughter-in-law are going to Sabaody?" Sengoku sighed, exhausted but his expression gradually became more serious.

 

Eyes did not leave the bounty picture of Portgas D. Ace and Red Riding Hood.

 

The pair were rumored to be very troublemaking and were on the rise in the world of Pirates and Marines.

 

It wasn't just Portgas D. Ace, the Commander of Shirohige's Second Division, that he was concerned about. 

 

But also Red Riding Hood and her mysterious power that shook the foundations of their world.

 

Never in the history of the world had the power of Devil Fruit controlled water. 

 

Not only that, Red Riding Hood could even control fire and wind. This was proven by the witness who saw the fiery tornado in Thriller Bark. 

 

The water she controlled was not just any water. The water is sea damn water.

 

It was a contradiction to the concept of the Goddess of the Sea's hatred towards users of the devil fruit. It even cursed them to be unable to swim if they drowned. 

 

Sengoku's hands clenched into tight fists.

 

He did not expect that Red Riding Hood could become such a dangerous individual. With no reputation from any family, no information about her background, Red Riding Hood seemed to have appeared from nowhere and was ready to impact their world.

 

This cannot be allowed.

 

I'm sorry, Garp.

 

"Call Kizaru, Sentomaru and Kuma to the designated location," Sengoku said grimly to Den Den Mushi.

 

"The order for them is to capture Red Riding Hood alive." The supreme admiral suppressed a shaky grin.

 

Congratulations.

 

Red Riding Hood had managed to attract the attention of the 'Absolute Power' of the center of the World Government.

 

 

Notes:

And... jeng jeng jeng!
SENGOKU, YOU BASTA-
Sorry, I'm still upset about his role ⁠╯⁠ರ⁠ ⁠~⁠ ⁠ರ⁠)⁠╯⁠︵⁠ ⁠┻⁠━⁠┻
Actually, the last pov was a reflexes of flowing ideas :D
I don't know what the next chapter will be... 〒▽〒)

Chapter 16: ANNOUNCEMENT

Summary:

Not an update but importat ig _(:з)∠)_

So... hello, guys? 
Still remember me and my fanfics? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

Forgive me for disappearing for so long _(:з)∠)_
Some readers contacted me and asked about updates. I guess a lot of Ao3 readers don't follow me on wattpad.

So, yeahhh, I can only confirm one thing. That I'm not stopping to write all these fanfics. In fact, I have more TCF crossover drafts to share with you guys. I'm obsessed with making Cale collect many men from various fandoms HAHAHAHA ψ(｀∇´)ψ
But, like the announcement has already been made on wattpad, I don't have more time to write.  So, I will be on hiatus for quite a long time....

Currently, I'm busy with research activities in my college and my target to finish everything is in 2/3 months :)
After all my busyness subsides, I will come back and present BOOM UPDATE to all of you heheheh (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)

Thank you for your willingness to look forward to my fanfiction! 
I hope my writing is worth your time (✿◡‿◡)🙏✨

 

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I'll be back!

 

Neri 💛🌻✨
PS. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me via email, telegram, X (you can see the usernames on my wattpad).

Chapter 17: #9 - Calm Before the Storm

Summary:

Ace with narcolepsy. Cale goes for a walk. Ace hears the story of his parents. Cale defends Ace.

 

And the dangers lurking in our favorite RomCom couples

Notes:

Soooo... hii, guys? 🥺🙏💛🌻✨

If you're wondering why there's a sudden update during my long hiatus, yeah, it's a gift hahahah.
For those who don't follow me on Wattpad, Red Cherish has won the voting with 48 votes. This is a reward for 2k Wattpad followers and also 700 Ao3 subscribers! 。･:*:･(✿◕3◕)❤

Like usual, thank you for 3k Kudos, 600+ Bookmarks, and 63+k hits 🥰❤🌹✨
The previous chapters was also filled with so many sweet comments!
Even if I haven't had a chance to reply, I always reread all the comments to make my day colorful xixixi! 🥺🤧🙏💛🌻✨️
(Research is SUCK-)

Don't forget to read the NOTE and other Gift below!
Thank you for putting up with the many flaws of this Fic... you guys are the best! 🥺🥺🥺

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

The thought of knowing his biological father has long been extinguished since Luffy and Sabo entered his life.

 

Especially since Sabo died, leaving Ace to take care of their sworn brother in the mountains. Because personally, Ace did not trust Dadan let alone Jiji to take care of Luffy.

 

His first memories were not happy ones like other children. All little Ace remembered was the quiet, the silence and the question of what 'father' and 'mother' were.

 

Why are they so often mentioned in the village?

 

What was so special about this 'father' and 'mother'?

 

The answer was just another reason that hurt little Ace's mind. The so-called 'father' was the one who protected the family, taught their sons to be independent and their daughters to love. Then a so-called 'mother' was the one who took care of the children, gave them love and looked after her husband. It was a scene of a happy family that Ace often saw if he went to the harbor or the city of those annoying nobles. And everything led Ace's curiosity to the revelation that his biological father was a legend in the Pirate world. He was respected by many and feared by the World Government.

 

So, why would such a great figure leave Ace here alone?

 

Leaving behind his 'mother' figure whose name Ace didn't even know?

 

And how would the world respond if they found out that Gold Roger had a child?

 

Definitely a child of the devil.

 

That pirate has a child? I don't want to see it!

 

I hope that child isn't born!

 

What a poor child.

 

And other answers that further diminished Ace's hopes of getting to know them.

 

As Ace tightly embraced Luffy's tiny body, the little boy thought vengefully, hurt and disappointed.

 

That Portgas D. Ace did not want to know Gold Roger-

 

"Ace," a familiar call broke the young man's reverie. Gray eyes misty with corrupted memories then snorted and looked away. Reluctant to see the look of disappointment on the face of Silver Raylegh, who was Gold Roger's right-hand man. Until a cynical smile appeared in Ace's mind.

 

Did that man really wish he wanted to get to fucking know Gold Roger?

 

"Your brow is furrowed."

 

Fuck off with everything! Ace already had Oyaji as a father figure and Shirohige's crew that he could think of as his family. Also Luffy who was the sweetest little brother ever. As well as Cale who became the most-

 

"-you're getting old-"

 

"-damn it, Cale-!"

 

Flushed red, gray eyes glared sharply. Annoyance, embarrassment, amusement and frustration were mixed together. BECAUSE! Couldn't Cale see how uncomfortable Ace was feeling right now?! Why did this red sloth keep insisting on bothering him?! And-!

 

"-I'm not old!" Ace hissed, lightly pinching both of the red-haired man's cheeks with a small growl.

 

"I wasn't implying you're old," Cale protested, trying to shake off Ace's pinch though it was futile due to the difference in their strength.

 

"So?!"

 

"I'm saying, if your forehead is always furrowed, you'll get old."

 

"... SAME THING, YOU SLOTH!!!" Cale shook his head.

 

"It's not the same and it hurts."

 

“EXACTLY the same-eh, sorry.” Clumsily, Ace released his pinch. Instantly alarmed by the thumb print on the alabaster pale cheek that blushed comically.

 

As if instinctively, the gray eyes unconsciously scanned the entirety of Cale's expression and shit.

 

Both hands now rested on his flushed cheeks. Rubbing them while pouting, with reddish-brown eyes that were glazed over. His messy reddish hair softened the frame of the pretty face.

 

Yabai.

 

"Why are you holding your chest, Ace? Is your heart okay?"

 

Oh my.

 

Why would Cale ask such a question? Suddenly?

 

"J-just... just stop it, Cale..." Ace sighed, immediately turning his face away while covering it with two hands. Increasingly embarrassed by the rhythmic beating of his heart. Not to mention feeling how the redhead was approaching with a worried flush while all Ace could focus on right now was his lip-

 

The poor man groaned and leaned back in his chair until his body slumped down even more. Not forgetting to cover his face with his hat.

 

Note to himself.

 

No more 'Cale Henituse' when the author is trying to narrate a flashback of Ace's miserable past! The poor guy's heart couldn't take a sad narrative seriously if a scowling face with glassy cat eyes haunted him! Humph! ( ˘︹˘ )

 

Then came the sound of snickering and light laughter. It made Ace realize that there were two other occupants in the room. Who were completely watching the embarrassing behavior of Portgas D. Ace, who was rumored to be very strong and resilient, being mocked in a chair like this by Cale.

 

While all the man did was breathe! Damn it!

 

"We can eat first if you want, Ace-ya. I'm not forcing you to hear everything," Cale muttered, returning to his sitting position and taking a sip of his cold beer. However, his reddish-brown eyes were still watching Ace with... sweet concern. Ugh.

 

"Um." Ace nodded.

 

"We can... eat first." The man grabbed one of the chicken pieces and ate the meat with slow, absent-minded chewing. After the meal was gone, gray eyes observed that half of their order was already empty. The man ended up gaping at Cale who was now eating dessert with annoying elegance. Reddish-brown eyes blinked in confusion as to why Ace was suddenly staring at the beauty with a surprised look?

 

"You're a GLUTTONY, AREN'T YA?! HOW MUCH HAVE YOU EATEN?!!!" Ace scolded, pointing at the red-haired man while scowling, annoyed with himself.

 

"You're just that slow, Ace-ya," snorted Cale, giving a mocking grin and for the sake of the ocean, Ace wanted to plunge to the bottom of the earth.

 

"Who's fast, gets-"

 

"-then I pay for everything-?! How unfair-!"

 

"-all is fair in love and war-"

 

"-UURRGGGGHHHH-! Shut fuckin' up-!!!"

 

The two then had another small fight and gradually, the uncomfortable feeling Ace had felt earlier began to disappear. Cale's presence calmed his stormy soul, ravaged by the world. The warmth of the beautiful man's presence was a reminder that Ace still had a home to go to. Gray eyes watched intently, the way the man ate the dessert with puffed cheeks. Ace's instinctive reaction would be to lightly nag his traveling partner, then grab a tissue to wipe the corners of Cale's lips which ended in an amused chuckle.

 

Vaguely, the gray-eyed man could feel the smiles of the husband and wife watching them. Ace soon returned to blushing lightly, giving a small glare but keeping his focus on his traveling partner.

 

Right now, the moment with Cale was more important.

 

Ace would think about them later-

 

.

.

.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

As if by reflex, Rayleigh witnessed how the red-haired man's hand swiftly held Ace's head. Which suddenly fell forward, almost hitting the pile of grilled meat on his plate. The sight left him nostalgic in an instant.

 

Where Roger used to hold Rouge's head from falling onto the food due to the woman's involuntary sleep. The difference was that Roger could hold it with one hand accompanied by amused and joyful laughter. The red hair man, on the other hand, held Ace's head with both hands and looked... shaky?

 

By the way, apparently that habit had rubbed off on Ace as well, huh?

 

"Help me...," Cale mumbled, his voice pitifully small and his hands beginning to tingle from the strain. Feeling sorry for him, Rayleigh moved to hold Ace's head and Shakky on the other side moved the food to put a small pillow there. Rayleigh laid Ace's head on the pillow with careful movements. However, he didn't let go of the touch right away. Letting the sensation of the silky black hair under her palm. Warm, alive and buzzing of bright youth.

 

The heart throbbed with strong longing and regret.

 

That he never witnessed how Roger's son, the man's greatest treasure with his wife, grew up.

 

"When will Ace-boya wake up again, Mr. Cale?" asked Shakky, starting to clean up the dirty dishes with a small smile.

 

"Usually in the range of 30-45 minutes is the fastest time Ace wakes up," replied the red-haired man. Humming as he ate his last serving of food, apple pie.

 

"You already knew that, right?" Rayleigh sighed, asking with a resigned smile.

 

"It wasn't hard to figure out," Cale shrugged as he reached for a napkin to clean the food marks around his lips.

 

"That's why you led Ace here? To introduce me?" For a moment, Cale was silent.

 

Reddish-brown eyes glanced at his traveling companion. Sitting across from Cale, Ace lay uncomfortably on the table. Head turned away from the window and facing them.

 

Really... the expression seen now was the softest side he had ever seen and only appeared when the young man was asleep. Contrast to the stormy emotions that always raged in the gray eyes. Shoulders as if the weight of the world was being carried there. The fake grin that was sometimes so blinding that you couldn't tell the anxiety. The sense of confusion. Insecurity. The worry. Sadness.

 

Despite that, Cale admired Ace and the way the man still had a way of seeing the goodness in a world that had been evil to him.

 

Unconsciously, the reddish-brown-eyed man's hand moved forward and brushed Ace's black bangs. Smiling a little as the man moved closer to his touch.

 

“Not really,” muttered the redhead, pulling his hand back.

 

“Ace deserves to know the truth about his birth.” Reddish-brown eyes blinked sharply at Rayleigh.

 

"I'm not asking you to make Ace like his father or his crew. But, he deserves to know who his mother and father are. Also..." Thoughts drifted, thinking of little Kim Roksoo who had no father and mother by his side. Roksoo didn't even know his father and mother's names, a childhood spent fantasizing about two abstract illustrations that were eroding into false hope.

 

Even so, Cale did not want Ace to experience the same thing.

 

“-Ace was born because his parents loved each other, right?” The Henituse elder's gaze softened.

 

“He should know, Ahjussi.” In an instant, those eyes began to sparkle like embers and stared at the two people in front of him.

 

“Ace must know that he is a beloved child.”

 

Silence engulfed the room. Neither Shakky nor Rayleigh were able to reply to the red-haired man's words. Which directly pierced the middle-aged man's heart, as well as the realization that Ace had thought his parents hated him all along?

 

“I'll be right back,” Cale said suddenly and stood up from his seat.

 

“Where are you going?” Rayleigh asked, his heart suddenly frantic while the face became full of worry. He looked back and forth between Cale and Ace, as if not knowing what the middle-aged man should do if Ace woke up later.

 

“I have something else to do for a moment,” Ace's lover smiled. Pretty, wide and sweet. It looked innocent and sincere. But Rayleigh recognized that signature smile all too well. A wry laugh almost escaped the middle-aged man, trying not to look at his wife who was now chuckling along with Cale.

 

Ugh. He had seen that expression repeatedly on young Shakky's face when the Kuja woman fought him with underhanded tactics.

 

Then, the sound of Ace's grumbling broke the atmosphere. Everyone saw how the young man's forehead began to crease with a troubled expression. As if afraid to part with the redhead. However, Cale's reaction was to chuckle amusedly and touch the frown with his index finger. Ace grumbled even more at his lover's actions and Shakky had to stifle a sound of amusement.

 

The bond between these man must be quite strong for Ace to be worried about parting with the love of his life (Lmao. How chessy, ugh - author).

 

"Take it easy, Ace-ya. I'll be right back," said the beautiful redhead, pulling his hand and stuffing it into a small bag. The two elderly couples refrained from gaping (eyes widened for Shakky), as Cale's half-arm disappeared into the fist-sized bag.

 

The young man took out a blackish-red Den Den Mushi that had an angry expression.

 

"Mianhae*. I held you too long, hm?" Cale then placed the communication creature on the table and gave it a plate of fruit. The angry expression on Den Den Mushi's face gradually disappeared and the reddish-brown-eyed man looked back at them. (*Mianhae = Sorry in Korean)

 

"I'll be leaving for a while. If it's too late, I'll call Speed-ah. I also left our shopping bag here. So, Ace won't come after me." Cale walked towards the door while facing all the occupants of the room and gave both thumbs up. Hands then lifted the hood of the robe and the slender body disappeared behind the door.

 

...

 

...

 

The door opened again. Cale peeked out and pointed at Ace with an innocent smile.

 

"Ace-ya will pay for all our meals."

 

The door closed again.

 

..

 

. ...

 

"You'll take care of him," Shakky laughed amusedly, petting Den Den Mushi for a moment and disappearing into the kitchen.

 

Leaving Rayleigh alone with a time bomb that only his boyfriend could defuse.

 

... seriously, guys?

 

Eyes darted back and forth between the departing Shakky, the plainly standing door and the still sleeping Ace with a furrowed brow. Then gaped inelegantly as panic began to etched on the older man's face. Hands ruffled his hair in frustration as he screamed silently.

 

DON'T LEAVE ME-!!!

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

Cale?! Why did you take off the hood of your robe?!  Glutton panicked when their donsaeng suddenly went into a small alley, removing his signature maroon robe. Leaving behind his usual white shirt, which had a dark brown blazer. Hands lazily tied the ribbon around the blazer, ignoring the panic of his ancient power partner in his mind.

 

Cale... sighed The Thief, holding back both annoyance and amusement.

 

The man who was the complaint of the elders remained unconcerned. Instead, he continued to tie his hair into a light braid. Leaving the bangs framing his beautiful face. Cale's appearance was finished off with long black pants while his feet were protected by brown boots with cuffs. A belt made of dark brown cloth, which hung a spatial bag and a small knife on his slender waist.

 

After all, the world knows me as Red, right? So my identity is still safe now.  Cale grumbled, patting the cuff of his sleeve then nodded in satisfaction. Eyes glanced at Log Pose's gift as well as the red bead bracelet from Ace on his left wrist, humming softly.

 

Still ignoring the grumbling of his other companions, the reddish-brown-eyed man took another path to exit, ending up with himself in area 29.

 

Cale... Are you sure you left without telling Ace boy?  Asked Super Rock for the umpteenth time as the red-haired man started walking towards area 30 and above.

 

Why not, old man? Does this Portgas guy have the right to keep our Cale in check? Tch. said The Cheapskate, grumbling like an old man in the corner of his mind.

 

Well, that's the way it is, Ace-boya is always worried about Uri Cale, isn't he, Noonim?!  Glutton exclaimed at The Thief who chuckled but did not reply. Just gave a hum of agreement and Cale was already indifferent to their argument.

 

Reddish-brown eyes instead scanned the overall scene of area 30 with mild admiration.

 

If you ask where Cale is now, the answer is that he is in one of the higher areas......hmmm how to explain that, huh? It's like walking into one of the large mangrove trunks, which is paved with roads and has many shops on the outskirts. His current position is in one of the shop yards that shows a view of another area.

 

To be honest... this world was very dangerous for Kim Roksoo's nerd soul.

 

There were various genres gathered in this world and... it somewhat aroused his passion to explore-forget it. Lee Soohyuk and Choi Jungsoo would mock him with laughter if they heard a Kim Roksoo say that. But, still-

 

-this world was dangerous. Because it had awakened a desire for adventure, which threatened to turn his Slacker Life into a Working Life. Cale nodded wisely.

 

Thanks to Ace who always made sure he hid his identity well.

 

Other than that, Cale still hadn't found a way to contact his family-

 

Well, there was a theory. But he wasn't sure if it would work well or not. Because the theory in question was to use the rune circle on the mana paper he kept in his spatial bag. However, in order to activate it, it required a mana flow that could harmonize with the runes.

 

Keep in mind again, that the mana flow in this world is very different from the world of Cale Henituse. But strangely it could still resonate well with his plate. He remembered that Super Rock had explained how this world relied on natural forces just like their world. Only, this world's natural forces could be manifested into several forms and one of them was Akuma no Mi, or Devil Fruit for short.

 

Devil Fruit allows anyone who eats it to gain power. And that power is vast! It could be liquid, solid or even food (?). Cale was sure he had heard Ace tell his story of fighting a food skill user. The steel-eyed man also explained the types of Devil Fruit which were divided into three groups. Like Paramecia which granted a variety of strange abilities. The food skill was definitely one of them. Then there is Logia, which gives users the power to become and control natural elements. Finally there is Zoan, allowing its users to transform into animals or animal hybrids.

 

In some aspects, their worlds had similarities but too many significant differences. For example, the world of TBOH is limited by natural elements that can be accessed through the flow of mana in the body. Meanwhile, this world has the power of the Devil Fruit which is said to number in the hundreds and is scattered throughout the ocean. Then the animal races that are already hereditary, passed down through blood. While the Devil Fruit provides the same tangible power, although Ace did mention the Mink tribe -they once saved one of them-.

 

Okay, back to the starting point of the theory of returning home -Cale ignored the tired groans of the ancient power in his mind-, the closeness of the ancient power and the power flow of this world allowed him to hear ‘voices’.

 

The first experience when Cale tried to engage these 'voices' in conversation left Cale quite traumatized.

 

There were so many 'voices'.

 

Sea. Wind. Land. Fire. Stone. Moss. Plants.

 

Everything.

 

Luckily for him, the owner of all these sounds welcomed him warmly. When he was overwhelmed by the echoing voices from all angles, they instantly stopped and worried about him. Cale had been helped so many times by them, so pampered. It seemed like a long time since anyone could engage them in conversation.

 

Reddish-brown eyes narrowed, thinking of the potential of how these voices could twist the concept of the world with just a simple 'understanding of words'. But, so far Cale had not dared to ask the identity that navigated this world. To the one biggest, most beautiful voice, which gently flowed and guided the other young voices as they tried to interact with him.

 

The time would come, but not just yet-

 

"-YOU LOWLY HUMAN!!!" the shrill screech ruined the let's-theorize-with-Cale-Henituse event which was met with relief by Glutton, The Cheapskate and Crazy Kid. Instantly, the ancient powers cringed as they sensed the red-haired man's annoyance, replying with a nervous laugh.

 

The owner of cinnamon-coated eyes looked down, trying to catch a glimpse of where the sound was coming from. To a crowd in area 28, with a human figure wearing... a glass tube (?) on his head as well as an outfit that was so flashy and gaudy.

 

... the taste of antagonist in this world must sometimes be questioned.

 

(Reluctantly, Cale agreed that even assholes like Adin and Clopeh had better clothing styles-)

 

Eldest Henituse snorted, resting his chin on the hand resting on the railing at the edge of the shop. Deciding to observe how this new group acted.

 

"-HOW DARE YOU BREATHE NEAR ME?!" Scolded the glass tube human with the ugliest expression Cale had ever seen. Hands waved as if disgusted by the 'human' plague that seemed to have accidentally fallen in front of his path.

 

"DON'T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!" The narcissistic one pointed at himself.

 

"I AM A DESCENDANT OF HONORABLE DRAGON NOBILITY! ONE OF THE MOST GUARDED FAMILIES IN THE WORLD-!"

 

Zonk.

 

Reddish-brown eyes went blank from the mind-shocking information.

 

... Dragons?

 

You heard that earlier, right?

 

'Dragon Descendants' he said.

 

...

 

[ The few people who had been watching the red-haired beauty could only be stunned.

 

Such a condescending look appeared in the reddish-brown eyes, as well as a small 'euh' sound had never sounded so graceful. (brotha euh...)

 

The owner of those beautiful eyes seemed to feel so offended by the world noble's statement that his face turned a faint green color. ]

 

Cale, as the representative of the beautiful, majestic and ethereal dragons in his world, with respectfully said, how bullshit that statement was!?

 

It physically and mentally hurt Cale so much that the man clutched the front of his chest.

 

No wonder Ace was so disgusted when talking about these damn dragons  and... AND Cale 'had' the ANTUSIASM to get to know them?! Huek-!

 

[ The audience then watched the pretty man sigh gracefully. Touching his chest, a look of disbelief on his face, lips trembling with a frantic aura surrounding him. It was as if that bastard Tenryuubito who was punishing someone down there had deeply hurt that ethereal man.

 

Some of them gasped, seeing that the metahair was now giving a reproachful expression that was very beautiful to look at.

 

This scene raised many doubts in the hearts of the audience. Gobsmacked, that shouldn't the definition of nobility be like that rose-haired man? ]

 

Cale shook his head while giving a disappointed expression once again.

 

The dragons in this world are so fuckin' UGLY!

 

They're not even good to look at!

 

Cale's day was ruined by them-!

 

When he was about to walk away, Cale stopped. Only then did he realize that there was another person not far from him -about 2 meters away-, giving him the same disgusted look.

 

The man was very tall and has tan skinn. Dark hair with a navy hue and piercing golden eyes that were hidden under a white hat with black patterns. Cale tilted his head, analyzing further. On his clothing style that could be said to be gothic (?), a plain yellow shirt with the top unbuttoned. Showing a tattoo with a heart-shaped pattern, a pair of jeans torn at the knees and a black furry cape draped over his shoulders.

 

As if sensing Cale's gaze, the man finally turned his head. 

 

Huh, he's handsome. Thought the redhead, admiring the stranger's visuals for a moment.

 

They were silent for 5 seconds and the golden eyes narrowed in annoyance, as if asking 'what' with a stern expression on his face.

 

Cale shook his head.

 

Putting on his most serious expression and pointing at the 'dragons' with a condescending look.

 

"They're so ugly," Cale muttered gloomily. Truly feeling betrayed.

 

[ The man with the hat on the other hand could only remain silent. However, there was a strange satisfaction in seeing the shorter man insult the 'bastards' who were clamoring below. It was as if there was a part that felt 'right' in the red-haired man's reproachful gaze and he didn't mind hearing the man demonize those 'noble bastards' over and over again.

 

Since the insults sounded sincere, there was no fear in his voice. ]

 

"I agree," the tall man replied, nodding with same serious.

 

"They're so ugly. Like pigs," he continued and Cale nodded in agreement.

 

"Omo!" Many eyes -including the man's- saw the beautiful man close his mouth with dramatically widened eyes. The expression of surprise was contrived and very adorable.

 

"Even a pig is better than that fat globules." Many people gasped at the insult. Moreover, it was said with a gentle smile that was extremely so pretty. They should feel scared, right? But...

 

The golden-eyed man chuckled and grinned fiercely.

 

"Fat globules, huh...," he muttered with a crazed twinkle in his eyes. Cale also began to giggle, somehow understanding what the man meant.

 

The two humans continued to look at the 'ugly bastard' who had now earned the title 'fat globules' with terrifying laughter.

 

Then, the one being talked about glared at them. The distance was great, but it felt like the red-haired man's gaze was so piercing that it sent chills down the spine of the man who was protected by his best clothes. Pride was further inflamed as the blood in his veins burned, by the mocking gaze not only cast by the flame-haired man. Suddenly, the people around him were also giving him condescending looks.

 

Strangely, the dragon noble's tongue was too weak to speak. Speech faltered and hands pointed in uncertain directions. Eyebrows twitched in annoyance and gradually his face began to turn red with pent-up anger.

 

Why... WHY COULDN'T HE SCOLD THAT DAMN MAN!?

 

The body stunned.

 

By the sharp power that suddenly emanated around the red-haired man's body. Reddish-brown eyes flashed with an air that reminded him briefly of a certain leader, equally full of reproach as well as contempt for his noble bloodline.

 

( Why... why did the faces of all those who insulted him become blurred? )

 

While the other man still gave a small mocking smile.

 

.
.
.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

"-CALEEEE-!!!" was the first thing the Rogers boy said when he woke up from his brief narcolepsy. According to Cale's words, 45 minutes had passed and the young man with the freckled face was awake.

 

It was as if he had been dreaming so badly that the young body jerked violently before groaning in pain while holding his waist. However, the pain did not stop him. Ace immediately stood up from his seat with sharp gray eyes looking around the room. Growling softly, annoyed, at the pile of shopping bags and the missing figure of his partner.

 

Wolf eyes flashed as he looked at Rayleigh. Hands gripped so tightly that the old man was sure that Ace was getting ready to punch him.

 

"Calm down, Ace-boya," Shakky's voice never sounded so sweet to Rayleigh's ears. The short dark-haired woman came out of the kitchen smiling sweetly.

 

"With Cale-chan's groceries, it's certain that your lover will return, isn't it?" Shakky teased, making Gold Roger's former right-hand man chuckle as well. Looking at the handsome face that gradually began to blush violently with a voice stammering in denial.

 

"N-no it's not! H-he's NOT my LOVER-!"

 

What a 'very Rouge' temper.

 

"Your lover even left this little one to you," Shakky continued, ignoring how Ace always denied and incessantly referred to Cale as a lover :3

 

Ace blushed even redder, almost like a boiled crab. Making Rayleigh worry for a moment that the young man could let the fire out of his head. However, his grumpy demeanor subsided somewhat when he saw the Den Den Mushi his wife had issued.

 

The Shirohige Commander received it so gently, behind his large, rough palm. The gray-white haired man watched as there was a small smile on Ace's face -O the ocean, Roger's face-.Where the youngest's attention was focused on the angry transcendent.

 

"Cale is very cruel, isn't he?" Ace sighed, resignation yet amusement lacing his tone.

 

"He left you, Speedo." The slug was placed on the table. A forefinger moved to stroke the tip of the communication creature's eye.

 

"And told you to watch me pay for all the food, didn't he," grumbled the dark-haired man, as he offered another piece of celery -which was already on the plate- to the slug. 

 

The gray eyes then looked at Shakky with a bored look.

 

"How much did all our orders cost, Shakky-san?" 

 

Surprisingly, Ace sounded very polite now. 

 

His wife giggled and waved her hand cheerfully. 

 

"Free for you and your lover-"

 

"-hey! We're not-!"

 

"-consider it a gift to welcome you here." Shakky smiled while looking at Rayleigh with a meaningful look. Ace seemed to understand the simple gesture but gave the oldest figure in the room an almost glare.

 

"Listen, old man. I'm not going to-"

 

Pururururu-

 

Ace's words were cut off by the sound of Den Den Mushi receiving an incoming call. 

 

For a moment, Rayleigh recognized the wariness that graced those grey eyes. The hardened expression and tensed shoulders, inevitably made the watching couple become serious. However, Ace decided to take the call and brought the phone device closer to his mouth.

 

"Ace-ya," a familiar voice sounded. As the slanted appearance began to change to the figure on the other side of the phone. Still the same red color with no significant changes. Only the eyes had changed, becoming reddish brown with lush eyelashes. Even Den Den Mushi could not capture the beauty of Roger's son lover.

 

Rayleigh saw shoulders drooping with relief and there was a gentle smile on that handsome face.

 

The middle-aged man's heart was immediately hit by a wind of longing. 

 

How similar Ace was to his father, Roger. 

 

While his nature followed his mother, Rouge. 

 

He was a perfect match. Their beloved son.

 

"Cale, you bastard." Despite his grumbling, a smile still graced Ace's face.

 

"Did you pay for everything?" Asked Cale, his voice sounding calm and Den Den Mushi's snail face reflecting his flat expression. 

 

"That's what you asked when you called me, not to tell me where you were, hm?" Now, pure annoyance colored his voice.

 

"I'm going for a walk," Cale replied, his voice sounding innocent.

 

"Going... A fuckin' walk? Am I talking to the same Cale Henituse? The lazy sloth who always has to be carried?" 

 

Ahh... the beauty of youth.

 

"Or..." Rayleigh could see several veins appearing on the forehead and the back of the hand gripping the phone. The smile on the handsome face twitched with an imaginary annoyed tick in the forehead area.

 

"... you're going to the Marine Base?"

 

What?

 

Both Rayleigh and Shakky were equally surprised by the question. The difference was that the former Kuja Queen gave a small gasp while the former Pirate King's right-hand man gaped wide. Was he listening to a joke? Why would Ace's lover want to go to the marine base when their head had a high bounty price? 

 

"Not yet," the man on the other side of the line said calmly. What the-?

 

"Caleeeeee...." sighed Ace, covering his face with a stifled whimper. Rayleigh guessed, this wasn't even the first time his lover had acted like that.

 

"Ah yes, is Ahjussi there?" immediately the sassy look returned to the handsome face. Rayleigh could only smile amusedly at that jealous gaze. Geez, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, huh. So cute. 

 

"Why are you asking?" Pouted the youngest commander, feet tapping impatiently on the floor. While the corner of his eye twitched in displeasure.

 

"Coating the ship. Can it be done in two days? " The middle-aged man's dark eyes blinked in surprise at the sudden request. It did not escape that Ace also had the same expression. Like, how did his best friend's son's lover find out about his side job? Did they happen to hear from the pirates around? 

 

The shock on the faces of the two men of different ages made the former Queen Kuja chuckle to herself. 

 

"I have to see the ship first-"

 

"Then, Ace, you go with Ahjussi." There was no need to hide it, the dark-haired man's face reflected all the reluctance -even disgust (?)- at his lover's words.

 

"What? You want me to-" Gray eyes glanced at Rayleigh with an ugh-once look.

 

"-going out with this old man?" Shakky laughed in response to Ace's grumbling while Rayleigh's smile went flat.

 

( "Have fun, Rayleigh! You're acting like an old man! You're still young! HAHAHAHA!" )

 

Son, father are the same! They are so united in insulting him! 

 

"I'm going to your location, so palliwa*." Palliwa? What kind of language is that? *(Palliwa = Hurry up in Korean)

 

Gacha. The phone was hung up and their pet Den Den Mushi fell asleep from exhaustion. Leaving the three humans shrouded in silence by the redhead's sudden departure. Then, the attention of the two more mature figures noticed the way Ace returned with a big sigh. Shoulders drooped forward like an extremely exhausted person. Hands raised to cover his face, then straightened his hunched back, while dragging a hand over the black hair. 

 

"Urgh!" Hands ruffled his hair ferociously. It made Rayleigh's heart sink for a moment. That... did Ace really hate it that much to go along-?

 

"Come on, old man," the young man grumbled, unexpectedly. Immediately standing up from his seat and lifting the snail up onto his head. Occasionally coaxing the Den Den Mushi not to fall asleep while covering his head with his hat. 

 

"W-what-? Are you sure? What about Cale?" asked the white-haired man hesitantly. Ace's response was a shrug and a snort.

 

"He'll know." What an absurd answer. Know? Where would they do the coating? When the two young men were separated? Of course there was Den Den Mushi but... ah never mind, it was not Rayleigh's place to think about how the relationship between these two men was going.

 

"Shakky-san, I'll leave our stuff here, okay," the young man said again, his voice now more neutral and polite. Shakky on the other hand gave a friendly nod and waved, as if to say 'no problem'. Isn't it funny that Rayleigh felt jealous of his wife for the first time? :")

 

"In that case, I'll get my equipment first." Ace nodded, walked to the side of the door, leaning his back against the wall while hiding his hands in his pants pockets. Not long after, gray eyes stared wide at the two giant brushes strapped to Rayleigh's back. Along with an equally large blue bundle was there. Perhaps this was the first time Ace had seen the Coating mechanic? 

 

"Come on, lead the way, young man," Rayleigh chuckled, trying to be friendly. Smiling a little as Ace still grumbled but started walking ahead of him. As reluctant as he was, the young man still couldn't refuse his lover's request, hm? 

 

"Why are you laughing, old man?" Growled the younger man, eyes glaring with displeasure. Reminded the older man of a fierce black cat, always hissing when anyone tried to approach it.

 

"You admire your lover very much, hm?" For a few seconds, Ace stared blankly. It was as if his brain was trying to process what Rayleigh had just said. 

 

A few seconds later, that handsome face turned bright red and a stammered voice tried to say something but to no avail. So Ace could only growl and AAARRRRGHHHH while ruffling his hair in frustration. Eyes glared with murderous passion at Rayleigh who started laughing out loud.

 

"SHUT UP, YOU OLD-FASHIONED MAN!" 

 

"HAHAHAHA!"

 

"SHUT FUCKIN' UUUUUPPPPPPPPP!!!"

 

"HAHAHAHAAWW-! HEY! DON'T HIT ME OR YOUR LOVER WILL GET MAD THAT THE SHIP'S COATING ISN'T FINISHED-?!" 

 

Rayleigh grinned wickedly as Ace stopped. 

 

Noticing the smirk, the younger man's face turned even redder and now there were already flames coating his head, hands and feet.

 

Geez, like a fire hedgehog. 

 

Not long after, swearing, growling and tantrums could be heard. Nostalgia hit Rayleigh hard but the man smiled broadly. His heart was pounding that he had actually interacted well with his best friend's son. There was nothing else he could feel but a small happiness. Until their journey to the ship, Rayleigh's gaze never left to appreciate the figure of Portgas D. Ace. 

 

Handsome.

 

Fiery. 

 

Lively.

 

Bright.

 

Kind.

 

Roger, Rouge... your son has grown up to be a good man.

 

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[Third Person's POV]

 

There was still a sense of reluctance when introducing their ship to the old man. 

 

Despite its simple design and lack of luxury, Ace liked the essence of the meaning, that this small ship belonged only to him and the beautiful redhead. It felt so wrong to tell people about the ownership of the two of them. 

 

"Ah," Rayleigh responded, looking at their ship with wide eyes. About to berate the man for his annoying reaction, gray eyes followed the direction of the gaze. Surprised to see how the wooden parts of the ship that were originally damaged due to the actions of the lowly gang the other day, had now been overgrown by miniature trees in each section. Miniature trees that had leaves and also small flowers.

 

The Shirohige Commander gaped. Jumping onto the ship to touch the growing part. 

 

... this is Adam's wood that has been cut and even smeared with paint. Why would a rootless and dead wood (because it was cut) suddenly grow plants like this?

 

"Is this your ship?" Still not looking away, Ace nodded. His gray eyes were instantly shaded with his mind fixed on Cale. On the distinctive scent that always wafted from the man, his strength that was one with the world and his connection with the natural elements. To the way Cale understood the actions and responses of Jon Snow the sea creature.

 

Perhaps the redhead had never said it directly to Ace, but his actions had been the answer. 

 

He was not a stupid man. In fact, many had dubbed him a young genius because of his ability to understand things so quickly. 

 

Cale acted like someone who heard the 'voice' of nature. 

 

Which was a strange but crucial concept in their world. 

 

From what Marco had told him (since he was the oldest after Oyaji), the 'voice' of the world or the Voice of All Things was an ability that only a few people possessed. They are abilities that can make the user hear the voices of animals and inanimate objects. Another theory is that the person endowed with this ability has a direct connection to this world. It can even have permission to use the will of the 'voice' to achieve its 'destiny'. 

 

"-Ace-kun."

 

Marco had also mentioned that inanimate objects at the level of Poneglyphs had their own voice and mind. This could support another theory, that the power of the 'voice' is not just hearing. This power could become very frightening if it fell into the wrong hands-

 

"-kun-"

 

"What?" Pouted the steel-eyed man, unhappy that the let’s-theorize-with-Ace was stopped by Rayleigh. Silence engulfed the two men of different ages, instantly making the younger man realize that he had been daydreaming for quite some time. Ugh... Cale would probably get angry if he saw that their ship had not reached the requested location. 

 

Feeling a little guilty for ignoring Rayleigh, Ace grumbled an apology and walked to the back of the ship to lift the anchor up. The ropes tied on each side of the ship were untied, with the older man helping out. After pushing the ship into the water away from the harbor, the younger one jumped back on board and stepped onto the bridge. 

 

"You can coating it when you get there," Ace said in a disinterested tone -he was pretending-.

 

"No problem, my workshop is not far from here. You can follow the flow of area 13 over there." Rayleigh pointed and Ace nodded. His focus shifted to bringing the ship into the narrow area, trying not to scuff the wooden sides of the ship again. Thinking of Cale's disappointed reaction was heartbreaking. 

 

It was as if when the man was sad, it made Ace feel like he had swallowed something sharp. 

 

As the black-haired man faded the steering wheel of the ship, Rayleigh quickly walked to each side of the ship. Marking the location to stick the blue tarp that he used to create the bubble's foundation. His eyes occasionally glanced at Ace, who was still focused on his activities despite having his gaze diverted to the plants that appeared on each side of the ship.

 

It confused Rayleigh for a moment, as the plants were not an ornament. Rather, their undersides were directly connected to the varnished wood of the ship. The leaves and texture of the growing wood were too real to his touch. And judging from the quality of the ship's wood, it was cut Adam's wood... this was a bit confusing and absurd, wasn't it? 

 

"Oi, old man!" Ace's call distracted.

 

"Your workshop?" The younger one asked briefly and Rayleigh nodded. 

 

Ace then parked the ship a safe distance away, lowered the ship's anchor again and went downstairs to tie the ropes to the stanchions. Rayleigh who had also finished all the locations began taping the blue tarp. Once again, he found Ace staring back at the revived wood. 

 

Mind and mouth were out of sync as he suddenly asked, "Want me to tidy it up? Varnish, for free."

 

Rayleigh waited for the reaction of an annoyed growl, a look of indifference or even disgust on Ace's face. Instead, expectations were dashed when he noticed a gentle look in those grey eyes.

 

"No need, Cale will probably like it." The gray eyes lost that sweet touch as they looked at him. Of course. What did Rayleigh expect from Ace who already disliked him? :")

 

Then, they worked in silence. 

 

Where Rayleigh started the plating of the ship and Ace cleaned the surroundings of the ship.

 

In that silence, the older man's dark eyes looked around. His heart warmed when he realized that Ace and Cale's ship was very well maintained. The ship was small but varnished with a good gloss. Light brown and earthy. Their scent circling the ship's air, a simple mat in the center of the ship with a small table. A center mast that supported many small lamps, tied to each side of the ship. The cabin door read 'Ace and Cale's room!' accompanied by cute stickers. Then two lounge chairs at the edge of the ship with blankets that were red and cream in color.

 

Rayleigh's hand touched the floor of the ship, smiling as he heard the hum coming from the ship itself.

 

Ah... this ship had been loved by its owner.

 

"What are you doing?" Ace stood beside him while crossing his arms in front of the chest. The gray eyes stared suspiciously, a frown on his handsome face. 

 

"Nothing. Just hearing the sound of your ship," Rayleigh's response dropped Ace's suspicious gaze. A 'you're out of your mind' expression was clearly etched on the handsome face.

 

"Ship? What the fuck happened to our ship?" The middle-aged man laughed softly.

 

"Your ship sounds very happy," he replied again and got a funny 'HAH?' from the youngest man. Not giving any further explanation, Rayleigh got up to continue his work. He chuckled again when he heard Ace's 'I knew he was crazy'. So adorable.

 

"I think we should get off the ship. I need to get your ship under a tarp so that the air can be pumped in perfectly from the inside. Once that's done, then we can smear the bubble resin on the outside." Ace still gave a strange look of suspicion but complied nonetheless. 

 

The man in his late teens watched as the coating mechanic expertly -while holding the tarp- began to dive under the ship. Indicating that Silver Rayleigh was not a Devil Fruit user. Then, the middle-aged man jumped from the water and stood in the air -if Ace was not mistaken, it was the CP0 technique- to glue all the parts together. Once done, Rayleigh inserted a large pipe (20-30 cm in diameter) in the gap of the tarp. The pipe was connected to an equally large pumping device, much to Ace's surprise. Rayleigh was an old man, how did he pump- 

 

A strong gust of wind that almost blew off his hat made the black-haired man instantly pause.

 

He had forgotten that Silver Rayleigh was the former right-hand man of the pirate Gold Roger. Yet he had just witnessed how the man stayed in the air with the CP0 technique.

 

So, this man is still strong in his old age huh...

 

"Oi," called Ace suddenly. Gray eyes caught a glimpse of Rayleigh before looking away with a blush appearing on the cheeks and ears.

 

"Yeah?" Rayleigh's smile was friendly, despite her vigorous pumping.

 

"W-what's my mother like?" For the other man, the one asked instantly stopped pumping. Dark eyes widened with a dumbfounded expression. His attention was now completely diverted to Ace who looked away. Especially on the trembling hand, making Rayleigh's heart throb painfully but also by an overwhelming relief.

 

Ace still wanted to get to know his parents! 

 

"Rouge, huh?" The famous pirate's former right-hand man hummed softly.

 

"She was very pretty." Rayleigh recalled, while continuing the pumping. Ace was silent for a moment, then asked in a small voice layered with adorable embarrassment.

 

"... hair? Eyes?" Rayleigh found himself smiling.

 

"She has golden blonde hair with bright brown eyes. She has freckles on her face, just like you." Gray eyes twinkled at this.

 

"Her height?" Rayleigh measured the air and pointed at Ace's shoulder with a light laugh.

 

"Rouge is this short. But, don't underestimate her! That woman will always get angry when Roger mocks her height. Roger has no chance of winning." Strong nostalgia made Rayleigh's smile tremble for a moment.

 

"Even so, Rouge is very kind and compassionate. I think even the beasts are tame in front of her! Roger always complains about how Rouge brings home a lot of beasts." Ace snorted in amusement at the familiar story. 

 

"She's also a good cook. Roger wouldn't stop praising her cooking and you know what? Back then, only the captain had a lover so he was always showing it off to everyone." Except Oden who was married. Rayleigh chuckled to himself.

 

"Rouge also suffered from narcolepsy, you know. If her face is not hold by Roger, it will be exposed to food." Ace unconsciously pointed at himself. Reflexively because he had the same symptoms.

 

"Then, Rouge was always seen wearing a hibiscus flower on her head. Roger made sure it didn't wither quickly with Haki... because it was the flower from their first date."

 

At this moment, the younger man's eyes began to soften. Silence returned to them and Rayleigh allowed himself to take in the overall expression on Ace's face. Finding hope beginning to emerge as he recognized a look of interest as well as pleasure appearing on his best friend's son's face.

 

"Ace-kun," he called again, giving a genuine smile when the others looked up to see him.

 

"Just like Roger, Rouge has also always prided herself on the relationship between the two of them." Rayleigh finished pumping the tarp, to walk over to Ace. Heart pounding as the youngest did not move and stayed where he was.

 

"They, Rouge and Roger, love each other." The now-glazed gray eyes watched him with such a sad look. Oh, for the sea, who would dare make Ace think that his parents hated their son?

 

"Your birth was highly anticipated by all the crew. Do you know, Ace-kun? Roger cried tears of joy when Rouge told him she was pregnant with you." Rayleigh smiled sadly, his eyes now glazed over with painful memories.

 

"Roger cried too, it was heartbreaking. Not being able to see you born, or even grow up." 

 

"They were separated by tragedy. For a world that has cursed them, your birth is a blessing." Instinctively, Rayleigh's hand rested on Ace's head.

 

"You were their little secret, their most cherished, and their most protected. Until their deaths, even I didn't know about you." 

 

Ace was silent for a long time. 

 

Face downcast so Rayleigh couldn't tell what kind of look was created there. For a moment, guilt welled up in his heart, Cale's message replaying in his mind. There must be another reason why Ace seemed to hate his parents, especially his father. Maybe he was selfish, wanting to improve Roger's image in his son's eyes because really, it hurt his heart that Roger was misunderstood like that. 

 

Rayleigh really wished Ace could give him a chance to get to know his father better. 

 

"You're trying to make me like Gold Roger," Ace muttered and the other man could only chuckle with sadness coloring his voice.

 

"He's my best friend, I consider him a close brother," Rayleigh replied softly, honestly. 

 

"Then-" face looked up with a heart-wrenching expression. Eyes now brimming with tears, dripping down his freckled cheeks. Hands gripped his heart tightly and lips trembled with anger and frustration.

 

"-Why THE FUCK did he leave?! When she were pregnant?! Why didn't he stay by my damn side?! Why is he so fuckingly stupid?! If he really loved me that much, he should have stayed his ass by my side! He should have waited for me to be born with Mother! DAMN IT! WHY?! WHY THE FUCK DID HE LEAVE?!"

 

"... things were very dangerous back then," Rayleigh whispered, the voice now trembling with fear. Ace really hated Roger.

 

"The World Government, employed many dangerous tactics to capture Roger. That included the pursuit of Rouge and many of the territories we protected were hit by their attacks." Tongue twisting dry lips, Rayleigh felt uncomfortable telling Ace the real reason behind Roger's death.

 

"At that time-" 

 

In that moment, both men of different ages could feel it.

 

Something strange and not feeling like Haki, gathered above them. Rayleigh, who was no stranger to the sensation of such power began to position himself for offense and defense. Meanwhile, Ace was still silent with a furrowed brow. His Haki then recognized the familiar flow of power, strangely buzzing with pleasure. Reflexively, he began to stretch his arms forward with his face up, while his legs moved to find the right position. 

 

Lines of circles with strange patterns formed in the air. About 7 meters high, it shone together with an image on the right side of Ace's hat. 

 

Then a body came out of the strange pattern and HAP-!

 

"CALE?!" 

 

Startled Ace, gaped at the figure he was carrying. Gray eyes wildly traced the facial features that were half-hidden under the maroon robe. At the red hair, the pale, blotchy skin, the slightly out of breath, the mischievous little smile with reddish-brown eyes that shone with excitement. 

 

"I did it," whispered the voice that confirmed that the figure of 'Cale Henituse' was indeed in Ace's lap now.

 

"THE SEA CHRIST! DID YOU JUST FUCKIN' TELEPORT-!" 

 

"Shhh!" Cale's hand instantly covered the black-haired man's mouth. 

 

"Don't scream, Ace pabo*." (*Pabo = Stupid in Korean)

 

How could Ace not scream?!

 

Not only did Cale have many natural elements as his power, sea water that could be controlled and could now teleport?! Through a mere circle?! H-how the heck is that possible?! One person shouldn't have so many powers, when even his own body can't keep up with one! Always coughing up blood just by using it-!

 

Coughing up blood?

 

Ace quickly sat Cale down on the ground. He grabbed some handkerchiefs that were now always kept in his pants pocket and covered those pink lips. The handsome face was filled with worry, waiting for the others to cough and block the blood from coming out. In contrast, the other man who had surprised him only stared at Ace dully. Reddish-brown eyes blinked in confusion as one of Cale's hands rose to touch the dark-haired man's cheek.

 

"Are you crying?" A thumb rubbed his cheek gently. Ace's attention was now completely diverted to the redhead's face which was tinged with guilt as well as sweet concern. An expression that was rarely seen on his beautiful face, but was so addictive to look at. That expression was created because of him. 

 

Because of Portgas D. Ace.

 

Before Ace could react, the owner of reddish-brown eyes looked at Rayleigh behind them with a sharp gaze. That same eerie aura was starting to feel great and he could see the white-haired man stiffen uncomfortably.

 

"I give you a damn chance and you make him cry?" Cale's voice sounded very cold. Even colder than the incident of freeing the prospective slaves the other day. Btw, wow. Did you guys hear that? Cale is swearing!

 

Ace, could only be amazed by Cale's angry response at the mere sight of his tears. Firmly grasping the hand of the steel-eyed man who was still holding the handkerchief, the redhead stood up to face Rayleigh. The movement was simple and slow, but Ace was brought behind the shorter Cale. The gray eyes widened and looked down, at the displeased frown on his traveling partner's beautiful face. 

 

Heart melted by Cale's actions.

 

Oh no.

 

This was too adorable.

 

Ace's heart felt tickled by something. (He felt doki-doki, isn't he?)

 

"Ahjussi, you disappoint me," Cale muttered, his voice now flat with a condescending look in his eyes. He tsked and whoah-sounds really sexy ? 

 

The helpless Ace could only raise one free hand to cover his mouth. While a blush now colored his cheeks and the skin of his neck. 

 

Cale was defending him.

 

Right?!

 

Cale was defending him!

 

Although Ace still wanted to hear the side of the pretty man who was protecting him -ugh, my heart-, Rayleigh was now just a pathetic old man trying to say something in his defense. But was otherwise silent, perhaps out of fear of Cale -so cute-?

 

So, the kind-hearty Ace tightly grasped their hands that were still intertwined. Instantly making a beautiful face look up from the side and heart flutter with just one annoyed look. 

 

"It's okay, Cale-ya." The scent soothing was sweet and Ace's lips almost touched Cale's temple, which was hidden under his red hood.

 

"I'm not crying because of him, really." Ace tilted his head lightly, gray eyes now pleading for the smaller one to calm down. Behind the bangs, reddish-brown eyes appraised solemnly and the other man gave a wide, sincere smile. 

 

Still getting no reaction, Commander Shirohige stepped next to Cale and now grasped the softer hand with both of his hands. Rubbing the back of that hand, as gray eyes grew shaded and teary. Instantly overwhelmed by the feelings of pleasure, happiness, amusement, affection and love that were blooming in the heart. 

 

Lowering his face so that their eyes could meet, Ace whispered,

 

"Thank you, hm?" For defending me.

 

The red-haired man was silent for a few seconds but started to nod briefly. Cheeks flushed lightly and his hand returned Ace's handshake just as tightly. The adorable blinking beady eyes were still staring at Ace attentively. Cute. 

 

"Arasseo," Cale snorted, though it still sounded reluctant. How cute.

 

"Then, as punishment for making Ace cry, you must help me retrieve our head bounty, Ahjussi." Even if Cale ordered in a grumbling voice, he still sounded cute-eh?

 

Poor Rayleigh also made an 'eh?' sound.

 

Cale who saw their reaction, tilted his head and reflexively asked in an 'eh?' sound.

 

Cute but 'eh'?

 

"EEEEEEEEH?!"

 

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[MINI OMAKE]

[Bartholomew Kuma's POV]

 

The Bible in hand was more interesting than listening to the ramblings of the man in the yellow suit. 

 

The figure of the admiral in charge made his trademark annoying long 'ooh' sound. Bartholomew, on the other hand who had just been promoted to Shichibukai -after the Gecko Moria incident-, received the same orders and was located in the Sabaody Islands. There should have been one more member ordered along with them, though that was none of Batholomew's business. Half Pacifistas had to think of a way to help their possible future affiliates.

 

Which meant Portgas D. Ace and Red Riding Hood.

 

"Ahhh... this Red is a pain in the ass," muttered the mission leader, Borsalino, or Kizaru as he was known in the Marine ranks.

 

"What is this? She doesn't have much history but her strength? Neee... she's such a annoying bitch." Borsalino looked on the verge of shuffling all the documents on his desk. Even so, his composure was not lost. Instead, it became even more oppressive with his glasses raised above his head. Signaling that the man was beginning to look serious as he read through the information written there.

 

Bartholomew had skimmed through it and the power that could 'control the seawater' was indeed to be reckoned with.

 

Then the Den Den Mushi on Borsalino's desk began to ring. Lazily, the middle-aged man raised the device with two index fingers and a thumb next to his ear. 

 

"OIIIII! KIZARU NO OKIJI*! WHERE ARE YOU?! " A distinctive young voice that was both firm and annoyed rang out from behind the phone. Borsalino pushed the communication device away from his ear for a moment. (*Okiji = Uncle in Japanese)

 

"Hoooooo, young man, you're also with me, huuuuuuh? What's wrong with that Vegapunk? He didn't accept you back, huuuuuh?" The man with the power of light chuckled, while one hand was still reading the document with dazed eyes. 

 

"Damn it, your lazy voice is still as annoying as ever, Okiji. No, it's not like that, in fact the Doctor did send me to chase after this Red Riding Hood! " 

 

"Hm... indeed, this Red has a loooooot of strange powers, huuuuh?" sighed Borsalino, now leaning back in the chair and turning it lazily. However, even behind such a lethargic demeanor, his eyes were sharp with alertness, as evidenced by the documents still gripped tightly. 

 

"The doctor is very interested with Red," said the voice on the other side of the communication.

 

"So...." Den Den Mushi's expression reflected all the caller's displeasure

 

"DON'T KILL HER! DIDYA HEAR ME?! WAIT FOR ME TO GET THERE, OKIJI-!" without waiting for a reply, Borsalino disconnected the call. With a lazy movement, the man in the yellow-striped suit with a purple tie stood up from his seat. Hands adjusted the glasses on his face, then grabbed his marine coat and draped it over his shoulders.

 

"Oiiiiii, Kuma-saannnn. Let's go, shall we?" 

 

A sharp grin was etched on the man's face.

 

"We have to catch this bitchy Red, okaayyyy?" Obedient as ever, Bartholomew closed his bible and got up from the chair. The half Pacifista hoped to himself, to the consciousness that still remained. To the morals that still held the promise in his heart. That-

 

-no matter what happened, he would protect Portgas D. Ace and Red Riding Hood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Btw, this fic actually got a sweet gift from one of the readers~

 

For those who have an X account, you can follow her account.

Her account name is @instantrecord 

A.k.a Noetchi! 。･:*:･(✿>3<)❤

 

 

(Cale be like : MY MAN)

 

 

(HAPPY NEW LATE YEARRRR RRAAAAHHHHH ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥)

 

 

 

 

Notes:

This chapter... it's long _(:3」∠)_
My goal was to write only 6k, but as usual, I overshot to 8.5k wkwkwkw

I didn't know where to cut the scene, huhuhu :")
Sorry if it's really messy... I'm on deadline too :")

Hopefully it can satisfy your longing... even if it doesn't, because there's very few AceCale scenes :v
This is necessary, guys, for the world building of the next chapter hehehe (｡ﾉω＼｡)

Buuttt, because they were separated for a while -for the simulation righttt hahahah-, showing Ace who finally got to know his father and mother little by little. Cale on the other hand meets a new character~ take a guess, who it is? (͝°͜ʖ͡°)
Xixixi, we will see more of their interaction in the next chapter!

Prepare your hearts, AceCale ships, maybe we'll move to another ship, who knows? HAHAHAHAHAH ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

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NOTE:

Also, some things that need to be straightened out about Cale's family in this fic, after my decision:

*White Star is dead. The one who has been bothering Cale's family has been White Radish's subordinates hehehehe.
*The scene where the family finds out about Cale will be deleted, because they are currently trying to reach the world of One Piece.
*In this chapter, Cale finally managed to make the Transportation Circle rune work. Which means....?

 

That's all for now...
See you in the next chapter~ hehehehe

If there are any wrong names for TBOH and OP terms, don't hesitate to correct me, my dear. Also in terms of characters that feel OOC even though they are, but still, please give criticism that can help the development of this story~

Thank you very much, minna~ Don't forget to leave a comment so that I can be enthusiastic about processing research data :")

Writing AceCale and reading your comments can at least color my depressive days.

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Best regards,

 

Neri 😊🙏🌻💛✨
PS. I know... this chapter kinda boring, right? 🤸‍♀️
PPS. This Fic still Need Beta Reader.
PPPS. Once Again, because the messy translate... I'm so sorry, guys...
PPPPS. Because I'm an Indonesian and English is not my first language...
PPPPPS. I'm still on my hiatus :D

Chapter 18: #10 - I Want to Protect You

Summary:

"Cale?"

"Hmm?"

"You know what? If this plan succeeds, you will make a new history? For breaking into a marine base?"

"...humph. (ꈍᴗꈍ)"

"For the sake of the ocean. Why do you even look proud?"

Notes:

The comments on the previous chapter were very entertaining and full of enthusiasm! They make me feel very appreciated 🥺🥰🙏❤🌹✨

Even if this fic is very messy to read, thanks for all the kudos, comments and hits! Also bookmarks! Aaawwww 🥺🥺🥺❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥
Sorry if the comments haven't been replied to yet... I always reread them though! The more reviews, the better my writing mood will be and there might be scaled updates for this fic heheheh (⁠͝⁠°⁠͜⁠ʖ͡⁠°⁠)⁠ᕤ

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Okay, umm.. sooo, about this chapter, just want to say that there is a jumpscare in the end! :D

 

[Third Person POV]

 

As if they had reached a good agreement, both Cale and the man with bright golden eyes parted ways. 

 

The two went in opposite directions. 

 

If Cale went towards the library, then this mysterious man stepped into the black market. They were each in their own minds, neither of them would have thought that fate would have another say in the meeting of these two people. 

 

Our beautiful prima donna, Cale, was sitting quietly in the public library. It surprised the poor man for a moment that the pirate area did not have a single damn shop that provided public facilities for reading. There might be, but Cale found it in a hidden alley. The pirates called this place the deepest abyss, aka a Black Market. 

 

All these books look sooo old, the Glutton joked to Cale. 

 

The man picked up one cover that looked worn out, then exhaled. Coughing for a moment from the dust. His eyes stung so much that even the wind element helped put the book on the table -because the man wiped his eyes with both hands-. 

 

"Be careful wit' that book! Some of the books here are Ohara's! They're very fuckin' rare, didn't hear ya?!" hissed the library-shopkeeper with displeased eyes, though the man's cheeks were strangely flushed. 

 

Ohara? 

 

Was that man trying to trick him? 

 

The news said that no trace was left of the island of knowledge. Because if there were, the government would go after all the evidence and eliminate it-

 

You're in the Black Market, Cale, sighed The Thief. 

 

Everydamnthing illegal is here, chuckled The Cheapskate again, finding their situation very interesting right now.

 

Ah yeah, for a moment, Cale forgot where he was. Shrugging indifferently at the other old man's grumbling, the owner of rose hair grabbed the book and read the title. 

 

The Strongest Races and Experiments on Them.

 

...

 

Reddish-brown eyes glanced at a few other titles. 

 

Tragedy Theory of the Void Century.

 

The Three-Eyed Tribe and Its Uniqueness.

 

Fishman Island and the Ancient Merfolk.

 

Agriculture 500 Years Ago.

 

Laugh Tale and Other Historical Facts.

 

Why is there not a single book about Haki? Cale needs it to understand the flow of power in this world and figure out how to activate his rune circle!

 

Despite not -yet- finding what he was looking for, Cale continued to read all the books he touched. The movement of turning the pages was slower than usual, as the young man appreciated the worn-out pages he touched. It signified the book's old age, so Cale respected it. 

 

Then-

 

Haki for Civilian and How to Use Them.

 

The title alone hinted that the audience of this book was aimed at ordinary people. However, the red-haired man found it in the corner of the Black Market library shop. Another disgusting clue about the World Government. 

 

They don't want their citizens to be smart and strong, hm? (Do you get Deja Vu?)

 

The Ohara tragedy was an obvious fact, that they were afraid of the 'intelligence' of the civilians so they tried hard to emphasize stupidity and created many ridiculous concepts. 

 

Having found the book Cale wanted, he quickly sat down at one of the tables by the window. The wood of the table and chair was damp, but still fit for use. Then, unexpectedly, the wooden elements in nature polished the surface a little. Afterwards, they flattered Cale with their sweet chirps. 

 

Thank you, Cale whispered to the voices, which were reciprocated just as happily. 

 

Grabbing some snacks stored in his spatial bag, Cale enjoyed his leisure time by reading up on the theory and science of Haki.

 

Haki is the power latent in every human being, other terms for this power are "instinct", "fighting spirit", and "will to force". These are all sensations that humans definitely have. But, most humans are not aware of that power. Or perhaps they spent their lives trying to draw them out, but still couldn't.

 

Ace explained something similar at a glance. 

 

Haki lay dormant within every living person, but it was rare for most people to ever awaken its abilities. This was because although Haki could manifest if awakened suddenly.

 

Trauma or a spontaneous event is one that can awaken this power. Although this is not recommended to the Reader, because the power of Haki is a power based on the individual spirit. Based on mentality and mind. Not the body and physical strength. 

 

This was more difficult than Cale thought. 

 

Because the basis of this power is "instinct" or "desire". Unlike Mana, which actually already exists with a flow that can be controlled. This Haki is instead abstract, like a mere imagination because it is based on the User's desire. 

 

This sucks. 

 

Little Red felt upset?  Asked the voice again, flowing softly and reminding him of the ocean waves. 

 

Little Red is learning about instincts and feeling displeased?  The voice asked again and Cale flushed, embarrassed to be caught acting childishly. 

 

Not really, Bada*-nim. (*Bada = Sea)

 

Reddish brown eyes blinked sadly, looking at the crowd behind the shop window. 

 

It's just... I miss my family. But they are beyond the reach of this world. The mournful hum of an ancient power partner echoed in the mind, Cale flashed a small smile. 

 

It had been almost three months since Cale had been in this world. One month in Skypiea and two months in Blue Sea, accompanied by Ace. He didn't know if time ran in the same flow as his own world, but Cale wished he hadn't disappeared for so long. Perhaps, the world would be destroyed by Raon Miru, as the little dragon had threatened when he fainted (-"-;).

 

Trying to understand instinct, the flow of instinct, the power of instinct... the voice sounded pensive for a moment.

 

Remember Little Red, instinct is life. Flow is life Cale refrained from sighing. Sometimes, the voices that helped him had little diction capacity. So its sentences were sometimes repetitive. 

 

Flow is Life. 

 

The flow in question here is Haki, right? Because the voice alluded to the word 'instinct' with 'life'-

 

This is so confusing!!!  Frustrated Glutton in Cale's mind, the red-haired man couldn't help but agree. He should have waited for Ace to wake up and asked the young man. Mana was very different from Haki, even different from the term 'magic' that he mostly read about while in Kim Roksoo's world! 

 

He means, in the fantasy genre, you know.

 

Wait, wait. The sound of the sea returned and left as quickly as it came. Reddish-brown eyes blinked at the end of the sound's origin, before deciding to focus back on the pages of the book. 

 

Not long after -10 minutes-, the sound of the shop door opening was heard. 

 

Cale was the type of person who did not care about the commotion around him, not when he had a book to read. So, the red head just stayed focused on his studies, not realizing that there was a figure walking towards him.

 

"What are you doing here?" A new but familiar voice broke the reverie. Eyes glittering with gems turned their heads, seeing the golden-eyed man watching him with a suspicious look. One hand held a sword that was placed over his right shoulder, while the left side of his body leaned against the wall. Unlike in the pirate area, the stranger was now wearing a black robe.

 

"...reading?" replied Cale skeptically and was surprised when the man blushed slightly. 

 

"I know," the stranger grumbled, deciding to sit beside him. His sword and cloak were released on the chair.

 

"You're a civilian. It's dangerous to wander around in a pirate area. Especially in the Black Market," the man said again, voice sounding inexplicably tired. A hand cupped his cheek, which was resting on the table. His eyes momentarily looked at the scenery behind the window, empty. 

 

"It's precisely because I'm civilian that I'm okay," Cale said, shrugging indifferently.

 

The man glared at him with a 'what nonsense is this guy talking about' look. The redhead did not explain further, just gave a mysterious little smile and continued reading the rest of the pages of the book. 

 

"Haki?" After two minutes of silence, the man decided to ask again and Cale nodded honestly. There was no point in lying in a situation like this, especially since he was already suspected by someone as potentially dangerous as the man in front of him now.

 

"I'm a little confused," Cale stated, thrusting the open book in front of the dark-haired man. 

 

"About?" 

 

"Haki flow?" 

 

"Do you know the term 'flow'?" the man asked back and Cale immediately played innocent. Because the book did not talk about 'flow' specifically.

 

"Isn't it in the book?" The lie was smooth. How could Cale say that a foreign entity like the 'Sea' told him? 

 

For a moment, the man with slit golden eyes was silent. Observing the book intently, he glanced at it briefly and then became pensive again. Cale could see traces of calculation in those eyes, as if deciding whether to tell him or not. 

 

"I understand the flow of Haki like the flow of a human's life." Reddish brown eyes widened. Not because the man decided to tell him, but the word 'flow' and 'life' he mentioned strongly reminded Cale of a certain voice. 

 

Had the Sea sent this man to him?

 

A pleased buzz replied in his mind.

 

"Do you know what the flow of human's life is?" His tattooed hand rose. It grasped his chest shirt. The hat was then removed and placed on the table. Dark hair with a navy hue, making the image of a mysterious handsome man even stronger. 

 

"Oxygen-poor blood from the whole body, then flows into the right atrium of the heart through the superior and inferior vena cava." The man's hand made a ticking motion. His voice was low and sounded serious.

 

"From the right atrium, blood is pumped to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve." His index finger made a circular motion.

 

"From the right ventricle, blood is pumped to the lungs through the pulmonary artery." The finger moved to another area of his chest.

 

"In the lungs, blood exchanges carbon dioxide to oxygen." Golden eyes flashed with unfamiliar emotions and Cale was captivated -strangely- by the stranger's explanation and gestures.

 

"The now oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins." Finger back to the heart.

 

"From the pulmonary vein, the blood enters the left atrium. Then, from the left atrium, blood is pumped to the left ventricle through the bicuspid valve." His finger hypnotically moves to follow the flow -believed to be veins- in his body. 

 

"And finally, blood is pumped to the rest of the body through the aorta. The cycle keeps repeating and they are a 'pattern'." 

 

Finished the man, his golden eyes drifting with a small grin on his handsome face.

 

"This, is Haki." 

 

Aah... did this man mean that the flow of life was the way Haki flowed like the flow of blood vessels? Its repeating pattern is the basis of runes in this world? Is that so?

 

As if still seeing Cale's confusion, the man cleared his throat for a moment. 

 

"Think of Haki like a heart. Channeling its power is the same as channeling blood throughout the body." That was... a little enlightening (?).

 

"What about the flow of nature?" Cale asked without being able to hold back. Reddish-brown eyes widened in surprise by his own blunt question. Then peered awkwardly at the other man, because surely his question sounded strange.

 

"All reproductive organs of living beings in this world are designed in the same product. No matter the differences in ethnicity and race, they are all creatures of nature," the man explained, crossing his arms in front of his chest. As if there was nothing strange about his question. Eyes glared with a familiar look, which came from Cale himself.

 

'Why ask the obvious?

 

"Then..." motivated, Cale took the teleportation circle from his pants pocket, then thrust it at the man again. 

 

"Do you understand these forms?" Asked the red-haired man, barely containing his enthusiastic voice. Either overwhelmed or hot (?), the golden-eyed man cleared his throat for a moment and his cheeks flushed lightly.

 

Aaaah! He's embarrassed!  Glutton's laughter echoed in Cale's mind.

 

His emo aura was soooo damn thick  The Cheapskate mockingly chided him, which was immediately slapped away by another female ancient companion.

 

"The symbols are like the symbols on the Poneglyph stone-no, it's like an Ancient Symbol. Where did you learn it?" asked the taller man, his eyes narrowed suspiciously at Cale for a moment. Oh no, is the knowledge that the stranger said belonged to a dead knowledge in this world? Moreover, his sharp gaze seemed to ask, why would a civilian like Cale have access to this kind of knowledge. 

 

"My family learned it. It's... sort of our family tradition," Cale broke off, replying by layering on the half-truth of his words. The golden-eyed man stared intently and Cale returned it just as determinedly.

 

"Where did it come from?" At this question, the smaller man's resolve was caught off guard. For a moment, there was a flash of sadness in those eyes that was immediately well hidden.

 

"...far, far away."

 

Silence enveloped the two human beings, until finally the stranger focused back into the teleportation circle. Unexpectedly, a silvery light flowed through the man's hand and enveloped the Cale rune paper. The symbols glowed for a moment before dying like flames in the wind. Could Haki be used like that?

 

"The flow in these symbols feels wrong," the man said again. The dark lines under his eyes made the golden bead sharper. 

 

"You see, flow can be accessed through different intermediaries or structures, as long as the basic flow is the same." Tattooed hands stretched forward, lips pouting. 

 

"Paper and pen." Complying with the man's request, Cale took two items from his bag. Easily ignoring the other man's confusion by the immediate access of his magic bag. Without saying anything else, the man got to work. Cale's paper was simply torn by an invisible force. However, the shreds were very neat and square. Each paper had a larger section of rune symbols. 

 

The stranger with gold in his eyes drew lines that Cale believed to be the Haki flow, or blood vessels. He was very clever and dexterous, inevitably impressing the red-haired man. Eruhaben and Rosalyn would be very happy to meet this man in front of them. 

 

This man knew medical science and combined his theories with the abstract nature of Haki? 

 

If not a genius, then what else? 

 

"Hmmm, how about this?" the man asked, handing over a paper with a picture of a new rune. The Haki flow was round, but the lines twisted like a blood vessels. They then branched out and connected with the symbols on the runes. 

 

"Now, they resonate well with the flow of nature, if that's what you're worried about."

 

The index finger tapped the paper twice.

 

"As long as the basic flow is the same, you can combine it with any symbol." 

 

Cale could not help but be amazed. It made those reddish-brown eyes widen with a bright twinkle and the man had to squint at the sparkle. 

 

"You... where did you learn the... Ancient Symbol?" asked Cale, following this world's lingo so as not to raise more suspicions. The red-haired man began to take out more rune scrolls and blank paper. He had to keep experimenting so that his runes could penetrate time and space. 

 

"Anywhere," the man replied in a cold voice. But his golden eyes were watching his interlocutor who was now absorbed in his own world.

 

"Have you been studying it for long?" Confused the red-haired man, but his eyes were still on the paper. 

 

"A while, to understand Poneglyphs." Cale would ask Ace about this 'Poneglyph' later. 

 

Feeling very helpful, Cale stopped what he was doing for a moment to face the stranger. Respectfully, he bowed and gave a small sincere smile then. Not forgetting to mentally thank the voices that had guided this man to meet him. 

 

"Thank you very much... umm.." The man looked at Cale for a moment, golden eyes flat and calculating as always. Did this man have some sort of trust issue for strangers? 

 

Well, that was understandable.

 

"It's fine if you're not comfortable giving your name-"

 

"-Law," interrupted the man, golden eyes turning away from Cale with a hand moving to grab the hat. Squeezing it for a moment, inhaling and sighing. It was as if he was trying to brace himself and Cale could see how the man struggled against his nerves.

 

"My name is Law and... you're welcome." 

 

It seemed that this man was honest... wouldn't it be rude if Cale introduced himself as 'Bob'?

 

"Then, Law-ssi, my name is Cale." The red-haired beauty's hand extended. Pleased when the man accepted her hand then shook it once.

 

"Hmm, Cale-ya." Hooo? Look at this shy guy. Is he using Korean suffixes or is that just his signature style of speaking? Ace once told me about one of his crew members who always ended sentences with 'yoi'.

 

"Alright, I guess this is where we'll part ways? I really appreciate your help, Law-ssi," sighed Cale. Because didn't that man know? That Law had actually become the savior of Henituse's lost son to get home. 

 

Of course, favors weren't given for nothing, right? If he could, he would ask his hyungnim to give this man a gold plaque. Gold was very valuable in this world and was a staple of the daily lives of pirates and marines. At least there was something Cale should offer as his gratitude...

 

"How can I repay you, Law-ssi? If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me. I'll try to live up to your expectations," said Cale, while putting the new teleportation rune paper into his space bag. He skillfully and casually ignored the man's gaze at the bag in his hand.

 

"It's fine, you already paid for it." Huh? When?

 

Seeing the redhead's confused expression, Law cleared his throat for a moment. The tall, well-built body bent down so that their faces were level. So close that Cale's eyes squinted slightly, blinking in surprise at the doctor's slit golden bead. A blush was created on both of their faces, even more intense -on Law's face- as lips drew closer to the smaller man's left ear.

 

"You allowed me to insult that fat blob safely," he said, voice a whisper with low intonation.

 

Out of the corner of his eye, Cale saw Law grinning slightly, golden eyes flashing with danger and bloodlust. Intense hatred appeared from the way his tattooed hands were clenched, to the veins veined on his forehead and jaw. 

 

"You can insult them anytime, Law-ssi," Cale muttered, unconsciously raising his left hand to touch the navy-haired man's jaw. It instantly made Law step back so that his hand was in the air. Those golden eyes widened with small open lips.

 

Cale tilted his head, eyes blinking innocently with a cruel glint there.

 

"I can even slap them, if you want." A dangerous smile curved his reddish-brown eyes, which were now shining with invisible power. His reddish hair rustled in rhythm with the wind, as voices called out to each other. 

 

Ready to wreak havoc with Cale, to revel in the mortal sea, which had long dwelled in eternity.

 

"Can you?" Asked the man, his voice almost reverent. 

 

Cale nodded, not hesitating in the slightest. 

 

His hands were now itching. 

 

Wanting so badly to mess up, to destroy something.

 

Especially when Ocean came with the news, that the government sent three bastard to come pick him up. A coincidence that could be an opportunity for him. 

 

The bounty money.

 

The disgraced government.

 

Slapping the Shit of the World.

 

Maybe.... to bomb Marijoa? 

 

CHAOS!!! WE HAVE TO DESTROY EVERYDAMNTHING, CALE!!! I'M SO FUCKIN' EXCITED!!!  HELL YEAAHHH!!! WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE!!! HAHAHAHAHAH 

 

I'LL XXXX SEND A TSUNAMI WAVE TO THOSE XXXX BASTARDS MUEHEHEHE!

 

Tornadoes can easily destroy any building, right? :)

 

Me and Grandpa Rock can destroy the foundation of the island! Soil! Roots! Break through everything!

 

This grandpa is feeling very excited!

 

I-I have a great idea, Cale! 

 

All voices fell silent to focus on Crybaby.

 

E-we steal their g-gold and w-we dump them everywhere! 

 

There was silence for a moment. 

 

Crybaby! You're finally become like an adult! KYAAKKKK! 

 

Cale, you have to take responsibility, arra? You've influenced him_-

 

Very good idea, Crybaby. Cale's mind -ignoring The Thief's groan-, really liked the image that came to his mind. The scale was bigger than Thriller Bark and who was he to turn down such a lively party? There was nothing against anyone here, because Cale knew that every time he acted in his world, Alberu cried in a sea of documents. 

 

There was no Alberu here to bear his mess (⁠͝⁠°⁠͜⁠ʖ͡⁠°⁠)⁠ᕤ

 

Realizing he had ignored his new friend for so long, Cale chuckled. The red-haired man with the sweet smile extended his pinky forward. The sound of the children -Raon, Hong and On- echoed, asking for Pinky Promise in a honey-coated voice, echoing in his memories.

 

"Read the newspaper and my promise to you will be kept." Something shining in Cale's eyes made all of Law's doubts disappear. 

 

[ This new acquaintance is very strange. 

 

Cale with all the strange aura surrounding him repeatedly succeeded in making Law unsteady. His heart, which had long been frozen inside, he fenced in so strongly that its walls thickened. However, this red-haired stranger could penetrate it easily and Law let the man grasp the 'trust' that had long been buried with his protective figure.

 

If Law would normally brush off the feeling, why did he allow himself to be swept away by Cale's eyes?

 

The way those reddish-brown eyes sparkled, the sharp smile promising witty danger and the wind that enveloped him were strong. It was as if nature was rejoicing in his frail form, which did not even reach his shoulders. The man in front of him looked fragile but, why did the 'nonsense' he was spouting sound 'promising'? ]

 

The wrinkles of his smile made the sharp facial features soften. It was a little stiff, but it began to feel more natural. It was as if the man had not smiled in a long time, to his heart's desire. 

 

Law then accepted Cale's Pinky Promise and tied the promise with their interlocked thumbs.

 

"I will wait for you... Cale-ya." The red-haired man nodded and their hands unlinked. 

 

"Ah, before we part ways, do you have Den Den Mushi?" Law's golden eyes blinked twice then gave a curt nod. His hand reached for his hat and turned it upside down. There, there was a trasendent snail that was slightly smaller than his Speedometer.

 

"Can I borrow it for a moment? To contact my partner?" Law crossed his arms over his chest and nodded briefly.

 

"Thank you," Cale said, bowing lightly and reaching for the communication slug. The other man helped set up the device and even typed in numbers as Cale dialed them. 

 

More than 45 minutes had passed, surely by now Ace should be awake. Not wanting to make the worried man explode in anger like a fiery porcupine, Cale had to contact him now. As well as asking Rayleigh-ahjussi to do his job. 

 

Having voices as companions was helpful for providing information to the Roan commander. There were only a few hours left to relax and execute the plan, as three government dogs were in close range to catch him.

 

Purururururu.

 

Gacha.

 

The phone was picked up and the snail's face immediately changed to resemble the recipient. Annoyed gray eyes and freckles on his face. Cale was amused by the snail's face, failing to notice the golden eyes that widened in surprise at his side.

 

"Ace-ya," Cale called, then felt the stiffness of the new friend beside him. Eyes gazed in surprise for a moment at the stunned Law. 

 

"Cale, you bastard." Despite the annoyed grumbling, there was a smile that graced slug-Ace's face.

 

"Did you pay for everything?" Asked the redhead, not mincing words. They ate quite a lot earlier, btw. 

 

"That's what you asked when you called me? Not to tell me where you were, hm? " Now, pure annoyance colored the steel-eyed man's voice and oops, should Cale feel guilty?

 

Cale... you're become pretty WILD here, huh? Super Rock sighed and the red-haired master smiled humorously.

 

"I'm taking a walk," the pale-skinned man replied, his voice sounding innocent and the snail's eyes widened in disbelief. Ace could be very dramatic at times, Cale knew that.

 

"Going for a walk? Am I talking to the same Cale Henituse? The lazy sloth who needs to be carried all the time? " Cale was quite offended by these accusations, btw. 

 

He was not that weak, after all. 

 

... well, that prospect is thinkable. They were very tempting-

 

"Or..." If this was in an anime, we could see an imaginary annoyed tick appear in the forehead area of snail-Ace.

 

"... you're going to the Marine Base?"

 

Ace knew Cale very well, even though they had only been acquainted for two months. 

 

Damnnn, that poor Cookie Prince must be so jealous, taunted The Thief. 

 

Why should he be jealous?  The ancient powers gave a frustrated forehead-slapping image.

 

"Not yet," Cale replied calmly but held his excitement inside. He really couldn't wait to have some fun! Gold awaited his arrival and who was he to resist a primate glittering with purity?

 

This was a holy calling for Cale Henituse!

 

"Caleeeeee...." sighed Ace, his snouted face now showing closed eyes with trembling lips. However, the redhead knew that no matter what, the owner of those gray eyes would succumb to him. 

 

"Ah yeah, is Ahjussi there?" The snail's face contorted comically, showing Ace's look of annoyance very accurately. 

 

"What's going on?" The master on the other side of the phone scolded, while the corners of snail-Ace's eyes twitched in displeasure.

 

"Coating the ship. In two days?" There was shock on the snail's face, then almost 30 seconds of silence. Faintly, from behind Ace's main voice, came Rayleigh's voice that was filled with doubt as well as confusion.

 

"I-I need to see the ship first-"

 

"Then, Ace, you go with Ahjussi." The trasendent slug was very clever, able to copy the reluctant -nearly disgusted- expression on Ace's face and Cale let out an amused sigh. 

 

Cale had already given the man a chance to speak. So, Rayleigh had to do something.

 

"What? You want me to-" Ace's snail-gray eyes glanced over the edge.

 

"-go out with this.. old man?" Fighting, Rayleigh-ahjussi.

 

"I'll go to your location, so palliwa*." Cale disconnected the call before Ace could protest. The snail ended with a 'gacha' sound before falling back asleep and being handed over to its still silent owner. *(Palliwa = Hurry up in Korean)

 

Somewhat worried, Cale waved a hand in front of Law's face.

 

"Are you alright?" 

 

"...Red Riding Hood?" Law said, asking with blank eyes. 

 

"Yeah, I guess?" 

 

[ Not a girl ? Law wondered. ]

 

"Alright," nodded the golden-eyed man, deciding not to care because in the end, it was none of his business. Cale then stood up from his seat, hands spreading out many papers containing teleportation runes. The new friend looked between the two with a suspicious look and an incredulous realization.

 

"What are you going to do with it?" 

 

"Try them out."

 

"But they're untested?" 

 

"That's fine, we'll give it a try." The taller man sighed, already tired first. He then joined him on his feet, grabbed his cloak and put it on then grasped his sword. 

 

"I'm coming until you meet Fire Fist Ace." Reddish-brown eyes looked at the other man with confusion. Did Law want to make sure this rune worked? Or is he still suspicious of him?

 

I think he's worried about you, Cale. Super Rock chided and Cale dismissed that argument easily. They had just met, how could Law be worried about him?

 

"Please help me carry all these books," pleaded the redhead, calm voice looking at Law who nodded without hesitation. If Cale carried about 15 books, the man easily carried the rest. 

 

"I'll buy all these books." The red-haired man held out the books he had read - 43 in total - on the counter. Why so few? Because in the first 20 minutes, those were the only books Cale had read. Later, these books would be taken home as his memories of Ace's world. Eruhaben, Rosalyn and Glenn or even the children, would love his gift. 

 

"Thzat's a lot o' books, Young Master," taunted the shopkeeper, eyes scanning his appearance up and down.

 

"Do you want money or not?" asked Cale again, tone of voice bored.

 

"53 million berry."

 

"40 million berry."

 

"Huh? Don't ya know wher' all of these book com' from-?!"

 

"-I know and even half the books in your shop are fake. 32 million berry."

 

"Why the heck is it gettin' damn lower?! Hey, you bastard-!" The man remained silent as Law shot him a sharp look.

 

"20 million berry."

 

"B-but-!"

 

"10 million berry-"

 

"Alrigh'! 20 million berry!" growled the man finally, face flushed with irritation and anger. While his eyes stared daggers at Cale.

 

"10 million berry, deal." Cale took out the required money from his magic bag and placed it on the table with a graceful gesture. The shopkeeper stammered, unable to say anything and his eyes widened in disbelief. As if people like Cale really existed.

 

Paying no attention to the other pathetic humans, Cale put the book into the enlarged spatial bag. The two spectators looked on with their respective levels of shock. Like a mere small bag could fit all the books into it? Nah, he don't care about their look anyway.

 

"Come on, Law-ssi." The man with the towering height could only nod and follow Cale out of the store. 

 

Footsteps led them to a fairly quiet alley. Golden eyes glanced at the redhead taking out all the papers containing the Ancient Symbol then fell silent for a moment. As if lost in thought. Soon, the papers in Cale's hand flew into the air and scattered in various directions in an instant.

 

"We need to confirm all the locations. Are you coming?" asked Cale casually, as if he had just not used the power of wind or telekinesis to fly the rune papers (in Law's perspective).

 

However, Law only nodded. His body then stiffened as the redhead's right hand embraced his idle left arm. His hands then tore the paper and many shining symbols appeared under their feet. However, the symbols died in an instant like a lamp going out and Cale snorted.

 

"Not enough mana, huh?" muttered the shorter man, eyes staring at the new paper with focus. 

 

[ Law watched as a strange wisp of energy gathered around the paper, making the symbols on its surface glow dimly. Cale then tore the paper and they experienced the same process as the previous experiment. 

 

The symbol appeared under their feet. The glow went from dim to bright and vibrant until it obscured his vision. Then in the blink of an eye, their landscape changed into a different area. Law was stunned, realizing the scene of the Black Market became Area 41. This was the place where his crew promised to meet again after a temporary separation.

 

(Is this a mere coincidence?)

 

When he turned his head and was about to say something, the man with golden eyes was too lost in his voice.

 

"We did it, hm?" said Cale, who was at Law's side, still with his hand on his arm. 

 

The petite figure turned to look at him with reddish-brown eyes that shone like a cat. Curved by a sweet little smile. The frame of a pretty face adorned with rose-red hair. Matching with the faint blush on the pale cheeks, making the soft outline of the face charming as well.

 

(Did Law just say 'sweet'???)

 

Cale then unhooked his hands, pushed Law's back gently and waved to him. 

 

"Looking forward about me, arra?" The owner of the rose hair tore the paper and disappeared from Law's presence. 

 

Leaving the pirate captain Heart stunned. Eyes wide, he looked at the last place Cale was seen and chuckled in disbelief. The lingering euphoria was still there and it had been a long time since Law had felt it. 

 

'Pleasure'.

 

The man left colored traces in the gray landscape of his world. 

 

"I will waiting for you," Law sighed.

 

Adjusting his hat and hair, the golden-eyed man smiled broadly for the first time since Corazon left.

 

His figure disappeared into the crowd. ]

 

.

.

.

 

[Previously...]

 

Lowering his face so that they could meet eyes, Ace whispered,

 

"Thank you, hm?" For defending me.

 

The red-haired beauty was silent for a few seconds but started nodding briefly. Cheeks flushed lightly and his hand returned Ace's handshake just as tightly. The adorable blinking beady eyes were still staring at Ace attentively. Cute. 

 

"Arasseo," Cale snorted, though still sounding reluctant. How cute.

 

"Then, as punishment for making Ace cry, you must help me retrieve our head bounty, Ahjussi." Even if Cale ordered in a grumbling voice, he still sounded cute-eh?

 

Poor Rayleigh also made an 'eh?' sound.

 

Cale who saw their reaction, tilted his head and reflexively asked in an 'eh?' voice.

 

Cute but 'eh'?

 

"EEEEEEEEH?!"

 

.

.

.

 

[Now]

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

The steel-eyed man could only gape un-elite. 

 

The sadness, relief, joy, or whatever he felt before disappeared in an instant. It was replaced by surprise, annoyance, tremors, nervousness, and -willingly- enthusiasm. The steel-eyed man tapped his forehead once, laughing resignedly and knowingly. That he could not fight back as Cale now looked at him with doe eyes.

 

As if questioning what was wrong with his previous statement. 

 

"Of course it's wrong!" growled Ace, huffing where he stood. 

 

Crazy! 

 

Only that one word could describe Cale right now. 

 

Pretty, but crazy!

 

"Come on, wasn't that fun?"

 

Fun?

 

Did you hear that shit, my readers?

 

Unable to hold back anymore, the dark-haired man finally took a gentle grip on each of Cale's arms. After the smaller body straightened up, the hands moved to cup the redhead's beautiful face. So that those reddish-brown eyes were fully focused on Ace. 

 

"Do you think, dear Cale-" the hand changed from cupping to pinching lightly.

 

"-surrendering ourFUCKINGselves, then taking our own head's bounty damn money, and escaping from a prison filled with marines ass is FUN?!" Ace mercilessly stroked the cheeks of the cutie who was now trying to break free even though it was impossible. 

 

"Appo!"

 

"No 'Appo' this, 'Appo!' that this time! You didn't get over the Thriller Bark incident? And the kidnapping?!"

 

"Didn't we escape?"

 

"But what in the nani heck are the consequences?!"

 

"Getting gold and freed slaves, take them home?"

 

"Stop! Arguing! With me!"

 

"I'm telling you the facts-"

 

"I'm worried about you, idiot!" Having finished saying this, Ace panted roughly. Gray eyes glazed over with unfamiliar emotions, then released his pinch with a slow motion. The black-haired man backed away from their close distance, looking away. 

 

"Why... why did you make such a careless decision?" 

 

Of course, Portgas D. Ace did not doubt Cale Henituse.

 

Who had proven his strength over and over again. Be it his brilliant strategies, his deceptively beautiful face, and the strange energy that always surrounded, protecting him. 

 

Every moment they spent together was both exciting and frighteningly smooth. As if everything that happened would follow Cale's will. It was as if the word 'failure' was not allowed in the dictionary of the man with the jewel in his eyes. 

 

The feeling was thrilling and the world was grounded with Cale by his side.

 

Still, if something went wrong, it was just like his crew used to do before joining Shirohige. Then what happened to Sabo, because of his selfishness- 

 

"Ace-ya," a smaller hand, soft in touch, took his hand that was roughened by the harshness of life. Ace jerked to his feet, glazed gray eyes turning to look into reddish brown eyes that contained sweet warmth. Cale's face was calm, no gesture of coaxing at all.

 

"Are you okay?"

 

Ace's defenses collapsed completely. 

 

Why was he 'okay'?

 

"I'm... " Ace shook his head, weakly. 

 

Ugh. Why did he feel so... dull?

 

Wasn't Ace a fucking pirate? They challenged many things to seek pleasure, enjoy the world and gold! Why did challenging the Government feel scary to him? Whereas when he was with Shirohige's crew, Ace could easily mock them. Berating them and even when he was alone aboard the Striker, he could take on many marine ships. 

 

Ace was not afraid of the World Government. But, if it was Cale who faced-?

 

Grey eyes widened with realization. 

 

"Ah..." His eyes then lifted, the blurry vision became clearer and there stood the red-haired man. His face was calm but eyes shining with worry.

 

"No... it's fine," Ace replied, shaking his head and looking down again.

 

Ace was not afraid of the Shit Government.

 

But Portgas D. Ace was afraid that they would do something to Cale Henituse.

 

Cale with his complicated past, not to mention the theory that he was an experiment. Having so much power and with the news now circulating everywhere, isn't the redhead's position very dangerous now? Imagine the smiling Marines, getting a raise for bringing back an escaped experiment?!

 

"Um, excuse me?" Rayleigh's voice broke the silence. The two men who had been clashing in silence, glared at him sharply. Each, in exasperation for Cale and blankly for Ace.

 

"How about we talk about it inside?"

 

*******

 

"Convince me properly," Ace said coldly.

 

The man sat on a chair while crossing his arms over his chest. His gray eyes glared at the other two occupants of the room, Shakky and Rayleigh. Making the middle-aged couple immediately pretend to be in their own business.

 

"I have a plan," Cale replied simply. Ace nodded, eyes still unhappy but listening to the redhead just the same.

 

"At first, we'll confuse them," the smaller man continued. On the table, there were some familiar papers. They were the papers Cale had used after coming out of the Florian Triangle ocean, because after tearing them up, Thriller Bark was bombed for the umpteenth time.

 

"How are we going to 'confuse them'?" Cale laid out four papers with identical symbols. Rayleigh and Shakky, who were originally standing some distance away were now standing and next to the table where the two were discussing. 

 

"Me and Ace, will be traveling to four different places to outwit the bastards chasing me. There are three of them, there's the yellow one, the bear one and the sumo-" huh? 

 

"I'm sure, they're on their way to look for us right now. It's possible to meet tomorrow due to the distance of the area-" Wait, wait! 

 

"-we'll teleport to one of the places across from these bastards. We will appear in front of the marines, letting the information reach the ears of the three men-" Shakky and Rayleigh's faces were identical, with blank eyes.

 

"When they arrive, we will teleport again to another place. A total of four times and for the rest, I've prepared some reflections that look like us-"

 

"-CHOTTO MATTE KUDASAI, CALE?!?!" The man with reddish-brown eyes stopped his explanation. Momentarily unhappy that his plan was interrupted like this, but seeing the audience's paled faces, Cale fell silent. 

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Didn't I hear wrong? Bastard? Yellow, Bear and Sumo?" Why did they sound familiar?

 

"More precisely one admiral, one shichibukai and one marine, but he-" Cale was silent for a moment. As if trying to remember something-or, listen to something (?).

 

"-he's... a subordinate of the long-headed human?" Dr. Vegapunk?

 

"You... were chased by them?" asked Shakky, her voice low and small. The beautiful eyes widened as if in disbelief but were calmer than her husband's. 

 

"Yes. Right now, I'm being chased by them. That's why we have to get our money, Ace-ya." The black-haired master's head was throbbing now. Especially Cale who sounded unconcerned, when the man himself was now a special fugitive of an admiral. 

 

"Yellow... KIZARU?!" 

 

[  Somewhere, a certain Crown Prince suddenly held the back of his head. Hissing the names 'Cale' and 'donsaeng' repeatedly, blaming all the paperwork on having an aneurysm- ]

 

"BY THE DAMN OCEAN!!! YOU'RE ON THE LAM AND YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR HEAD'S BOUNTY MONEYH?!"

 

Shouldn't they leave now???

 

Forget waiting and meeting Luffy and the Mugiwara crew! Let alone looking for traces of the Cale family here! They're so stupid, huh?! Of course when Red Riding Hood's news spread in the newspaper it would have this much impact! Especially with his various powers?! Ace was so stupid for enjoying himself too much and not thinking about the risks-!

 

"Aigooo..." The owner of red hair sighed softly, hand moving to pinch Ace's cheek, as he always did to him. So the trembling gray eyes -due to being lost in thought- refocused on Cale. 

 

"Why are you guys so freaked out, hm?" 

 

Ace gave Cale a disgusted look. 

 

Seriously he was asking like that? Brotha euh.

 

"I'm fine, Ace... I have a plan and many will help me," he continued, emphasizing the word 'many' and Ace somehow understood who Cale meant or was he already out of his mind? The 'many' were the 'voices' the redhead heard?

 

"... huft.. continue." 

 

"Ace-kun?! Are you sure?! I-isn't this dangerous for you guys, Cale-kun?" now it was Rayleigh's turn to panic. His dark eyes widened with unfamiliar terror, looking back and forth between Ace and Cale. It was as if he was trapped in a memory and Ace was having a bad time. Did their current situation remind him of Roger and Rouge?

 

"Let's hear the plan from Cale-chan first," coaxed Shakky, at her husband's side while caressing Rayleigh's arm with a gentle touch. Dark green eyes glanced at Cale then nodded, instructing him to continue his explanation.

 

The red-haired beauty then explained the rest of the plan. They listened intently, doing their best to remain silent during the absurd parts of Cale's speech. Ace's gray eyes made sure the two middle-aged couples didn't say anything. 

 

"How was it?" asked Cale at the end.

 

Rayleigh and Shakky stared at each other then looked at the gray-eyed man who was now silent, arms crossed, brows furrowed and feet tapping the floor impatiently. They seemed to be considering the red-haired man's plan.

 

"Are you sure you can outwit this bastard? Based on rumors, Kizaru is one of the three most powerful admirals now," Ace asked, following Cale's term. Rayleigh at their side nodded in agreement.

 

"His Devil Fruit power is Pika Pika no Mi, which is of the Logia type. He can manipulate light and speed." Cale just shrugged unconcernedly, drinking the cold tea served by Shakky as they discussed at length earlier. 

 

"I don't have any problem with that," replied the owner of ruddy brown eyes calmly. But to Ace's surprise, he didn't sound dismissive of his opponent. That was... a good thing from Cale. 

 

Never underestimate your opponent during a fight. Whether your opponent is weak or not. 

 

"Alright then, Cale-chan. We'll help you as much as we can, so you guys can rest now, hm?" At this question made Ace look towards the window of the room, where the ceiling was now colored by dark ink. That meant night had fallen.

 

"Come on, Cale," grumbled the dark haired one, standing up from the spot while picking up their shopping bags from earlier. The young man walked towards the door, then turned around with an exasperated face when the redhead didn't move from his spot. 

 

"Nani? Don't you want to go to bed?" asked Ace, walking back to the side of Cale who was just sipping his cold tea until it was gone. 

 

"You can stay here," said the middle-aged man in the room, his dark eyes twinkling kindly with a wide smile. Shakky nodded beside him, taking over the empty glass and persuading Cale to come with her.

 

"HAH? CALE??? ARE YOU SERIOUS-?" The redhead seemed to have run out of energy and could only nod. This inevitably made the other man relent with a sigh of affection. There was still a lot Ace wanted to ask the smaller man. About the magic paper, where he went, and the validation of the voices that might have helped Cale. 

 

However, Ace held back. The pretty man's energy must have been wasted today. 

 

Ignoring the teasing glances from Rayleigh -the old damn man raised his eyebrows-, Ace followed Cale to their room.

 

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[Third Person's POV]

 

"Cale?"

 

"Hmm?" 

 

"You know what? If this plan succeeds, you will make a new history? For breaking into a marine base?"

 

"...humph. (ꈍᴗꈍ)"

 

"For the sake of the ocean. Why do you even look proud?" 

 

Ace could feel Cale stifling a laugh underneath him. 

 

Their sitting position was with Ace on the mattress and Cale on the floor, leaning between his legs. The black-haired man held back a blush, but otherwise sighed and chuckled lightly. The red hair on his hand was still wet, so he was drying it with a towel. 

 

After being led to their room, Cale immediately took the bathroom to wash himself. While Ace on the other hand organized the luggage and dirty clothes to be washed later. Then the redhead came out of the bathroom with only a white shirt that was half wet -by hair- and his usual dark brown pants. Seeing Cale about to lie down, made the steel-eyed man grumble impromptu. 

 

Ending up in their current position, where Ace was drying Cale's red hair.

 

"Hmm mm..." the smaller man hummed lightly, liking the way Ace stroked his hair so much that drowsiness began to invade his consciousness.

 

"Cale?"

 

"Hmm?"

 

Feeling that Ace did not immediately say something, made the reddish-brown eyes that were originally hiding behind the eyelids, open. The red-haired man looked up, brows furrowed as the expression on the freckled man's face seemed to slump in thought. 

 

"Why?"

 

Ace was still silent, but his eyes looked at Cale deeply. As if trying to engrave that beautiful face in his mind. Because his hand began to move to stroke the red hair, making Cale grunt and lean back on Ace's thigh.

 

"It's okay, Ace-ya," murmured the beauty, slowly defeated by sleepiness. Ace didn't answer, but his hand movements lulled Cale to sleep even more.

 

"We'll have fun tomorrow, arra?" 

 

"Why is that all you think about?" The pale-skinned man snorted.

 

"Why not? Life isn't just about fear and suffering," Cale said. His hand then rose up to grab Ace's hand, stopping the stroking motion of his hair. 

 

"Make yourself happy. You deserve it, Ace-ya." 

 

Then silence engulfed the two men, accompanied by a quiet sigh from Cale who fell asleep at his feet. Moonlight streamed through the window, drenching the sweet features of the beauty, lulled in the flower of dreams. So vulnerable, fragile and this ethereal figure was in Ace's grasp.

 

And Ace's heart melted, for the umpteenth time. 

 

"I was worried about you, idiot," whispered the steely-eyed man, immediately moving to carry Cale.

 

The other man wasn't even fazed by Ace's movements. The red head rested on his broad shoulders, muttering to himself with his hands clasped tightly around Ace's black shirt. Smiling slightl, the Shirohige commander laid Cale down on the bed. 

 

"Look at this, your hair is still wet, hm? What if you catch a fever?" The other man answered back with an uncertain mumble.

 

Ace smiled fondly, drying the remaining wet hair. After he thought it was done, the man then confirmed Cale's sleeping position. He arranged the pillows and blankets so that only comfort could be felt by the beauty red hair. 

 

Ace's heart felt like it was being squeezed by something, as the man in the blanket curled up while talking in a funny voice. It was as if he was trying to find a comfortable position. 

 

The sight made Ace unconsciously lay his body on the mattress, with a tilted position on the redhead's right side. His head rested on the folds of his left arm, while his right hand embraced the blanket-covered form. His fingers then gently patted Cale's back. Making the smaller man snuggle into Ace's chest and fall back into a deep sleep there.

 

"I want to protect you, Cale." Ace sighed softly, as he kissed the top of the red hair that gave off sweet citrus.

 

His mind drifted back, to the moment when Portgas D. Ace finally realized why he was afraid of something happening to Cale Henituse. 

 

The thought of something happening and hurting Cale, even if it was just a strand of his beautiful red hair, made Ace's blood pump with the embers of anger. That if it erased Cale's rare little smile, it would break his heart. That if the exhaustion Cale felt, caused by those shameless bastards, would make Ace's veins pop, thirsting for blood to the surface of his breath. 

 

Why did Ace feel all those things for Cale, but not for the others? 

 

Don't get him wrong. Ace would do the same to his family -the Shirohige and Spade crews- then to his little brother, Luffy. He would fight the world, if they hurt the people he loved. 

 

But, why was it different with Cale? 

 

Seeing how his reddish-brown eyes were glazed over with sadness, Ace's world seemed to crumble like pieces of shattered glass. That feeling brought about the realization in him, that all this time-

 

"I like you, Cale Henituse."

 

It wasn't just 'like', but, Ace also loved this guy, huh?

 

The hug tightened, as if he was trying to hide the redhead from the world that wanted to hurt him. 

 

Ace somehow felt calm, that his heart was with the right person. A small smile then settled on his handsome face. Giving a small kiss to the top of the red head repeatedly, repeating the same sentence in his mind so that sleepiness slowly lulled him. The words that Ace once feared so much, hated so much, but now drove him into a deep sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[In TCF's World]

[Eruhaben's POV]

 

This is very frustrating.

 

A man with golden hair looked puzzled, at the pile of papers scattered on his desk. A hand ruffled his hair for a moment, feeling frustrated. A growl almost escaped his thin reddish lips, before deciding to crumple the paper he had just written on and throw it away. More precisely on the pile of papers containing failed teleportation rune circles.

 

Why had civilization destroyed all the taboo research in the first place? Because because of that stupid decision, they were now adrift with very few clues! Moreover, the rune circle never showed any response from the place where they believed the beloved red-haired human was.

 

"-are you sure this is true-?!"

 

"-don't believe me?! I am the leader of Mercenery-!"

 

"-silence, you stopid leader-!"

 

"*gasp! How cruel you?! You're calling me stupid-?!"

 

"-why does this item feel wrong? I-this-!"

 

"-that thing, Jack! That tool is being used by black magi-!"

 

"-aaackk!"

 

"-WAHHHH-!!!"

 

"-YOU CRAZY?! DON'T REMEMBER HAVING MAGIC, EOH?!"

 

"-inside a-there's a cockroach-!"

 

"-COCKROACHES?! KYAAAKKKKK-!!!"

 

"-MISS ROSALYN-?! DON'T COME AT ME-!"

 

"-AAAAAKKHHH!!!"

 

"-HAHAHAHAHAH! ITS SO FUN! STRONG CHOI HAN, LET'S FIGHT WITH THOSE THINGS-eh? Why.. are you stepping back? W-were you scared too...?"

 

"Nyaa~"

 

"-YOUNG MISS ON! DON'T MAKE IT MOVE HERE! CHOI HAN HAS FAINTED-!"

 

"CHOI HAN-HYUNG?!" 

 

The golden dragon's head throbbed painfully. How could he focus on work when a crowd of flies was buzzing behind him?! And why had they all agreed to do this research on his mountain anyway?! And then, this annoying vampire! Why did he smirk at Eruhaben's side only to burst out laughing later?!

 

Driven mad by the chaos caused by Cale Henituse's comrades, the slitted golden eyes caught the faint light shining momentarily on the circle rune they had created. The rune served to track the traces of Cale using his Mana in whatever world he was in. More precisely, Cale's Mana was used to activate the Teleportation Rune. 

 

Approaching the circle pattern, Eruhaben was attacked by three forms of Cale's foster children. Each in the form of a cat and a dragon.

 

"GOLDIE GRAMP! DID YA SEE THAT!? THE CIRCLE IS GIVING OUT LIGHT!" screeched the young black dragon, on Eruhaben's shoulder and jumping up and down there. For the sake of the Realm, had they forgotten that this ancient golden dragon was so old?

 

"CHOI HAN NYAAA-!"

 

"ROSALYN NYAAA-!"

 

"HEY! LOOK! THE CIRCLE IS GLOWING?!"

 

"FINALLY! YOUNG MASTER CALE IS USING HIS MANA! BANZAI!"

 

"Eh, EH! RECORD THAT TRACE, YOU STUPID LEADER!"

 

"AAAWW! I'VE RECORDED IT, GLENN!"

 

"They are sooooo~ excited, hm?" laughed the annoying vampire, seeing the Henituse family now gathered around the circle with smiling faces. While the children chirped in sweet voices on the ancient dragon's lap. Raon, noticing Eruhaben's wry face, immediately touched his grandfather's cheek. Blue eyes blinked playfully, searching for traces of unrest in their dragon guardian's expression.

 

"I'm fine, little dragon," sighed Eruhaben and the children lit up with joy again. 

 

The human-transformed dragon then placed the three children on the floor and they immediately ran towards Cale's knight. Noticing, how some of the redhead's comrades were still mesmerized by the light that was shining brighter and brighter. 

 

Finally.

 

After half a year of disappearing without news, they found Cale's trail. 

 

"We proceed to the second step." 

 

Everyone nodded in anticipation.

 

The long wait was about to end. 

 

Eruhaben sighed fondly. He would see his naughty son again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Finally, I'm ready to type this chapter, finished in two days :")

And finally again, Ace confessed his feelings to Cale~ (p≧w≦q)
(*Law sad boy pt.2 wkwkwk)

What dya think, guys? About Ace expressing his feelings. Is it too soon? Because in my opinion, if Ace keeps denying his feelings, there will be a boring repetitive pattern :)

Even so, Ace's nature is still the same, still tsundere and grumpy~ but he will be softer and also more open to show his love to Cale cihuyyy- 🥰
Now, the matter is, how Ace to makes his feelings visible to Cale, who as you know, is DENSE AS ROCK :V

The rest of the chapter before the peak of the conflict will be filled with their romance, especially on Fishman Island... after that, yeah.. well.. heheheh *littlespoiler:)

 

NOTE:
*The Haki explanation part, reference from onepiece wiki
*The part of the blood vessels that Law explained, reference from google.
*The Haki flow that is the same as the blood vessels is purely from my own idea :)
*Ancient Symbol, reference from 'Ancient Rune' by Harry Potter

 

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Love~

 

Neri~ 🏂🌊💙✨
PS. This Fic still Need Beta Reader.
PPS. Once Again, because the messy translate... I'm so sorry, guys...
PPPS. Because I'm an Indonesian and English is not my first language...
PPPPS. If anyone is inspired by this couple (Ace x Cale) and takes the initiative to make a story about them, go ahead! 🥺🥺🥺
Yesterday someone sent me a message asking for permission to publish his AceCale story. However, when I wanted to reply, the message disappeared :")

So, please make more stories about them! I'll come visit and read them because I love this ship! 😭🙏❤‍🔥🌹✨

Chapter 19: #11 - Bad! Villain~

Summary:

Roller Coaster.

Notes:

This chapter is so weird, I don't know what's going on. But, this is for you Ig? ಡ⁠͜⁠⁠ʖ⁠⁠ಡ)

Happy reading and feel free to curse me for the silly idea of this chapter...
They're pretty ugly, I know that ｡･ﾟ･(ﾉД｀)･ﾟ･｡

This chapter was supposed to have more explanation about Sabaody's maps but I didn't have much time... they're so messy, I'm sorry huhuhu 😭😭😭
I almost have no courage to update this chapter in Ao3...

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PS. CALE IS SOOO DAMN OOC IN THIS CHAPTAH
PPS. This chapter has not been edited by beta reader
PPPS. Sorry for the rough translate 😔😭🥺🙏
PPPPS. THANK YOU SM FOR THE COMMENT! I LOVE REREADING THEM! 😭😭😭❤❤❤

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

Consciousness took over the sleeping flower, sensing that he was waking up in a warm cocoon that was very comfortable. 

 

The redhead groaned softly, trying to move his arms but to no avail. The movement was locked and it instantly brought Cale to full consciousness. Reddish-brown eyes blinked, trying to adjust from the vaguely dark scene. Was he being surrounded by a pile of pillows? Frowning, the 21-year-old moved his hand to touch the surface of the strange pillow in front of him. 

 

Huh? What is this? 

 

Why does the pillow in front of Cale feel harder? 

 

That thought was rewarded by the breathless laughter of the ancient power in his mind. 

 

Oh my... Oh my... groaned Glutton, sounding like she couldn't breathe anymore.

 

Why are you laughing?! You let Cale touch that bastard's chest-?!

 

Cheapskate! Shut the fuck up!

 

...chest...? 

 

Surprised, Cale seemed to find more strength to back away from the thing that initially locked onto the redhead's body. The pale-skinned man widened his eyes, immediately looking at Ace who seemed to still be deep in sleep. Except... there was a very faint blush on both cheeks. His breathing was panting roughly, as if trying to restrain himself from something exhausting. Finally, this fool is awake, huh? 

 

As if hearing Cale's thoughts, those gray eyes finally blinked open. Staring directly at the beauty who was still sitting dazedly, a foot away from where Ace was lying. For a moment, there was silence between them and the owner of the red hair was waiting for something. 

 

Like Ace was raging, screaming, hissing like a cat, or even on fire (?). Cale didn't know why the man reacted the way he did to their closeness, but since it had become a habit, he didn't find it strange anymore.

 

It was strange now!

 

Why was Ace still silent? Where were all the irritation, angry grunts or even the fiery outbursts? Why was the man just lying there, flushed face now subsiding into a soft hue, gray eyes just blinking lazily, as a small smirk appeared on his handsome boyish face. 

 

"Finally awake, hm?" 

 

A hoarse voice broke the silence of the room. Cale tilted his face with a puzzled expression, hands moving involuntarily to the front of his own chest which was beating a little faster than usual. When his eyes refocused on Ace, his breath caught as those steely eyes were intense, at the simple movements Cale was making.

 

Then, strangely, Ace laughed lightly. Still with a hoarse voice, typical of someone who just woke up. 

 

"Almost thought my stomach was a pillow, huh?" Gray eyes curved humorously. A wide grin, a smile of beaming teeth. 

 

"Such a hard stomach feels soft, hm?" 

 

What the-

 

Isn't Ace acting very strange right now?

 

Not very strange, but also different! 

 

"Ace-ya?" 

 

"Yeah?" Cale approached Ace. The other man moved from a lying position to sit leaning against the headboard. Crossing his arms, his handsome face tilted lightly and eyes fully focused on the redhead.

 

"Are you angry?" Gray eyes blinked.

 

"For what?" 

 

"For mistaking your stomach as a pillow?" 

 

Ace froze in his position for 10 seconds then sighed softly and laughed. Again. Cale backed away again, frightened by the sudden change. Was Ace really that angry at him that he changed his rampage method? Because Cale had thought that muscular stomach was like a pillow, it would hurt Ace's pride as a man. Not to mention their confrontation yesterday about attacking the marine base. Ace was angered by all that?

 

Cale. You're stupid, huh? You're so stupid! You should know that!  The Thief growled, suddenly out of his mind.

 

"I'm not angry, Cale." Ace's gray eyes shone with unspoken emotions, but the redhead felt overwhelmed by them. 

 

"You apparently can be stupid too, huh?" The man chuckled again, reaching out one hand to pinch Cale's left cheek. The movement was very gentle, almost playful. The taller man then moved from the bed to stand up. Afterward, he stretched his arms above his head. 

 

"Sleep again if you want. I'll prepare breakfast. You have to wake up when I call you later, okay?" Ace smiled widely. His hand stretched out once again, to organize the messy red hair to make it look neater. The gray eyes did not leave Cale's face, still with that strange twinkle of emotion. Before finally leaving the reddish-brown-eyed man in the silence of the unfamiliar room. 

 

Together with the ancient power of the woman who giggled strangely.

 

Seriously, isn't Ace very strange this morning? Cale's mind was filled with doubts and uneasiness. Despite that, the redhead obediently continued to lie down. Hands grabbed the blanket and piled it up into a makeshift pillow to hug.

 

What kind of strange?  Super Rock asked, his voice trying to sound neutral despite failing. The grandfather felt as agitated as any other woman's ancient strength. 

 

He's ... not angry? Wouldn't that be considered an affront to dignity?  Murmured the beauty again, humming softly. 

 

Perhaps he was being more gentle? For Uri Cale? Said Glutton, giggling again and the sound of their laughter annoyed the eldest Henituse even more.

 

Gentle your head. Cale snorted, shrugging as he dismissed the oddity that was Portgas D. Ace this morning. Well, as long as the man was physically fine, there was nothing to worry about, right? 

 

Speaking of which, don't we have more important things to take care of?

 

A wide smile broke out on the redhead's beautiful face. Cale could hear Raon calling out 'are we going to loot someone, human?!' in his mind, suddenly sighing softly in longing. Children would love this world. They -this world- was fun with all the strange things that thrilled his curious side. 

 

Perhaps, when Cale returned home, he could enlist the help of Rosalyn and Eruhaben, even Fredo to research more about teleportation runes. Maybe it could be combined with the theory that Law had taught him. Then they can go back to this troublesome world and mess things up! Oh yeah, this world is so boring with all its annoying flaws. Cale would happily destroy that dilapidated system with laughter and glee.

 

Unable to continue sleeping, the red-haired man quickly headed to the bathroom to perform his morning ritual. After washing his face as it was, the beauty descended the stairs to the kitchen area of Shakky's bar. Where in that room was a small dining area separated from the customer tables. There, Rayleigh was already sitting enjoying her coffee while reading the newspaper. Meanwhile, Ace was with Shakky in the kitchen, compactly cooking breakfast.

 

"Ah, Cale-kun, take a seat," greeted the middle-aged man, pointing to the chair by his side. The addressee simply nodded, sat down with a dazed look and waited for breakfast. 

 

Silence engulfed the morning atmosphere between the two men of different ages. Cale, who was still sleepy, blinked languidly at Rayleigh who suddenly cleared her throat.

 

"The ship's plating is ready," said the middle-aged man, now hiding his face behind the newspaper. 

 

That was fast. Cale thought, suddenly feeling less sleepy again. Then there was a soft hum from the Bada-nim (sea) that agreed with Rayleigh's words. That meant their ship was safe to sail to Fishman Island. 

 

So, the man of Roan descent nodded, smiled a little and gave a thumbs up to the white-haired man. Tilting his head as Rayleigh cleared his throat repeatedly with reddened earlobes. About to say something, Ace and Shakky came carrying breakfast to the table. A fragrant smell filled the atmosphere of the room and Glutton exclaimed happily in his mind. 

 

"Eits-" Ace held back Cale's hand who was about to take the rice bowl. Suddenly, the red-haired man pouted as his action was stopped and looked up with displeased eyes.

 

"Why is your face still wet, huh?" annoyed the dark haired man and Cale now blinked his eyes in confusion. Without saying anything, Ace then went upstairs to their room. 

 

Paying no attention to the other's behavior, Cale quickly picked up his own breakfast. A small smile thanked the former queen of Kuja for helping him. The woman seemed ready to pamper Cale, as her hands held chopsticks, picking up side dishes to put on the red-haired man's rice.

 

Rayleigh on the other hand also prepared hot tea, water and even milk for each of Cale and Ace's portions. 

 

"Gimme your face-" said commander Shirohige, as he arrived at the dining room. Ace immediately sat on the chair beside Cale, grabbing the beauty's chin with a gentle motion, so that their faces were again facing each other for a moment. 

 

"-just a moment," cut in the eldest Henituse, painstakingly eating his breakfast again. Inviting laughter from the two couples across from them.

 

"Geez, can't you hold it in for a minute, huh?" chuckled Ace, but did not hide the amused smile that appeared on his handsome face. Cale only hummed lightly, allowing the taller man to clean his still wet face with a towel. 

 

Ouch! Ouch! This Noona is melting!  Glutton exclaimed, making a fainting fit on top of The Thief.

 

You guys are very compatible. Amused the owner of the wind power and Cale nodded in agreement. Of course they were compatible because they were on the same frequency in thought and action. That was the reason why Cale and Ace became friends.

 

Aowkowkwowkk, what did you expect from Cale, huh?  The Cheapskate laughed. The redhead could imagine the ancient power of fire laughing out loud while holding his stomach. While the other hand was pointing at the female ancient power that had an annoyed expression on their face.

 

"What are you thinking about, hm?" Ace's question broke his reverie. Reddish-brown eyes blinked absentmindedly, at the black-haired man who was now drying the front bangs of his hair.

 

"Melting," Cale replied, rewarded with a blank stare by Ace and the strange atmosphere that began to surround the room. 

 

"I don't know what you're thinking, jst continue," sighed Ace, finishing towel-drying the redhead's face. Not stopping there, the other man then took out some pins and hair ties. As if it had become a habit, both Shakky and Rayleigh watched Roger's son tie the bangs that dangled to each left and right of Cale's head. 

 

So that the face that was originally beautiful fresh, was now clearly displayed and became very beautiful, very fresh. (What the heck that I wrote now? It's like going from S to S+ :v)

 

Feeling ready to take care of Cale, Ace started his own breakfast. Occasionally the man would urge the smaller man to eat another side dish, grumbling and advising. The owner of reddish-brown eyes occasionally nodded, accepting any ramblings with sweet silent compliance. 

 

Cale could realize the gazes of the other two people, who were watching them intently. There was a wide smile on the face of the woman with short black hair, making her beautiful exotic features stand out even more. While the husband's dark eyes were filled with warmth as well as longing. 

 

"How is it so far? Any other information?" Ace asked suddenly, after finishing his third plate. The gray eyes looked on calmly, without the slightest suspicion. Despite Cale's impromptu remarks/information that sometimes sounded absurd, the man with freckles on his face never doubted him. 

 

Cale... felt strange and also... warmed (?) by that thought. 

 

Because as long as his 'self' lived, beliefs weren't just earned. They come after our actions show that we can be trusted. Kim Roksoo was that kind of person, even when he was saved by Lee Soohyuk and befriended Choi Jungsoo. Then when he became Cale Henituse, faced with the situation of waking up and dealing with a former hitman who became his assistant? Will Cale just trust him?

 

Of course not. 

 

Choi Han, On, Hong, Raon, Hans, Rosalyn, Lock... and all the partners he met throughout his time as Cale Henituse. The act of building trust and solidarity. 

 

But what about Portgas D. Ace? 

 

Is it normal for Ace to trust Cale who is just a stranger?

 

"Cale?" The man who was called blinked then tilted his head lightly while resting his chin on his hands, looking at the Ace beside him who now looked worried. The man even stopped chewing, making his cheeks puff out playfully. 

 

The redhead sighed, raising one hand to pat the taller man's silky black hair.

 

"What am I supposed to do with you, huh?" sighed Cale. Couldn't shake the image of the wolf looking at him with wide, glassy eyes. So innocent, naive and strong. Warm, shy, grumpy but very protective. The face had a hateful expression but the eyes, like an open canvas, showed all emotions.

 

Ace lived in a dark ocean, but his presence was like a lighthouse. 

 

"Why the heck are you holding my head-?" Cale laughed at Ace's protest. Because despite the harsh words, this grumpy man let him rub his head.

 

"Hmm hmm, good job, Ace-ya." The rubbing changed to pinching the left cheek with freckles. The red blush accentuated that unique feature and haha, isn't this man very charming?

 

"All is good. Many will help us. So, have fun. Arra?" 

 

Once satisfied, Cale continued his last plate with a cheerful hum. Meeting someone like Ace was one of the best things for a slacker person like him. Who was lost in this strange but thrilling world. Heck, Ace had to join in the fun with him, because who wouldn't love to throw away gold? Especially if that gold belongs to the powerful bastards up there? 

 

Ace should learn about this fun!

 

One thing Cale didn't realize, was that the man he had torn his heart out with was now pensive. Hands holding a heart that was beating frantically with a blush still coloring his freckled cheeks. But the usually sullen expression was replaced with a trembling smile. By the joy and sweetness he felt now. It bothered Ace that he had to hold back from laughing.

 

What about Rayleigh and Shakky? 

 

Yep, along with the readers, they watched the interaction of the two with smiles full of joy. 

 

While their hearts were filled with amusement at their actions.

 

.

.

.

 

[One hour later]

[Silver Rayleigh's POV]

 

Let Ace summarize the plan Cale made this time so that it can be understood, in outline:

 

First, Ace and Cale would outwit the three bastards Cale was referring to. The yellow one (Kizaru), the bear and the sumo. 

 

Outwitting here means giving the wrong information to the headquarters at the point they are headed to. It started with them moving to four different places with teleportation paper. The distance between the four places had been carefully chosen by Cale, based on the long distance to give them time to run. 

 

Cale's 'friends' would help to disguise the signal, so that the news would not spread immediately, so for the time being the headquarters had trouble contacting these three people. This pattern would repeat for another two places, leaving the fourth place. If the trio then got busy at the fourth spot, they then moved on to the nearby marine base, where Rayleigh was already waiting in disguise. 

 

Shakky on the other hand took their ship to the waters that had a sea stream, heading to Fishman Island. In those waters, Jon Snow is also waiting at Cale's request ( much to Rayleigh and Shakky's surprise, the redhead is indeed that magical...).

 

Cale believes that their arrival at headquarters is something the admiral didn't expect. Was there a pirate or a fugitive with a high price on his head, giving himself up for nothing? 

 

( "That's you," said Ace, with an amused laugh.)

 

In this case, Rayleigh should be firm and ask for money first before handing them over. So, they could get the money safely, and then run away when the money was already in Rayleigh's hands.

 

If there is a scenario where they have to exchange it inside or in a special room, then the first priority is for Rayleigh to get the money first. It would be up to the two of them if they were caught-

 

"-wouldn't that be dangerous for you guys?" worried Rayleigh, as Ace re-explained Cale's plan.

 

Shakky at her husband's side was silent with calculating eyes. She stared at the map of Sabaody Island displayed there, wondering where this red beauty had gotten such a valuable item. The map looked so old! 

 

"This map looks very old, the location should have changed by now," continued Shakky, now with genuine curiosity.

 

"The older it gets, the more accurate the flow," Cale quipped. 

 

"How do we contact you? I think it would be risky to use Den Den Mushi," asked the former queen of Kuja. 

 

"You can use this." From his magic bag, Cale took out three gold coins that Rosalyn had modified. It was one of those magic tools that served the same purpose as a communication ball, but was designed in the form of a small item.

 

It reminded Cale momentarily of a phone. 

 

"Please add your haki power into this item," the redhead asked casually. Rayleigh and Shakky complied with some suspicion but also curiosity. 

 

Ace, at his side, watched quietly. Hands crossed in front of his chest, body slightly bent forward but leaning towards Cale. Almost leaning his large body on top of the red-haired man, who was now incorporating his own strange power. 

 

"Are you done? Now, Shakky-noona, try talking to Ahjussi." The two couples were surprised to hear Shakky's voice on Rayleigh's coin.

 

"What are these item? They're like trasendents but simpler." Shakky was amazed, looking at the object in her hand with sparkling eyes. Didn't this beauty know that this item brought a new breakthrough in the world of informers? 

 

"Let's call it a linking coin. We can talk to each other as long as we are in the same area, because for now, the coin has a limited range," Cale explained briefly.

 

"I'll give a signal in the form of a tap once, to call Ahjussi and then twice for Noona. You must be ready on the spot after receiving this code, give us 10 minutes and we will arrive at the location." 

 

To be honest, seeing Cale explaining his plan so confidently made the doubts in Rayleigh's heart disappear. 10 minutes? How could that man predict his plan in that amount of time? Who was Cale really? How could his small pouch hold so many items? The coin device provided was also highly advanced technology! Rayleigh could not guess where this beautiful man was from. 

 

Was it from Ohara? 

 

Punk Hazard? 

 

Egghead Island? 

 

Was Cale part of a certain tribe? Rayleigh thought he had heard of a tribe that specialized in studying the 'flow of the world', because he noticed that it was not uncommon for the redhead to say 'flow' in his explanations. 

 

Then again, let's not forget the news published in the newspaper! 

 

In addition to the flow, Cale had access to powers that seemed to be extremely dangerous! 

 

Wind? Fire? And a damn water? 

 

As Rayleigh recalled, no Haki could manifest its power in the form of elements. They were powers of "will". So, devil fruit? But, how is that possible? Wouldn't one's body be destroyed if one ate more than one demon fruit-?

 

"-are you okay?" Shakky's voice broke the reverie of the former Pirate King's right-hand man. When he looked up, his heart sank a little. Realizing how these two young men in front of him looked so young and carried such a heavy burden of a name. 

 

However, it was quickly dismissed.

 

Rayleigh grinned widely, emotions bordering on amusement and affection. Finally, the middle-aged man could not resist ruffling the black and red hair in front of him. Earning a weak protest from Ace and a confused look from Cale. These kiddo.

 

At least, in this reckless plan, they involved adults, hum? That thought immediately brought a sense of fondness in Rayleigh, as well as sweet warmth. 

 

"-If anything goes wrong, you guys should call this adult, yeah?" laughed Rayleigh lightly, raising his gold coin which was followed by Shakky.

 

"We'll come right over and help," his wife replied with a sweet smile and Rayleigh loved her dearly. Shakky sounded willing to sacrifice her broker identity to secure Roger's son and his lover and he was ready to tag along.

 

"Of course we'll call you. You promised to help," Cale replied confused. As if that's what he was going to do and suddenly, this reaction elicited laughter from the couple. 

 

"I'll keep him safe," chirped Ace, not to be outdone by the blush on his cheeks. Shakky sighed fondly.

 

"Oh, don't forget yourself. We'll take care of you too, Ace-boya." At this remark, Ace stammered a little with a deepening blush. The man leaned back in the chair that had slumped further down the table, still crossing his arms but looking away. So that they wouldn't see the embarrassed expression there.

 

When Cale snorted, the reaction spontaneously made Ace hiss like a cat.

 

"Why are you laughing?! You're laughing at me!" 

 

"-when? No, really-?"

 

"-don't ya think I didn't see it, huh?! You're snorting! Your breath is coming damn out-!" 

 

"-of course my breath has to come out, otherwise I die-?"

 

Regardless of the strangeness of Cale Henituse's origins, as long as Ace was able to express himself with happiness and a smile, Rayleigh could forget about it. 

 

It was all worth it, for Roger and Rouge's son to believe that he too deserved to be loved.

 

*******

 

[Two hours later]

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

If you can commit a robbery during the day, why wait for night to come? 

 

This was the first time Ace heard the craziest phrase ever. 

 

Coming from the owner of a beautiful face, framed by long red hair. Standing by his side, Cale Henituse in all his splendor and naughtiness was not good for Ace's heart right now. The way the shorter man stood with his arms crossed. Face tilted with a sharp grin and eyes curved with amusement as well as anticipation. 

 

'Red Riding Hood's' signature maroon cape was draped over the shoulder, not yet fully worn. Making Ace notice Cale's new look. A cream tunic with ribbon stripes on the chest, a waist strap hanging a small bag as well as some other tools. Dark brown pants fell to the calves, the bottom covered with tall black boots. Accessories such as Log Pose and bracelets adorned his right and left hands. 

 

Ace himself wore a black shirt accented with fire patterns. Knee-length black baggy pants, an orange belt with a pistol and small sword. Red beads draped around his neck and the strap of his signature 'Portgas D. Ace' hat dropped behind his broad back. Black boots, tapping the ground repeatedly as if impatient. His arms were crossed in front of his chest. 

 

"Are you ready to 'work'?" asked Ace, grinning enthusiastically as he leaned forward lightly, while turning to the beauty. 

 

"Why ask the obvious?" snorted Cale but his 'trickster' smile widened, getting carried away. 

 

"This." Gray eyes blinked in surprise as the owner of reddish-brown eyes handed over a pair of glasses. 

 

"Hah!" Ace couldn't help but laugh. The Shirohige commander chuckled and accepted the glasses. The taller man quickly put them on then made some cool poses to Cale.

 

"How do I look?" The asked master gave two thumbs up, now wearing his own sunglasses while putting on a serious flat face.

 

"So damn good." 

 

Ace laughed again. 

 

Oh no. Oh yes.

 

After accepting his own feelings last night, Ace felt the world around him become brighter with Cale's presence there. It was as if, the entire weight that had been settling in his heart, was slowly dissipated by just a simple thought. That they were still together and the world was grounded under the soles of their feet. 

 

If you were to ask, would Ace shy away after confessing these feelings? Then the answer is no. 

 

They tasted sweet. 

 

Like eating sugar candy. Soft. And warm. 

 

It stirred in him and Ace wondered, is this what it feels like to fall in love with the right person? And why reject this feeling that faith had created? 

 

"Carry me," the redhead commanded and Ace rolled his eyes, though amusement colored the emotions.

 

They would be running to four different places, surely our beautiful slacker Cale would be very reluctant to do that sweaty activity, huh? 

 

"Very well, Princess~" 

 

Ace then knelt down on one leg and stretched out both hands. A seductive grin was etched on his handsome face, heart pounding at the sight of the lightly blushing Cale. Sweet, by the sea christ, Ace wanted to shout to the world-

 

HOW CUTE IS A 'CALE HENITUSE' RRAAHH-!!! ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

 

Cale then sat on his thigh. The fingertips of the left hand wrapped around the shoulder idly pulling Ace's black hair, making the dark-haired man groan softly. But his smirk did not fade. Using one arm -left-, soon the taller figure carried the beauty easily. The right hand pretentiously looked into the distance, laughing as Cale slapped his head with the teleportation paper. 

 

"Are you ready, Fire Fist Ace?" asked the redhead. 

 

"Anytime, Red Riding Hood!" 

 

Identical grins were etched on the faces of both people and the poor world did not know what was in store for them. 

 

*******

 

( They should still have plenty of time. Ace would savor every moment so that Cale could believe that his feelings were real. The man could not help but think of the day when the redhead's hand would reach for his heartbeat and then accept the feeling with a smile.

 

Oh... let a man dream sweet dreams.

 

Even if he is in the darkness of this prison, that dream is even sweeter when you cannot reach it.

 

"Cale..." 

 

His call echoed in the darkness of the vault. 

 

Eyes closed, drowning in their feelings and sweet memories.

 

Yeah... savor every moment. ) 

 

.

.

.

 

[Marine's Base, Area 60]

[Third Person's POV]

 

As far as Borsalino knew, the two rogue pirates were still in Sabaody. They arrived on this bubble island two days ago and docked at the pirate area's harbor. The two were later spotted eating at a nearby restaurant and at the Hazbin hotel, one of the safer ones in the area. 

 

The next day, several eyewitnesses saw Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood walking around in area 29 until they finally disappeared and were nowhere to be seen. 

 

"They're like rats," chirped the subordinate sent by Vegapunk. The man with the large, towering body grunted, leaning the axe over his shoulder. Even so, his eyes narrowed at the unfamiliar expression on the okiji's face.

 

"Oi, Okiji, are you upset, huh?" the question was asked with a mocking and gleeful grin. A Borsalino who was the most relaxed -almost lazy- man in everything, even when expressing himself, was showing an annoyed look on his face.

 

"You... useless bastard," Borsalino hissed, lowering his yellow glasses, at the subordinate who was shivering in fear under the pressure of an admiral.

 

"What about Kuma-san...?" asked the owner of the light demon fruit, to one of the nearby subordinates. Observing the screen that showed a video image of the location believed to be where the two fugitives were hiding. Borsalino suspected that the news of their capture by the marines had already been heard. 

 

"He's headed for area 40, Kizaru-sama!" this reply made the man in the distinctive yellow suit raise one eyebrow. An emotionless robot like Bartholomew Kuma heading for the Amused Park? 

 

"Haahhh... I don't know why that religious face decided on Kuma-san in this mission, desu," muttered Borsalino at last, feeling too lazy to think about the hidden motivations of the made-up Pacifista.

 

"Religious face, huh? Okiji! You're calling Sengoku-sama with that?!" Sentomaru's laughter burst out, booming in the monitor room and extremely annoying. Without saying anything, the admiral sent a laser-like beam of light that was quite stinging to the big man's shoulder. 

 

"AAAWW! YOU'RE HURTING ME!? OKIJI YOU BASTARD-"

 

"Shut up, brat-" As if not deterred, Sentomaru only replied with an ignorant grin.

 

"Go to the east area. I'll head south," Borsalino ordered, finally rising from his seat while lifting a sheaf of documents in a lazy motion. 

 

"Order more marines throughout the area and lock down all ports. I'm sure, our favooooorite naughty couple is now planning to escape, huh? How romantic... how lameee," the man chuckled, looking calm on the surface, contrasting with his hands tightly gripping the documents in his lap. 

 

"Okiji, do you realize that you are violating the statutes set by the entire area?" Borsalino glanced at Sentomaru from the corner of his eye with a lazy gesture. A vicious grin was etched on that face while laughing lightly, as if the others were cracking a funny joke. Even so, a menacing aura began to emanate with eyes that glowed golden.

 

"Since when do Marines abide by statutes?" the man then crumpled up the paper until it was very crumpled and wiped both hands with it, as if they were tissues. The document containing the arrest order as well as the related laws, swept away the dirt of his hands and Sentomaru's blood ran hot and cold.

 

"Don't feel sanctimonious, huh? If we can catch them like this, why bother following the rules, hmmm? Kekeke-" 

 

At a moment like this, Sentomaru was convinced that Kizaru's figure was suitable for being a pirate. His morals and way of thinking sometimes need to be questioned. Because even their superiors did not understand the principles that the holder of this power of light adhered to. Some often pointed out that Kizaru was a person who carried out missions at his own 'speed', neither binding nor bound. His actions represented a gray area between Moral Justice and Absolute Justice, allowing Kizaru to operate with greater discretion. 

 

But, even so, the Vegapunk Guards were quite grateful that this strong man sided with the marines, at least. The ocean knew that if this man joined the pirate side, they would be overwhelmed by the additional dangerous force. 

 

"Ki-kizaru-sama! A-you have to see this! Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood were spotted at marine base area 70!" 

 

Borsalino's smile froze. 

 

The head turned quite quickly -different from his usual lazy movements- at the monitor room screen. Showing the two rogue fugitives he was hunting coming 'alone' to visit their base in the east. 

 

"Are they crazy?!" laughed the big man, in a tone of disbelief. Can you imagine, a fugitive with a huge bounty, coming to a place that has a price on his head on a whim?! If that's not what you call crazy, what is? 

 

"They're underestimating the power of the Marines!" growled Sentomaru, hand gripping the axe tightly and stomping on the floor with great force. This action could be called an insulting provocation! 

 

Sentomaru's eyes widened in disbelief as the two individuals known as Fire Fist Ace, along with his lover Red Riding Hood were now smiling at the Den Den Mushi's CCTV screen. The marines guarding the headquarters gate were blown away by the power of the invisible wind combined with Fire Fist Ace's fierce flames. Hell, even Sentomaru could hear the joyful laughter of these two madmen!

 

His eyes glanced at Borsalino who was frozen in place, emotions hidden behind the light of the glasses reflected by the monitor screen.

 

"Okiji! Why are you doing nothing?! We have to go after them-!"

 

"You go north, Sentomaru." The Government Doctor's bodyguard was jolted by the cold voice that rang out. The master who gave the order let out a long breath, then made a motion to break his neck and knuckles. It was a calmness that scared everyone, as they saw veins beginning to appear on his forehead as well as his jaw.

 

"To all marines in the 70th area, whether on mission or on leave, must go to the field and capture this rogue couple, okaaayy?" The towering man then bent down in front of the small computer, grabbing Den Den Mushi's walkie talkie that was connected to the base under 'attack'. 

 

"Oh, our favoooorite naughty couple, are you having fun, my deaarr ...?" asked Borsalino and Sentomaru refrained from gaping. 

 

Everyone watched as the two figures on the screen, who were walking through the headquarters' monitor room, approached. 

 

"Kiddo... want uncle to tell you a secret, hmm?"

 

"-ah, is the camera connected to the yellow one, Ace-ya?" The yellow one?

 

"-I guess. Do you want to see that bastard?" asked Fire Fist Ace and Sentomaru was disgusted by the voice full of love and affection that sounded.

 

"Peekaboo~" Borsalino's grin was painful to watch and Sentomaru politely looked away. Otherwise, he would have fainted from the anomalous attitude shown by the supposedly apathetic admieal, playing uncle-nephew like this. 

 

The two people on the screen were silent for a long time. Sentomaru, his focus was on the figure called Red Riding Hood.

 

The two couples wore sunglasses, relaxed and not even disguised! The smaller one, although well hidden behind the distinctive maroon robe and sunglasses, her pale skin looked delicate. A frail hand pointed at the screen with small open lips. The head turned between the screen and Fire Fist Ace repeatedly. The action made the taller man lower his glasses to focus on his lover.

 

"What's wrong, Red?"

 

"Pen pineapple apple pen?" 

 

...

 

...

 

...

 

Unexpectedly, the silence was broken by the laughter of Red Riding Hood herself. Her shoulders shook and she leaned back against the screen. Fire Fist Ace looked surprised by that reaction, giving them a glare as if it was all their fault. 

 

"Just stay there, desu nee, kiddo? We'll pick you up soon, hmmm?" Still quite patient -in contrast to the vein on hid forehead-, Borsalino said in a childishly coaxing tone. Sounds very creepy, btw. Whatever the Red Riding Hood said had awakened the 'annoyed' emotion in the apathetic Kizaru. 

 

"Ouch, I don't want to?" snorted Fire Fist Ace, sticking out his tongue mockingly. 

 

"Come on, Red! We've got it all, right? The money's safe?" This question made everyone round their eyes. Sentomaru trembled where he stood. Not from fear, but from amazement at the bravery combined with stupidity he had just witnessed. 

 

Not stopping there, Fire Fist Ace seemed to be having a hard time dragging his lover who had now started doing strange movements and chants.

 

"I have a pen-" Red Riding Hood raised her right hand.

 

"I have an apple-" then her left hand.

 

"Uh!" Both hands were brought together.

 

"Apple-pen!" Pointed the cloaked redhead at the screen, at Borsalino with a mysterious, almost mocking smile behind the cloak. Sentomaru timidly glanced at the Okiji, now the admiral's silence brought a moment of silence to the room.

 

Fire Fist Ace seemed not to believe what his eyes were seeing now. The man's face began to turn bright red as his lover now turned her head and gave a laugh. That strange action made Commander Shirohige laugh as well.

 

"Red, you're crazy, you know that, huh?! Hahahahha-!" Although there was already the sound of noisy footsteps outside the room of the two mischievous lovebirds, they were still able to laugh merrily. An act that completely underestimated the marines.

 

"Oh, we should get going," said Red. Gave a wave to the screen and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared. (Oh in a blink, till gone-)

 

What the... WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!

 

"T-they escaped!" One of the subordinates brought the CCTV screen of the base's outer area to the main screen, showing the image of Fire Fist Aceh running with flames at his feet from one rooftop to another. While his girlfriend was in an arm sling, her robe-clad hands were raised in the same motion into the air. There was a paper trail matching their pace and... Sentomaru's eyes widened. 

 

IS THAT RED HIDING HOOD THROWING MONEY ON THE STREET? 

 

Just like in the room earlier, their shadows then began to disappear in the blink of an eye. 

 

The monitor room became eerily quiet, in contrast to the chaos on the screen. It showed Sabaody citizens roaming the streets, trying to grab the money that was being thrown around. They even heard applause and exclamations from the citizens who were amused by the couple's crazy actions! 

 

"Okiji-"

 

"Go to their locations, catch them at any damn cost." 

 

At the speed of light, Borsalino disappeared from the room. Leaving Sentomaru and the other unfortunate subordinates behind, though some of them breathed a sigh of relief. The admiral's frightening aura was gone along with his trail.

 

For the umpteenth time, Sentomaru could only think of how crazy Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood were. Did the two not realize that they were creating water ripples that would later become a tsunami? Especially Fire Fist Ace's position as commander of the Shirohige pirates, one of the respected Yonko.

 

Well, Sentomaru shrugged as he walked towards the outside of the room. Tolerance is only visible on the surface, because pirates and marines will always be at war. No matter the status-quo, statutes or whatever. After all, it was Sengoku who gave the order to capture 'Red Riding Hood' alone. Since 'Fire Fist Ace' was with him as well, Shirohige's crew would definitely be involved. 

 

... ugh, Sentomaru's head was spinning thinking about the repercussions that would occur. 

 

For now, his orders were to head to the northern headquarters and stand guard there. Seeing the actions of the two who stole the marines' money, made a clue. That was the reason why Kizaru ordered all to guard along the headquarters area.

 

Even so, an enthusiastic grin was etched on the Doctor's bodyguard's face. The power to teleport quickly, the power of water, fire, and wind possessed by the redhead. As well as other mysteries surrounding the rising fugitive. The doctor must be very happy to dissect this unique 'specimen'.

 

.

.

.

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

"What were you singing about earlier?" asked Ace, as they were taking a short break in one of the alleys near area 53. Cale gave a small hiccup, covering his mouth with his hand while holding back the blush that adorned his cheeks. 

 

Images of his family waiting at home, probably gaping in disbelief, crossed his mind.

 

Guys, guys! This is serious! Have you ever seen a CALE HENITUSE SINGING?  the owner of the wooden power burst out laughing and panting.

 

Hush, Glutton, you're embarrassing the poor kid!  reprimanded The Thief even as she chuckled.

 

Oh my, Cale! Where did you hide all that XXXX talent and laughter? Damn, the dragon and the guards will be so XXXX jealous!  Crazy Kid giggled, laughing along with Glutton and rolling around in his mind.

 

Then, unintentionally, images of yellow Kizaru and PPAP singers flashed through Cale's mind. Not to forget the Record, which recreated the events of two moments that made all the ancient powers faint.

 

Damn, that bastard is the tartan!?  The Cheapskate's jaw dropped. All the ancient powers started laughing again in Cale's mind, inevitably making him snort. A spontaneous action that made Ace give a flat expression.

 

"Very funny, hm?" the redhead nodded, obeying as Ace wiped his lips with a tissue. Cleaning up the remains of the apple pie and milkshake they had bought at Amuse Park earlier. Sensing that his partner was starting to sulk, Cale then held both of Ace's cheeks. 

 

Not waiting for the other man's reaction, the touch of his hands went up to each temple and the fingers gently brushed Ace's black strands.

 

"I'll show you something," whispered the beauty. Couldn't help but smile a little.

 

Using the combination of his power flow and the power of this world, Cale showed back the visual of the Record that his ancient power partner had just witnessed. This power was the thing he had been thinking about for the last few minutes after meeting Law. Bada-nim (Sea) also kept his power stable and Cale was increasingly amazed by the 'will power' of this world. The resonance between the power of mana and the flow of natural haki was getting more accurate and the redhead felt more free to use his power without suffering internal injuries.

 

A man who closely resembled Kizaru, singing with the lyrics thrown out by him earlier, was attached to Ace's mind. 

 

Suddenly the man with freckles on his cheeks burst into laughter, the same reaction as other ancient powers. His body leaned forward, so that their foreheads touched. The smile on each face, still tinged with sweet laughter and amusement. Reddish-brown eyes blinked, at the sight of Ace's face before him, which was softened by lines of joy. 

 

His smile was very bright, with a blush on his cheeks. 

 

Like a child who had just learned to laugh freely. So honest with his feelings.

 

Then, the gray eyes that were originally closed, began to open slowly. The focus of those eyes was completely on Cale, not daring to look away. They blinked softly, spun by unfamiliar emotions and the red-haired man's stomach felt tingled by something.

 

"That's so cute, Cale," Ace whispered, still remaining in their close position. The other master, now distracted by the funny moment, returned a small smile and nodded.

 

"Yeah, I know right?" Then, they distanced themselves and for a moment, strangely, Cale regretted that action. 

 

"Are you ready to get back into the action?" Feeling the adrenaline rush again, the owner of hazel eyes nodded. A smile widened, promising the sweet chaos that was imprinted in his mind. The boisterous chirping of the crowd and citizens when he threw the money was thrilling.

 

Cale regretted that the children and Choi Han did not come along to enjoy this moment.

 

But, at least he was not alone.

 

"You should learn how to throw money later, Ace," the red-haired man said seriously. The hand wrapped around his shoulder -because he was being carried back- patted the cheek of the black-haired man repeatedly.

 

"If you love money so much, why do you waste them too?" Cale raised an eyebrow at that question. His eyes gave the impression as if Ace was asking something ridiculous.

 

"As long as they're not my money, why not?" Relaxing, as if there was no weight on his arm, Ace jumped onto one of the rooftops. Smirking as the marines on guard started pointing at them, while some others were talking into walkie talkies. Well, they still had plenty of time to play around.

 

"Spend the money too, Ace. You need to learn."

 

Oh no, I can't believe this! Uri baby is learning to whine! Kyaakkk!!! (❁'◡'❁)

 

Glutton, that's not quite the right word. Our Cale is learning to 'coax'.  Super Rock sighed affectionately in the redhead's mind. Making the man snort and try to prevent the blush from rising to his cheeks, which failed successfully.

 

C-cale... Y-you're so adorable! =////=) Not wanting to be left behind like the others, Crybaby gave the compliment with a happy hum in Cale's mind.

 

"Alright, allright," sighed Ace, succumbing to his laughter.

 

"Here, take it." The redhead took a wad of the marine's money from the small magic bag, handing it to the dark hair. Reddish-brown eyes looked sharp and analyzed any refusal and prepared to argue. 

 

Helpless -by Cale's cuteness-, commander Shirohige took the money with his right hand -because the left arm was holding the beauty-. When it came time to jump to another roof, she scattered the money and the redhead's heart was filled with satisfaction as well as pride.

 

"Well done. The children will be proud of you." 

 

On, Hong and Raon would be happy to teach Ace anything else. Heck, even the protagonist with his halo aura, Choi Han, was smarter in this regard. Poor Ace, this guy still had a lot to learn. 

 

Cale failed to notice the way Ace gaped at the word 'children' being thrown around. As well as at the sound of the ancient power starting to laugh again at the absurdity of the current moment. 

 

The red-haired man was too engrossed in throwing money in a different direction, with a smile on his face and a merry, crazy laugh.

 

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[Area 42]

[Shakuyaku's POV]

 

"-you're sure the kids will be okay? What if something happens-"

 

"For the fuckin' sea, Silver Rayleigh, if you don't shut up for a second, I'll break all your favorite things, hm?" The puffing of the cigarette made a picture of a woman who was running out of patience. Dealing with her husband's incessant whining for the past two hours. Right after parting with Ace and Cale, those cute kids.

 

"Didn't you sound so confident earlier?" Shakky sneered, unable to stop thinking about her husband's unstable behavior. 

 

"I-that's because they were only planning to 'trick' admiral Kizaru! Not to steal his money either!" Sighs Rayleigh on the other side of the phone, seemingly dying in her own place and guess what? Shakky didn't care for the man's dramatics. 

 

Instead, the dark-haired woman just chuckled.

 

"What can I say? Both are full of surprises."

 

"I'm going to hang up. Don't call me unless it's important. Stay where you are, dear husband, or you sleep outside tonight." Without waiting for Rayleigh's reply, Shakky ruthlessly cut the connection. 

 

Shoulders shrugged unconcernedly, smiling later as he heard the gossip that spread like hay caught in a fire. 

 

The news of Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood running around while spending money went viral. Colors ran in droves, looking for where the two couples were headed. Whether to cheer, for money, for comfort, or to mock, Shakky could only hope for one thing. 

 

That these two cute guys were having fun and that it was their job as adult to keep the fun going. Shakky had already ordered some of his own broker subordinates to observe the situation, in case something unpleasant happened. She would intervene directly. Rayleigh himself was also a figure whose strength could not be underestimated. 

 

Her green, dark eyes glanced at her special Den Den Mushi. The coded message was sent and a smile was etched on the former queen's classically beautiful face. 

 

'The kids are having fun.'

 

Shakky sent a reply to the code, not questioning how Shirohige's crew contacted her through this number.

 

Well, then, it's not just the two of them -Rayleigh and Shakky- anyway. Shirohige's crew was also ready to be the pillar that protected these two boys. A strange feeling came over her, the old woman could not shake the mental image that something big was about to happen. 

 

Then, there was a double tap of the connecting coin Cale had given her. 

 

A sign that Shakky should get ready on the spot. 

 

The woman with jet eyes steered the ship towards the waters of area 42, some distance away from the mangrove environment. With her own heartbeat, she waited for the figure of 'Seaking' who Ace rumored was a close friend of his lover Cale. As crazy as it sounds, Shakky bore witness to the large black shadow that was visible beneath the surface of the water.

 

Her heart was almost out of place when a pair of slit eyes peered out from the surface of the water and the poor woman gave a smile with a shaky edge. Shakky grabbed the anchor at the back of the ship and threw it down, seeing Seaking 'Jon Snow' swimming towards the dropped anchor. 

 

The sea creature then swam back to the surface with the anchor bitten off. Ready to drag the ship towards Fishman Island's ocean currents. The woman's heart couldn't help but melt a little at the image of the ferocious creature's obedience. Reminding herself that the Seaking was now a close friend of Cale's and had even been named Jon Snow. 

 

As it was about to speak, Seaking then growled softly. Fearful slitted eyes glanced in one direction and Shakky knew that someone was watching them now. Hands moved to retrieve his special weapon, a dagger with an iron hook, wrapping it expertly around each arm. The body moved into fighting mode with haki rippling beneath his skin.

 

How surprised he was to see a familiar large man emerge from hiding. 

 

What was Bartholomew Kuma doing here?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guys!

You must see this new fanart and follow them too!!! 🥰🥰🥰

 

First, from my dear Swannie :

Tiktok : @eyes_0f_eternity

Youtube : Eyes_0f_Et3rnity

 

 

 

 

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Then from our dearly Noetchi! :

Twitter/X : @instantrecord

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Finally~
I'm tired of chasing this fic for two days :)
I hope the story isn't weird, guys ಥ_ಥ)

It feels like this chapter is being hunted by something but I dunno...? If something feels weird to you guys, feel free to correct me, my dear 🥰🥰🥰🥰

 

But, really, what was I thinking anyway :v
Pineapple Apple Pen 🤣🤣🤣
I don't know what got into me while writing this, but Kizaru's face is the PPAP singer himself, I'm sorry if anyone feels offended! ಥ_ಥ)🙏

And uuhhh, the way Cale is really OOC here but how can't I made it? Adrenaline is taking over and Cale is having sooooooo much fun here huhuhu, my baby deserves it!!! 😔😔😔❤❤❤🌹🌹🌹✨✨✨✨

 

Btw, regarding Cale's power, it will be explained in detail as the story progresses, through the narration of his thoughts. So that it doesn't feel like a plot hole :)
And about Ace expressing his feelings, I hope his reaction looks natural to you guys. Maybe I will edit it again when I have more free time...

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With Love, Neri 🌹✨

Chapter 20: MINI OMAKE #5

Summary:

Reactions of some people by the actions of our favorite RomCom couples~

Notes:

Please, don't forget to read the note, guys! (◉⁠‿⁠◉)

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Oh my, I just forgot to tell yall, for Portuguese readers, this story has finally been translated by one of our friends, Haizen-nim!
You can access the translation on Ao3 in the note at the beginning on my prologue page.
Or.... you can support her wattpad account: @Ackermanrivaille984! ꉂ(ˊᗜˋ*)♡

Thank you for your participation and support! 🥰🙏❤‍🔥🌹✨

[MINI OMAKE] :

[Mugiwara's POV]

 

"Heeehhh-???!!!" 

 

The navigator was gaping at the news that had just been thrown out by Shakky, the bar owner who was the mechanic's wife. The place where Hatchan had taken them to line the ship for Fishman island.

 

"W-what??!!! Are you serious, Shakky-san?!" uttered Ussop again, his face paled with two hands holding his cheeks in disbelief. 

 

"Geez, the news is still very hot in these two weeks. If you go out now, you can still hear people talking about them." Shakky chuckled, her voice sounding happy and affectionate.

 

Sanji, glanced at one particular poster covered in glass and gulped down saliva. On the news, two people they recognized. One was Portgas D. Ace who was Luffy's brother and on his side was his girlfriend, Red Riding Hood. The news photo was set against the backdrop of a bustling crowd, a mix of citizens, pirates, marines, bodyguards and a world nobleman sitting in his own high chair.

 

RED RIDING HOOD SLAPS WORLD NOBLES?! PERSONAL REVENGE?!

 

"Oh my," Zoro whispered, stunned by the news he was reading. 

 

Hatchan had just reminded them to stay vigilant and not oppose the government, especially the World Nobles who often roamed this place. And now, plastered in front of them was the news that Luffy's brother's lover had done that taboo thing. 

 

FIRE FIST ACE CLAPPING?! IS DIS GUY IS CHEERING ON HIS GIRLFRIEND!!!???

 

"I swear, this writer is a fan of them," laughed Shakky, rubbing her eyes that were now watery with suppressed laughter. 

 

"I don't see this newspaper in print?" asked Robin, more out of genuine curiosity.

 

"The government destroyed all the printings. I was lucky enough to get it," giggled the dark-haired woman. Her eyes gazed fondly as Luffy now read the news carefully, with Chopper sitting on his shoulder. Two hands were placed in front of the glass and his black eyes moved left and right, trying to understand with a comically serious face.

 

"These two brrrro's are so fuckin' coooorrllll!!!" Franky chuckled, on Luffy's right side with his hand rubbing his chin and thinking.

 

"They even wasted money and bombed the base?! My heart is beating so fast by this news even though I don't have a heart! Yohohoho~!" laughed the skull, to the captain's left.

 

"WHAT???? THAT CRAZY PERSON WASTED MONEY??? WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL THIS TIME-!!!" Nami shrieked, prompting the rest of the crew to read the news.

 

Yep, their mission to find Rayleigh was completely distracted by the news of Fire Fist Ace and his girlfriend, Red Riding Hood.

 

"SOOOO DAMN SUGGEEEE-!!!"

 

"Watch your word, dear captain^^" Said Robin calmly.

 

"-THEY'RE SO COOLLL! HOW CAN THEY DO ALL THAT AND THEN RUN AWAY? I WANT TO DO IT TOO! AAAAAAAAWWWW! :( THEY HAVE TO TEACH ME THAT MYSTERIOUS POWER!!!" Luffy started whining on the floor, stomping his feet and hands in all directions with teary eyes. His actions made Sanji and Zoro pick their captain's head casually, while Robin chuckled at his captain's side.

 

"Ittai!!!"

 

"THE SEA CHRIST, Luffy is getting poisoned!" Poor Ussop, could only gasp in fear and mouth a prayer. His actions made the innocent Chopper, frightened as well.

 

Shakky observed Ace's little brother's crew with an affectionate gaze. 

 

"Ah yeah, Luffy-kun, here's a letter and pocket money for you." The boy recovered from his whining quickly. A sweet young face, combined with dark eyes that sparkled with childlike charm, not forgetting the wide, witty grin etched on his lips. The hand picked up the letter with unstoppable enthusiasm, read it immediately and giggled to himself. 

 

The simple image brought smiles to the crew's faces. Ah, they loved the captain.

 

"Minna! Ace will be waiting for us on Fishman Island! He said it's safer there!" After saying that, Luffy took turns taking out his pocket money, laughter sounded so sweet then danced funny on the spot.

 

"Pocket pockettooo is from Cale, right?! Uh huh, I loooooove him! Cale and Niku are the best in the world! Aha, Ace too! Shishishishi! Robin! Where's my piggy bank?! Cale gave me some pocket money! Ne, ne! Look, look!?"

 

Rayleigh will love this kid.

 

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[Akagami's POV]

 

"Oiiii captain! Your daughter is in trouble again! HAHAHAHAHAH!" 

 

"Where, where? It's Reddie, isn't it?!" 

 

"Here! Look at it! KEKEKEKE! What courage this sweet girl has! She slapped the World Nobles!" 

 

BURST-!

 

The beer that the red-haired captain was drinking, splashed onto the body of their newest subordinate. The poor guy was now complaining about his wet clothes. 

 

"NANI THE FUCKKK!!!? SLAPPING A WORLD NOBLE?!" The paper held by the chef was snatched up at the speed of light. Dark brown eyes read wildly through the writing, ignoring the way the rest of the crew peered over it. Even the laughter from his right hand. 

 

"Bro, huh? Hah... HAHAHAHAHAHAH-!!!" Unable to contain himself, the crimson-haired man laughed so hard that he would have fallen backwards, had he not been restrained by his sharpshooter. 

 

"For the shake of sea... your daughter even slapped him wearing a marine outfit," sighed the right-hand man, shaking his head with a small smile.

 

"WHUAAAAAT? BUAHAHAHHA!!! MARINE KINKS-!"

 

"HEY! STOP IT! YOU PERVERT-!!!" 

 

"Hey hey heiii~! Didya I tell you that this girl is not my daughter?!" The captain's protest was so weak that it was rewarded with flat stares from the entire crew. 

 

"Hufttt, imagine how happy Uta would be to have a siblings?" sighed one of the crew members. 

 

"But her father refused! How cruel!" 

 

"And Luffy! Ace is his brother, isn't he? Hey, captain! You're going to be in-laws to Ace! HAHAHAHAH! YOU GUYS ARE BECOMING A REAL DAMN FAMILY!" 

 

"Aaaawww isn't that so adorable?!"

 

"Captain! We have to meet this girl! Reddie has stolen my heart! She throws her stolen money on the street. She's adorable!" 

 

"Beckkyyyyy-" whined the captain, unable to resist the yapper from the rest of the crew. Crowding around him with sparkling eyes and joyful laughter. They had been acting like this since Red Riding Hood's appearance two months ago. 

 

Every time news came out, they would get excited like it was a concert and stick all the documentation to the wall of the ship. There was no shame in proclaiming how adorable their captain's 'daughter' was having fun against the world government. 

 

"You'll have to deal with it, captain." The vice chairman resigned solemnly and the poor haired man was again drowned out by the crew's insistence. 

 

"OII OIII OIIIII!!! STOP YOU GUYS, KONO YAROOO!!! DON'T WE HAVE TO PARTY NOW?!" finally, unable to take it anymore, the leader of Akagami's pirates exclaimed in a loud voice. Either because of his drunkenness or the same craziness as the crew, raising his full beer glass, the man began to exclaim-

 

"FOR MY GIRL WHO SLAPPED THE WORLD NOBLES! KANPAAIII*!!!" (*Kanpai = Cheers in Japan)

 

"KANPAAIIII!!!" 

 

Everyone cheered uproariously. 

 

Akagami no Shanks watched the scene with a small chuckle.

 

Undoubtedly, he too wanted to meet this 'Red Riding Hood'.

 

And strangely, Shanks felt that soon, they would meet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

NOTE!!!

Sooo... umm, guys? 🤧🤧🤧

After much consideration, I decided to focus on just one fic first, which is RED CHERISH :)

Like what I said in wattpad, I want to finish this fic, because there's only a little bit left. After Fishman Island, Impel Down, then towards the peak of the conflict, in the Marineford arc ᕙ⁠(⁠͡⁠◉⁠͜⁠⁠ʖ⁠͡⁠◉⁠)⁠ᕗ
The reason is, my ideas really flowed freely in this fic. It was so easy to type, not complicated. I'm afraid I'll also get Writer's Block... I also want a new fic, a fresh new idea :")

That's why, we will see many updates from this fic. And, I also have more plans for this fic! :3

Maybe in between RC updates, other fics will be updated as well, depending on my mood and busyness in RL (because I haven't had my research yet, because my lecture is ghosting me:")). After finishing this fic, then we will focus on other fics, especially Altalune. Because that fic is also coming to an end (⁠⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

Okay, guys? See ya later in the next update xixixi ヾ(´︶`♡)ﾉ
Thank you so much for understanding, you guys are the best! ꉂ(ˊᗜˋ*)♡

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Love, Neri
PS. I JUST LOVE TO READ UR COMMENT GUYS! ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥
PPS. I'm sorry for the new idea of marines outfit, I don't know what came over me, I'll try to include that nonsensical plot in the next chapter :)
PPPS. This chapter is unedited and will be edited as soon as Beta Reader has time hehehehe
PPPPS. I apologize for the bad and rough translation... (´T ͜ʖ T`)♡

Chapter 21: #12 - The Whisper of Memories

Summary:

"Hey, Kuma-ahjussi," called Red Riding Hood.

 

"My name is Cale Henituse." He pointed to himself.

 

"Give my regards to your daughter, hm?" 

Notes:

This chapter is dedicated to Bartholomew Kuma. Who has remained a good person, with a thousand reasons that justify him being a villain :)

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For reminder.
Although this fic already has a Beta Reader, edited chapters will follow soon. So is this chapter, which is updated raw and not well edited. They are the result of the help of a translator app :")
Happy reading! 🥰🙏
Don't forget to visit the new fic and give support hehehe 🤣🤣🤣🏂🏂🏂

 

[Previous Chapter...]

 

"Well done. Children will be proud of you." 

 

On, Hong and Raon would be happy to teach Ace anything else. Heck, even the protagonist with his halo aura, Choi Han, was smarter in this regard. Poor Ace, this guy still had a lot to learn. 

 

Cale failed to notice the way Ace gaped at the word 'children' being thrown around. As well as at the sound of the ancient power starting to laugh again at the absurdity of the current moment. 

 

The red-haired man was too engrossed in throwing money in a different direction, with a smile on his face and a merry, crazy laugh.

 

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[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Wait a damn minute. 

 

It seemed like Ace heard something from Cale. 

 

Children ... ?

 

Does Cale have children?  

 

Since when? Has he gotten married? And "children" means... more than one? Seriously? The implication of those words seemed to suggest that Cale intended to introduce Ace to his "children," which meant... he should also meet his wife? Cale planned to introduce Ace to his family, who had children and a wife... ???

 

... Hah.  

 

It felt like a bolt of lightning striking his poor little heart. The realisation made Ace stop suddenly, right on one of the rooftops, and stare blankly for quite some time. His actions made the man in the youngest commander’s embrace furrow his brows. His reddish-brown eyes sparkled with disapproval and confusion.

 

Unable to stop himself, Ace asked bluntly. It even sounded displeased. 

 

"Do you already have a wife?" 

 

...

 

...

 

Ace felt annoyed when he saw Cale’s expression go blank, as if he were the odd one out here! Wasn’t it only natural to ask such a question after spending more than two months together? Setting aside his annoyance at the news, how could this red-haired man travel across continents with Ace when he had children and a wife to take care of???

 

"Why does it matter if 'I already have a wife'?" the shorter man retorted, annoyed that Ace's face was still scowling. He even looked angry. 

 

"You said 'children'! Isn't it natural to have a wife if you already have children?!" the black-haired man accused again. His argument sounded childish for a moment, but he couldn't stop. Something inside him seemed to be seeking validation, and they were 'thirsty' for it. 

 

"Yeah, right. Do I look like I've been wearing a ring all this time?" Cale pushed all his fingers into Ace's face. Though his eyes were flat, he could sense the other man's irritation.

 

"Hey! I can't see!" 

 

"See? You're blind." 

 

"HOI!!!" 

 

Cale didn’t stop. The redhead instead grabbed Ace’s black hair with both hands, forming a braid. Then he played with it as if he were in that famous mouse chef film. Ace protested weakly, shaking the brown-eyed man on his arm to make the other man stop. As he tried to lower Cale, the grip grew tighter. The taller man gave in and finally laughed.

 

"You're bipolar, huh? Angry one moment, laughing the next," Cale teased, messing up the black hair until it was a complete mess. Satisfied with the state of the hair, the man being carried snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. 

 

"Move, quickly," he ordered, pointing in a safer direction. Vaguely, Ace could hear the loud shouts of the marines behind them.

 

"You never told me. How was I supposed to know?" Ace muttered, turning away. He blushed slightly because he sounded so childish now. Damn. 

 

Where had his firm resolve gone? Ah, they must have been swept away by Cale's charm 😔🙏

 

"I'll tell you later," Cale replied suddenly calmly, and the black-haired man's face lit up. 

 

"Really?!" The man being asked nodded and shrugged. 

 

"If you want to—"

 

"Of course I want to! Don't you know how much I've been holding back from asking?! You already know about Luffy and the Shirohige crew, but I don't know about you! Even your strange power? I only got information about the blood vomit-"

 

"But, you didn't ask?"

 

Ace gave the most disgusted expression he had ever made. The redhead in his arms dared to grin mischievously while tilting his cute face.

 

It was pointless for him to feel annoyed at Cale if the ending turned out like this. Ace dared not ask because he felt he had no right to know about this beauty's past! They would soon part ways to return to their own journey. Setting aside what happened in Sabaody, it didn't go as expected because the World Government suddenly started chasing them. At least Ace wanted to know a little about 'Cale Henituse'.  

 

Besides, the red-haired man also looked very sad when talking about his hometown, and who would dare to dig up those sad memories? Cale didn't initiate the conversation either, so Ace was being very polite by not asking.  

 

Right?! 

 

"Aigooo... this big baby is sulking," Cale chuckled. It wasn't good for Ace's poor heart when the man's hand lifted to gently pinch his cheek. 

 

"Right, right," Ace nodded. He snorted and nodded while closing his eyes. His cheeks flushed cutely, but he couldn't help but melt under Cale's touch. 

 

"After all this chaos ends, we can talk about it." 

 

Ace's heart raced uncontrollably at those words. Thankfully, they still had time to spend together on Fishman Island. After leaving the island, Ace would take Cale to another island while trying to contact his family. The black-haired man had to keep his promise. 

 

Bring Cale home before finally chasing after Teach again. 

 

For a moment, the steel-eyed man's heart ached. The previous thoughts filled with euphoria, hoping Cale would realise his feelings instantly, vanished. Though a smile still lingered on his face, it didn't reach his eyes. Confusion and unfamiliar anxiety coloured his heart, causing his grey eyes to stare blankly at Cale's cheerful yet expressionless face as he looked around at the surroundings. 

 

That thought made Ace rest his cheek on the red head, causing Cale to glance away uncomfortably. The other man tried to move the black head while muttering under his breath, prompting a small laugh from Ace. 

 

It was all about time. 

 

Let Ace get through this first, okay? 

 

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[30 minutes later]

[Third Person's POV] 

 

"Where are we now?" On one of the roofs of a two-storey house, Ace lowered Cale to the ground. The red-haired man grabbed his Sabaody map and pointed to the second location. 

 

They had initially been at the marine base in the Tourist Zone. They then moved to their current location, Hotel Town. This area was close to the main marine base, which was believed to be empty now since the yellow-haired man was likely chasing them at the first location. 

 

"As per your plan, when the yellow-haired one comes here, we'll move to the third location, right?" Ace asked, pointing to the Amusement Park area. This is where Shakky brought their ship to the waters of Fishman Island. The other man nodded, eating the candy given by the other black-haired man.

 

"Should we get ready now, Ace?" asked Cale, grinning sharply with his eyes sparkling at the sight of the marine headquarters. It made Ace feel both horrified and amused, as he imagined seeing the Berry symbol in those beautiful reddish-brown eyes.

 

But who was Ace to refuse? 

 

"Make sure your cloak doesn't flap open. You have to keep your identity hidden, hm?" Ace advised, as the man began to tidy up Cale's appearance. Ensuring no facial features were visible to the world, well-hidden beneath his signature maroon cloak. 

 

"Yeah, yeah, all safe," replied the smaller man, almost with a sigh. 

 

Before heading to the front of the base, Cale looked up at the sky. His reddish-brown eyes glowed faintly before nodding. His hand reached for the Marine weapon he had stolen from his magical small bag, then aimed it at the CCTV monitoring the outer area. When they were turned off, the Marines on guard panicked at the sound of gunfire. 

 

"They're there!"

 

"Heol?! Is that Red Riding Hood?!" 

 

"Ouh may gyat! SHE LOOKS EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL-"

 

"HEY, WHERE'S YOUR BRAIN, BUDDY?! SHE'S A FUCKIN' PIRATE!!! YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE HER FACE!!"

 

"AND SHE'S ALSO FIRE FIST ACE'S GIRLFRIEND!!! CAN'T YOU SEE HIS GIRLFRIEND IS READY TO GO ON A RAMPAGE ?!" 

 

Cale, crazy for Ace's heart for the umpteenth time, even laughed at the last shout. The black-haired man's face grew hotter and redder. He fanned his face repeatedly, unaware that steam was beginning to rise from his head. The marines' shouts grew more chaotic, and the steam turned into flames that burst forth, covering his face and both hands.

 

"AAAAKKKHHH-!!! HIS FACE IS ON FIRE!!!"  

 

"RIP YOU FOOL! WHY DID YOU TEASE HIS GIRLFRIEND-?!"  

 

"WHEN DID I TEASE HER-?! I-I WAS JUST PRAISING HER-?! ITTTAAIII-!!!"

 

These crazy bastards... Ace growled inwardly as the fire grew hotter and reached its peak. At the same time, Cale's laughter grew louder. Hearing that laughter made the black-haired man go limp and helpless. The fire died down instantly, and he called out to Cale in a soft, whining voice.

 

"Cale... why are you laughing?" he whispered, his voice feigning sadness, and the red-haired man knew it. He let Ace rest his forehead on his shoulder, a pout adorning his handsome face, and his grey eyes glistening like a wolf cub's. 

 

"Arasseo, arasseo. I won't laugh anymore," chuckled the smaller figure, one hand raised to pat the other man's cheek. He could feel Ace's smile and childish giggles. 

 

(They didn't notice how the marines were making disgusted faces and gagging at the show of affection.)

 

"Are you ready?" Cale asked again, The Thief's cheerful shout echoing in his mind. Still sucking on a candy, he enjoyed watching the marines prepare themselves before chasing after them.  

 

Ace, who had finally calmed down, though still flushed, nodded. The man stood tall with a wide, mischievous grin on his handsome face.  

 

"I'm ready!" 

 

As the marines began to approach, the larger man carried Cale and jumped down. Without a care for stepping on the unfortunate marines' feet or shoulders, the two man laughed joyfully. When the distance between them and the crowd of marines was far enough, the red-haired man extended his hand forward, where the flow of this world began to gather in unison. With empty hands, Ace joined in, adding his own flame. 

 

The two men exchanged glances from the corners of their eyes, identical grins on their faces. 

 

They launched their destructive attack simultaneously with a shout—

 

"Boom," from Cale, calm yet cold, then—

 

"-SHAKALAKA!" from Ace, fiery and wild. 

 

The youngest Commander Shirohoge whistled at the marines flying around or busy trying to extinguish the flames from their clothing. Seeing their opponents preoccupied with themselves, the two men with black and red hair continued into the base without significant resistance. Everything was easily overpowered, and no high-ranking officer was strong enough to defeat Fire Fist Ace. 

 

Just like at the first location, Cale headed to the treasure storage room. Ace was genuinely curious how the other man knew where the money was or if it was already marked on his money-obsessed radar? Dude, Nami would be so jealous of Cale's ability. 

 

They entered an office that looked quite luxurious, and Ace snorted, already able to guess the signs of corruption from this room.

 

"This bastard is such a piece of trash," Cale muttered, quickly reading through some documents on the table. Meanwhile, his hands were busy trying to crack the safe's code. The genius was playing his part here, and Ace was enjoying it as a devoted spectator. 

 

"You look like a villain, Cale," said the freckled man in a sweet voice. He received a sly grin from the smaller man. 

 

"Should I try laughing like a villain?" 

 

"Ho! Yasshhh! I want to see it!" Like a good boy, Ace sat on the sofa facing the desk. Where Cale sat atop a pile of scattered papers, glasses perched on his forehead, a candy in his mouth, the safe on his right folded leg while his left foot tapped the small table beneath it repeatedly. 

 

"Finally—" the safe opened, Cale took a stack of money and held it above his head. 

 

"—this money is mine." The money fell, scattering like flowers. 

 

"Hahahaha!" 

 

Then laughter echoed, so wide and sincere. Cale looked the happiest when the money fell, soaking his body, causing the curve of his smile to even bend the lines around his eyes. 

 

Poor Ace—how many times had that phrase been repeated?—could only sit there, clutching his chest. He reacted like a hysterical teenage girl, blushing like a boiled crab. Despite that, the man took the camera from Speedometer and photographed Cale like a professional photographer. 

 

"Yes! That's it! Head up a little!" 

 

"More money! Yeaaahhh, mannn, it's better!"

 

"Laugh like that! Fuiyyoohh! How handsome!" 

 

"You damn gorgeous man!!" 

 

The two men laughed again, giggling and not hesitating to tear apart the office space for fun. Ace watched with a heart overwhelmed by pure joy as he held Cale's hand. The red-haired man, with a wide grin on his face, stomped on the desk. Jumping from one piece of furniture to another (with Ace guiding him) while shouting that there was lava on the floor and he couldn't fall into it. 

 

Then the marines, who had been occupied with Cale's trap, began to approach. Ace gently pulled the red-haired man's hand, and the man standing on the corner of the room jumped toward him. Skillfully, the larger man caught Cale, carried him, and fixed the red-haired man's appearance. Ace didn't stand idly by; he kicked one of the windows and jumped out-

 

******

 

"They're crazy!" 

 

"You idiot?! They're pirates! Since when have those bastards not been crazy?!" 

 

"But this is the third floor?!" 

 

"FIRE FIST ACE CAN FLY IN THE AIR?! DID HE LEARN THE TECHNIQUE-?!" 

 

The marines could only stare in amazement at the crazy couple now walking in the air amid a blast of fire. Wondering if Commander Shirohige wasn't tired of controlling Haki with such a famous technique from Cipher Pol intelligence...

 

WUIISSSHHH-

 

In the blink of an eye, a golden beam of light stopped beneath the pair, who had now landed on one of the roofs. The figure who had just arrived was none other than Kizaru, standing with his hands in his pockets. The admiral's usually relaxed expression had become so tense that you could see golden sparks emanating from around his body. 

 

"Hello, kiiiids~? Enough playing around, hmmm???" Kizaru's greeting suddenly made everyone who heard it gasp and shiver. They quickly turned their gaze to the speaker, seeing Red Riding Hood waving an old piece of paper before giving the middle finger. 

 

The power surge intensified, and as only a line of light remained, leading to the two lovers, all eyes watched as they vanished. Leaving Kizaru standing exactly where Fire Fist Ace and his lover, Red Riding Hood, had been. The hearts of the unfortunate marines sank in fear, as they saw the admiral's face grow increasingly sombre and serious. 

 

"Did..." 

 

"DID THAT CRAZY COUPLE JUST GONE?!" A hysterical marine shouted, only to be struck by his comrade. His outburst made Kizaru's mood even more unsettled, and his gaze grew darker. 

 

"HEY HEY HEY, DO YOU GUYS KNOW?! HEADQUARTERS AREA 70 IS ALSO UNDER ATTACK BY THEM !" 

 

"WHAT?! AREA 70?! WHY DIDN'T THE NEWS REACH US HERE ?!" 

 

"THE COMMUNICATION NETWORK IS DOWN! SOMETHING IS INTERFERING WITH THE DEN DEN MUSHI NETWORK! " 

 

"Hey, that means they'll attack another place, right?!" 

 

"Order everyone to stand by," Kizaru's somber voice suddenly echoed through the chaos of the marines. Some of them screamed in fear—a reflex—while others suddenly collapsed like jelly—overwhelmed by the weight of Haki. 

 

Some marines whose brain networks were still functioning began to work. However, nothing happened. As one of the other subordinates had shouted, the Den Den Mushi core network was somehow disconnected or even blocked by something. This prevented them from contacting other bases. The office was in the same chaos, where money had been stolen and the communication network was completely destroyed.

 

"Yabaiii... this is really becoming... so frustrating, isn't iiiiit? Neeee? Ugh." The admiral complained, feeling extremely annoyed for the first time in a long while. *(Yabai = Ouch, Bad in Japanese)

 

The glasses he usually wore were now folded and hung in his jacket pocket. His hand was raised, massaging the bridge of his nose, while his head throbbed as he pondered alternative solutions to this chaos. It would take a considerable amount of time if he had to manually notify all bases, as unfortunately, they did not know which base would be attacked by this mischievous pair.

 

"Hey... you who still have brains—" he muttered, his eyes looking down on some of his marine subordinates.

 

"-split yourselves into groups and run, you bastards." His dark eyes now shone golden as the light began to envelop his tall body once more.

 

"Ensure all branch bases are warned."

 

.

.

.

 

[Rayleigh's POV]

 

It had been a long time since he had waited in silence, without any news like this. 

 

If Shakky had already arrived at her mission location, then Rayleigh was still in the same place after three hours. The coin hadn't given a code yet, and his feet tapped the ground impatiently. Especially since the news that the two crazy couples—Rayleigh had finally dared to call them that—had broken into the marine headquarters and stolen their money. His hand raised to massage the bridge of his nose. 

 

His itchy hand wanted to contact his wife, but the threat from the former queen of the Kuja tribe couldn't be ignored. 

 

There sat Siver Rayleigh, once famous in his prime as the right-hand man of the Pirate King, in a tavern near the marine base. Like a worried father wondering why his son hadn’t shown his face yet. The white-haired man sighed softly, fiddling with the communication coin with a grumble. 

 

Cale Henituse is crazy. Portgas D. Ace is crazy. 

 

Rayleigh didn't realise that the madness of their youth had been passed down, and he didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that realisation. What was clear was that he decided to pray for the safety of the two men who were committing a criminal act. The thought seemed funny to him until the dark-eyed man couldn't hold back his laughter. 

 

To avoid arousing suspicion, Rayleigh decided to buy some items at the nearest shop. Though his demeanour appeared relaxed, the middle-aged man remained vigilant, especially surrounded by marines. Ignoring the troops now lined up and on guard, the former pirate entered the clothing store. He briefly regretted that Shakky wasn’t there to help choose good clothes.

 

"Is there anything you'd like to buy, sir?" one of the shop staff, noticing his awkwardness, approached with a friendly smile.

 

"Um... could you recommend two... or four sets of clothes?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck and giving a shy smile. The dark-haired woman nodded and laughed.

 

"Of course, sir! I'm here to serve you! Approximately, how tall are your son?" Rayleigh blushed at the question. Ace and Cale... as sons... 

 

"There are two of them, and they're already grown. One is about this tall? And the other is shorter..." The woman blinked twice and nodded. With skill and expertise, she began showing some models, and now Rayleigh understood the woman's difficulty in choosing which clothes to buy.

 

His eyes fell on a matching set of clothes, one black and the other light brown. They shared the same accents and patterns, made from soft wool, almost like winter attire. Instantly, he imagined Ace and Cale wearing the clothes he had given them, smiling broadly and enthusiastically. Oh no, this feeling of excitement and pride couldn’t be stopped.

 

"Would you like to add this as well?" the store staff asked, so perceptive, and the man could only nod. Without caring about the price, he ended up with four sets of clothes and other undergarments, which were then packed into a bag with a qiankun design.

 

Before he knew it, Rayleigh had spent nearly one hours in the store, and the coins still showed no signs of the arrival of that chaotic couple. As he was about to head toward the game area near the base, a knock was heard, and his dark eyes widened. He immediately ran toward an alley slightly away from the marine base, took out a piece of paper with strange symbols, and placed it on the ground. For a moment, he was intrigued, as the symbols written there were almost identical to the Ancient Symbol.  

 

Soon after, the paper burned, and a large symbol appeared there with a bright light. In the blink (till gone) of an eye, two men with different features appeared, whole, with black and red hair. Worry vanished as laughter came from their giggles, a joyful euphoria felt sweet in the air, filled with the rhythm of youth, so Rayleigh smiled at them too. 

 

"Ahjussi," greeted the red-haired man, as if just noticing his presence. Then the taller man raised one hand and waved. 

 

"Having fun, hm?" Both of them fell silent for a moment, observing him carefully.

 

"You make that sentence sound natural," Ace muttered, his face wrinkling in displeasure. Cale beside him nodded in agreement. 

 

"Pineapple makes it sound like a pedophile, right?" This time, Ace nodded seriously. Rayleigh could only imply that... this damn Pineapple... had done something unpleasant to his children? 

 

"Who is it, boys?" Now, Rayleigh's friendly voice grew colder, his eyes hinting at a daytime murder threat. His dormant Haki had awakened and was now raging wildly. 

 

"None of your business—"

 

"Admiral Kizaru, ahjussi. He's so scary, I felt afraid when I saw him..." Not noticing how Ace gaped at his 'future' lover's words, Rayleigh's focus remained on Cale's face, which had been joyful but was now gone. Replaced by familiar sadness and fear, marked by shoulders trembling like leaves in the wind.

 

Has... has Kizaru verbally abused his boys?!

 

Gently, the red-haired man freed himself from Ace's grip to touch his arm. Those beautiful, almond-shaped eyes were teary, lips pressed together as if holding back tears, cheeks flushed. Rayleigh's conscience was pierced instantly, unable to imagine a child as good as Cale receiving such cruel treatment from a marine admiral. As far as he knew, the three admirals were not the type to engage in sexual acts and tended to avoid all forms of disgusting violence.

 

Ace’s mouth dropped open wider, almost disbelieving, as Rayleigh patted Cale’s head and stroked his cheek with the tenderness of a father. Seriously, didn’t that man see the sly grin now etched on that beautiful, deceitful face like a fox’s?! 

 

Cale didn’t do it, btw.

 

“Don’t worry, Cale. This Ahjussi will take care of it for you, hm? You can focus on this mission and destroy their furniture and buildings as you please. Ahjussi and his wife will handle everything." Ace wasn't spared the head pat either, while the smallest man nodded with a shy smile. 

 

Ace, how are you? 

 

Apparently already mentally unconscious. 

 

Wkwkwkw.

 

.

.

.

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

Ace sighed, suddenly feeling sorry for Rayleigh for being manipulated by Cale's tears.

 

But what else could he do? The tone of voice between the two men, Kizaru and Rayleigh, had a different and undeniable effect; the Pineapple sounded... more pervert?

 

Ignoring the thought of killing, he shifted his focus entirely to Cale, who had now put on his maroon cloak again. They were currently being dragged by Rayleigh and bound with iron chains coloured like sea stones—these were fake. Rayleigh walked towards the marine post, which was the farthest distance from the other bases, so information from headquarters had definitely not reached them yet. 

 

For a moment, he admired how perfectly Shakky had created a convincing fake identity for Rayleigh. The white-haired man was introducing himself as a pirate hunter named Boogey Man. The brief interrogation continued about who had been hunted, weapon identification, and hunter numbers. They were complete and flawless.

 

Ace reflexively let out a low growl as one of the marines tried to approach Cale to open his cloak. Rayleigh also intervened, saying it would be better to open it inside. If that happened, he was ready to stab all the eyes that saw the beautiful face of the red-haired man. 

 

"What's that, old man? The bag you're holding? Hey, you! Check that bag," ordered one of the marines on guard at the front post, his eyes cold and sharp.

 

"Ah, it's just a gift of clothes for my sons. You can check it calmly," Rayleigh replied, just as coldly. His eyes shone intensely with power, his hands clenched tightly, as if ready to attack the marine who made the clothes tear. 

 

Sons? Does this old man have son??? Why aren't they—oh...

 

The clothes aren't for children's sizes.

 

They were for adult men, with two different sizes and four pairs. Grey eyes flickered, watching Rayleigh who remained staring ahead with a small smile on his face. Hot steam rose to his cheeks, and Ace snorted, holding back the joy that threatened to overwhelm his heart. Pushing the thought aside, because the children the old man was referring to were they... right?

 

The marine put the clothes back into the bag and returned it to Rayleigh. They looked displeased because the old man's words were true, and they found no other criminal evidence.

 

"Alright, we'll conduct a thorough search inside, so you can get your money there. Hey, you! Go to the central room and report to Admiral Kizaru that a Pirate Hunter has captured the criminal Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood!" The one giving the orders seemed to be the highest-ranking man at the base. There was a smug grin on his face as he looked at Cale with interest, and for the sake of the sea, if this wasn't acting, Ace would gladly stab and destroy those damn eyes.  

 

As if sensing his unease, Rayleigh's gaze followed Ace's before narrowing sharply. His Haki was truly overwhelming now, and the marines were below his level. 

 

"What are you waiting for? Lead the way." Turning with a force that felt like a storm, a friendly smile was etched on his face. It was utterly fake and deadly.

 

One of the marines then tried to drag him forward, but he forced himself to keep walking alongside Cale. There was no way Ace would let the red-haired man walk behind him, with more marines standing guard. Seeing how stubborn Fire Fist Ace was, the marines finally gave up and let him walk beside the smaller man. 

 

"Are you okay?" he asked, ignoring the sailors who were growing annoyed by their interaction.

 

Cale peeked out from behind his cloak and hood, then gave a small smile and nodded. But Ace wasn't satisfied; they'd already moved around a lot today. Teleporting to several locations within an hour's timeframe, all using Cale's strange power. The poor man’s energy should have been drained, and Ace feared the beauty was exhausted. The freckled man persistently asked another question. 

 

“If you’re tired, just lean on my shoulder, okay?” 

 

A groan was heard, and he stubbornly ignored the complaints of the singles. 

 

Cale chuckled softly, following his disguise as a woman, and without hesitation, moved closer to Ace’s left side to rest his head on that broad shoulder.  

 

This shocked the audience and made them feel disgusted—except for Rayleigh. 

 

"Hey! How dare you show off your affection when you're about to be arrested?! Don't you realise the situation?! YOU DAMN COUPLE! YOU BASTARDS, I'LL SEPARATE YOU-!!! 👹👹👹!!!" The marine, who couldn't take it anymore, finally vented his frustration, but was quickly restrained by his comrades who still valued his life. 

 

Despite that, the marine continued to complain and shout in protest, followed by the others. Especially when they saw the couple giving them the middle finger, plus Ace sticking out his tongue. It was truly despicable! 

 

The youngest Commander Shirohige could feel Rayleigh's gaze as they were now forced to part ways. Ace and Cale were dragged into the corridor, while the man remained in the front room at the marine service desk. The situation had led them to Plan B, so Ace heightened his vigilance. This plan entirely depended on whether Rayleigh could obtain the money, and he truly hoped the man could carry out his task. 

 

"This way—" his grey eyes widened, vacant as the group of marines escorting them split into two. He was now being dragged away from Cale. Damn it.  

 

DAMN IT!

 

"Hey. What are you doing, you bastard?" hissed Portgas, his eyes widening threateningly as Haoshoku Haki emanated from him. For a moment, the marines flinched under his gaze and power, but since they were in their own base, one of them replied with a trembling taunt.  

 

"What else? We're separating you, bastard. You won't see your lover again—" The marines laughed heartily. As if enjoying provoking him and waiting to inflict a heavier punishment. 

 

Hold on, Ace. 

 

HOLD FUCKING ON.

 

His fists clenched so tightly, the dark-haired man didn't notice the blood flowing from the wound that had formed. His heart sank as the hooded head shook, reminding Ace not to be reckless and stray from the plan. Screw all the bounty money and treasure; if these marines had the audacity to tarnish Cale’s honour, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill them.  

 

Unsatisfied with Ace’s silence and lack of provocation, the same man who had protested their closeness did something foolish. Others with the same mindset joined in to encourage him.

 

"Let's see what this hidden face looks like! Damnnnnn! Weak Fire Fist Ace bastard! YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO FIGHT US WHO HAVE MORE SOLDIERS-" 

 

The hood was dropped, and everyone fell silent.

 

They were still standing in the hallway, so the afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass windows. The rays of light illuminated the features, which had been hidden beneath his maroon cloak. Revealing to the world a beautiful face, with pale skin glowing faintly in the sunlight. The eyelashes sweeping across the cheeks trembled and opened slowly, so gently, causing everyone there to see a pair of reddish-brown eyes like garnet gems. A straight nose, thin lips, a natural healthy glow, a facial structure as though God had carved it Himself with love. 

 

"A-a-a-a-a-aWhat- is-it-?"

 

"W-w-who-whoa-"  

 

"Y-y-yo-your ffa-face-? Wha-why-"  

 

"Hi-iiik! I-I-I c-cant-"

 

The Maririr surrounding them froze in time, as if unable to move. Cale's eyes observed coldly, glancing from right to left with an oppressive aura emanating from him. Ace was stunned; his dark anger vanished instantly because he had never faced Cale using this power before. 

 

It felt like... Haoshoku Haki, but... more ferocious? 

 

Though it wasn't directed at him, Ace could imagine the figure of a massive, intimidating creature with wide eyes, looking down on all the marines there. Some of the weaker ones couldn't hold back and fell to the floor, foaming at the mouth, while others vomited. Some began crying, and others started apologising. However, Cale remained unmoved. His eyes remained flat, but now there was a smile as sharp as steel, softened by ice on his face.

 

"How lowly. Looking at a woman's face without her permission." All eyes widened as the heavy yet smooth voice pierced the atmosphere. The fake sea stone chains binding Cale's hands then shattered as if eroded, as did Ace's. 

 

"When you awaken, you will not remember my face until I permit this world to see it."

 

The air thickened with the intensity of raw, foreign power. Ace found himself trembling, as the words felt like a promise, and something in this world was listening to those words. As quickly as the power came, it vanished, and the marines fell like puppets without strings. Cale swayed where he stood, reflexively hugging the smaller man. A sigh of relief and worry could be heard as he hid the red-haired man's face in the curve of his neck and quietly gave him a light kiss on the top of his head. 

 

"Are you okay, Cale?" There was a faint nod beneath him. Whatever that power was, it seemed to have drained the red-haired man's energy. The grey-iron eyes glanced down the hallway, sensing no other presence approaching them. It seemed Rayleigh had carried out his task of earning money and stalling for time effectively. 

 

"Sit down for a moment," Ace whispered, guiding Cale to sit on the floor some distance away from the marines. He asked permission to take the redhead's beloved magic bag and pulled out a thermos of warm water. He also brought an apple pie as food and an emergency energy source.

 

Five minutes passed, and Cale was now breathing better. He ate slowly with a pensive expression, and Ace did not want to disturb him. The dark-haired man waited calmly, gently tucking a strand of red hair behind his ear.

 

“Feeling better?” The reddish-brown eyes turned to Ace and nodded. A small smile was etched on those lips, as if expressing gratitude. The dark-haired man blushed sweetly, receiving Cale’s chuckle in return.

 

“You won’t ask?” the smaller man whispered, his chuckle halting as his eyes lowered. As if he suddenly felt uncomfortable and unsafe with himself or even with Ace. The other man quickly shook his head and gave a reassuring smile.

 

"I'll wait for you," Ace replied casually, his voice soft and unforcing. The red-haired man sighed before trying to get up from his seat, which was immediately helped by his partner. 

 

"It seems like Ahjussi will finish his work soon," Cale said, glancing briefly down the hallway. Ace, though unhappy, did not want to make the handsome man feel any worse. 

 

"We should go then—" the man named Henituse's hand held his arm. His curious expression slowly turned sour as Cale pointed toward the marine with a widening smile.

 

"Take off their clothes."

 

...

 

"Seriousdamnly?" Cale nodded. 

 

"Pick two for us to wear." Brotha, euh. Ace's disgusted expression made Cale chuckle. Since the man he liked could laugh, his reluctance faded a bit. So, Ace obediently took two pairs of cleaner, more suitable marine uniforms for them to wear. As for the others, he ruthlessly destroyed their clothes with a dagger. 

 

"Let's go." Giving one last contemptuous glance, Ace picked up Cale and ran through the shattered window. 

 

It only took a few more steps before both of them were safe, heading toward their small ship.

 

.

.

.

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

Wow... that situation was really annoying, The Thief muttered to himself. Cale agreed with the wind-powered individual. The memory of the raw power that had overwhelmed him 30 minutes ago was still fresh. 

 

You just used the power of this world, Glutton continued, his voice sounding very interested. Cale remained silent for a while, feeling Ace take control of their escape and trusting the man to lead them to safety. 

 

They felt ancient. The power of sound. The will of this world. As if it had been ages since anyone could use them, explained Super Rock, humming softly as he thought.

 

 Cale sighed. He tightened his grip on the front of Ace's marine uniform. 

 

That power had finally proven one of Cale’s theories. That the ‘voice’ power in this world had the will to fulfil its own desires, and he had just used that power to... erase his ‘face’ (?) from memories (?). The flow in the surrounding nature seemed to merge into Cale, filling his plate with foreign, heat energy. So strong that it could manifest his command through that voice power. 

 

As if Cale had just established a 'new' rule, and this world allowed it.

 

His shoulders trembled with a sense of dislike welling up in his heart. Cale made a promise that he would not use that power again until it was truly necessary. Because it was so powerful and could potentially defy 'fate'-

 

"Cale?" The reddish-brown eyes blinked as the daydream faded. He looked up at Ace's worried expression. Not wanting to make the other man feel left out, he patted his black hair and gave a small smile. 

 

"It's okay, Ace-ya." The grey eyes narrowed in disbelief and gave a probing look. Ace seemed like he wanted to pout, but held back. It reminded Cale of Raon for a moment. 

 

"Let's finish all this first, okay?" Ace nodded before they finally stopped on one of the rooftops of the border area between the Tourist and Amusement Park. 

 

"What about the old man?" The red-haired man reached for his communication coin, tapped it according to the code for Rayleigh, and received an immediate response. The middle-aged man seemed to have reached the final area.

 

"Pineapple?"

 

"Meh, we're safe from Pineapple."

 

Why did Cale dare to make that assumption? With communication cut off and them moving to five different locations in the blink of an eye, no one could guess where they would land, and Kizaru was no exception. Especially since they attacked suddenly, on such a peaceful day—even though that bastard tried to catch him—but no one expected that the marine headquarters itself would be the target.

 

"Then why are we wearing these damn Marine uniforms?" Ace's voice sounded very flat now, and the man didn't realise that his irritation had reignited Cale's mischievous mood. 

 

"Of course, revenge, duh." He instructed Ace to go downstairs, right in front of the Amusement Park gate. The place was filled with people of various types and races, so both Ace and Cale were safer to roam around. 

 

"Why are we here?" asked the grey-eyed man, already sensing something surprising—or even historic—was about to happen. 

 

"Hold this," Cale commanded, handing the Speedometer device camera to Ace. The red-haired man then took two mariner hats, placing one on his own head and the other on Ace's. 

 

For a moment, he fell silent. So did Ace. 

 

The two men stood in the midst of the crowd, gazing at each other. Cale’s hand, which had been on Ace’s head, slowly reached down and gripped Ace’s left ring finger. 

 

“What I’m about to do is very dangerous, Ace.” The younger man’s cheeks flushed, but he snorted. His handsome face tilted to the right with a annoyed expression, causing his black hair to fall over half his vision. The grey eyes stared so intensely that, without realising it, Cale's heartbeat grew faster and faster.  

 

"We've already broken into five marine bases with my face clearly visible, Cale."  

 

"Uh... are you okay? For following me?" Ace widened his eyes, as if disbelieving that he was asking this after everything they had been through.  

 

...

 

Poor man. He's been following you well, Cale. Glutton chuckled cheerfully.  

 

I wonder when Cale will realise this. The Thief sighed, chuckling like his companion.  

 

Hey! It's not Cale's fault that Portgas is following him! The Cheapskate, as usual, was the first to defend Cale. 

 

Before Cale could speak and present his arguments—both for Ace and the ancient power—the man with freckles on his cheeks chuckled softly. His grey eyes glanced at Cale's fingers, and the chuckle turned into a giggle, making his handsome face even more radiant. As Cale was about to ask why Ace reacted that way, a larger hand gripped his tightly. 

 

"Have I ever complained?" the other man asked in return, and Cale restrained himself from answering 'yes'. Memories of the younger man complaining or even protesting when he planned to take the bounty money echoed in his mind. 

 

"What about your family? The Shirohige crew?" Ace sighed.

 

"They'll be offended if you say that to their faces," the taller man muttered. 

 

"Hmmm... well, okay, then. Do you see those ugly bastards over there?" the red-haired man pointed to a spot. Ace followed the direction of his hand, at the familiar figures with glass tubes on their heads. Their sudden presence in the area caused everyone to stop their activities and bow to make way. 

 

"Throw me onto that bastard's stretcher." Ace looked at him as if Cale had gone mad. However, his reddish-brown eyes looked serious, so the other man sighed and looked at Tenryuubitou with a disgusted expression.

 

"What are you going to do?" Cale smiled widely, almost wildly and terrifyingly. The bloodlust that had been suppressed within him was now unstoppable. His hands itched to do something, and fate seemed to be having fun with him today. Though he disliked public attention, his face could be forgotten by them. The smile turned into a wicked grin.

 

This world was too entertaining to pass up.

 

Ace, seeing the expression on the beautiful face of the red-haired owner, grinned widely as well.

 

"Fulfilling my promise."

 

******

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

All visitors to the park had the same idea. 

 

Why did that bastard Tenryuubitou decide to cause trouble in this play area? 

 

The man who glorified himself behind his protective clothing and glass tube began ranting on the palanquin carried by his slaves. With one hand holding a whip, he gleefully beat them or even the nearest human in his path. The noble of the world would laugh and begin to mock anything that caught his eye. 

 

Everyone endured this humiliation in silence. 

 

Too afraid to speak, even to breathe, the elite offspring of the world would become hysterical. 

 

Then, a flash of red fell on the stretcher, right in front of the Tenryuubitou. The unfortunate slaves were startled by the sudden weight, causing the palanquin to fall to the ground. The rumbling sound made all the faces that had been bowed now look up in fear.

 

What they saw was a marine in short dark blue trousers, standing tall. Since the marine was wearing a hat, they couldn't see the expression or face of the madman. Before they could react, the world's nobles could only hysterically close their eyes as the marine's hand gripped his glass tube, which shattered into pieces a moment later. The face that had always been hidden out of fear of contamination was now scarred by the tears in his own clothes.

 

"YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LOWLY MARINE! GUARDS!? GUARDS-!!!" The citizens immediately glanced at every guard who had been following their noble. They found them all kneeling and, for some reason, unable to move. 

 

"I have a promise for you." A soft, low voice pierced the atmosphere. The attendees, who had been kneeling, then knelt and stood up in unison. All their eyes were fixed on the red-haired figure raising her hand, and a loud slap echoed throughout the silent area.

 

They gaped, as smoke rose from his cheek along with the imprint of a hand. The corner of his lip bled, and his ugly face was now drenched in sweat. His trembling hand held his cheek, and his eyes looked terrified. Yet, they were also curious and envious. What expression was painted on that unseen face?

 

"If you dare to torment anyone here, you will experience the worst nightmares every night," the figure promised, tilting her head, and all they could imagine was a threatening grin. Their hearts raced, and the courage that had been dormant within them began to shine once more. 

 

"SLAP HIM AGAIN!!!" shouted a young man, breaking through the crowd. Everyone was shocked to see Fire Fist Ace's face, grinning widely with his fist clenched in the air. 

 

"MAKE HIM A FUCKIN' MESS, BABY!" the pirate continued, and Red Riding Hood on the stretcher gave a thumbs-up. The couple's enthusiasm instantly made the crowd cheer like concertgoers.

 

"RED-CHAAANNNN!!!"

 

"AISHITERUUUU-!!!"

 

"HIT HIM!"

 

"BEAT HIM UP!"  

 

"SLAP HIM AGAIN, RED-SAAANN!!!"  

 

"HAHAHAHA!"  

 

Red Riding Hood delivered the second slap, and the crowd cheered again like football fans. As she was about to continue her attack, the marines' shouts from behind stopped Red. They were somewhat held back by the crowd that had suddenly formed a wall. 

 

"GO, RED-CHAN!!!"  

 

"WE'LL BE FINE!!!"  

 

"THANK YOUUUU!!!"  

 

"TAKE CARE OF YOUR LOVER, FIRE FIST ACE!!!"

 

They watched in awe as the black-haired man easily leapt over the crowd. He quickly picked up his lover and jumped onto the Tenryuubitou as a foothold for his fire technique. The move made the crowd laugh loudly and cheer for the third time. 

 

Why weren't they afraid?

 

In fact, the two couples had just insulted Tenryuubitou by slapping and trampling him. Such actions were enough to warrant torture. Experience had shown that even those who were not slaves would become the target of the nobleman's frustration. 

 

However, the promise from Red Riding Hood echoed in their hearts. The words spoken sounded like mere nonsense, but they believed every word blindly. Because everyone present, even the marines and Tenryuubitou, could feel the world rejoicing.

 

The crowd grew so large that even the marines and the newly arrived admiral couldn't contain them all. If the Government intervened, they would destroy the neutral zone themselves, causing losses on their own side. There was nothing the World Government and the Marines could do to calm the chaos that had erupted. 

 

Red Riding Hood created two histories that day. 

 

By breaking into and stealing money from four Marine bases. 

 

And slapping the world's nobles twice, while her lover trampled on that scoundrel. 

 

As if to show how the revered Tenryuubitou could become so low if they had the courage to bring them down from their positions.

 

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[Bartholomew Kuma's POV]

 

"What are you doing here?" A sharp voice from an unknown woman pierced his focus. The first Pacifista created by Vegapunk walked, with only the sea separating them. In his vision, character recognition began, and instantly information flooded his mind. 

 

Shakuyaku. The former Queen of the Tribe who also inherited the title of captain after Gloriosa. Kuma couldn't help but think in the remnants of his consciousness. Why would someone as important as her, who had been keeping a low profile, suddenly volunteer to help Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood?

 

"I have my own purpose," he answered bluntly, giving no further information. Besides wanting to see for himself what the couple looked like, he also wanted to know their true purpose and motivation. 

 

The former captain assessed him with a critical eye and decided that Kuma was not a threat. Her posture relaxed, and she took a deep drag on her cigarette. Once she felt safe, the woman with shoulder-length black hair jumped and landed gracefully not far from Kuma. 

 

"My husband and I won't hesitate to fight you if you block their path, Bartholomew Kuma." The World Government subordinate didn't respond and remained silent in his position, holding the Bible.

 

After waiting for a while, footsteps approached the remote edge. A man with white hair and dark eyes ran towards Shakuyaku, carrying a simple bag. Pacifista's eyes began to scan the newcomer and were somewhat surprised to find that the newcomer was Silver Rayleigh, the right-hand man of the famous Pirate King of his time. So, they were husband and wife?

 

As if just noticing Kuma's presence, the dark eyes narrowed unhappily as Haki manifested in his blackened hands. Despite this, the newly appointed Shichibukai remained silent and unmoving. Shakuyaku then whispered something to Silver Rayleigh, and his Haki subsided, though his vigilance remained the same.

 

"What about the children?" asked Shakuyaku, a smile now fixed on her youthful face.

 

"I think they're having fun," replied Silver Rayleigh, smiling broadly and sounding proud. Do Fire Fist Ace and Red Riding Hood personally know them? Being called "the children" indicated a parent-child relationship—in Pacifista's analysis. 

 

"Good, Red-chan's friend is also waiting patiently." Kuma's gaze fell on the large shadow beneath the ship. New information was added: Red Riding Hood had a good affiliation with the Sea King. 

 

"What are you holding?" Silver Rayleigh's cheeks turned red, embarrassed by his wife's question. 

 

"Clothes for the children. I couldn't resist, haha," his laughter sounded full of affection, further confirming that both sides indeed had a close relationship.

 

45 minutes later, another set of footsteps was heard. 

 

Pacifista is a cyborg created by the World Government that should not have emotions. His heart and all the organs have been modified so that they are no longer human, but merely a mass of metal fused together. However, unlike other experiments conducted on corpses, Bartholomew Kuma was transformed gradually, leaving only echoes of his remaining consciousness and freedom to act. 

 

Nevertheless, his body remained a cyborg incapable of human-like reactions. 

 

But what was this fluttering feeling... that Kuma was experiencing? 

 

The strong footsteps on the ground echoed like drums in his ears. In an instant, it washed over the cold body with human warmth. The eyes behind the Pacifista's vision saw two objects that had taken over his mind running towards them with laughter. The wind blew strongly, causing the hat worn by the red-haired person to fly off.  

 

Revealing to Kuma a face with a smile unbound by the rules of the world. 

 

A face identical to one he had forgotten in his memory. 

 

Kuma-cchi!

 

Papa!

 

As the reddish-brown eyes glanced at Kuma, unfamiliar yet familiar voices echoed in his mind. For the first time since Kuma was born as a Pacifista, his mechanical vision failed. All the scanners were gone, making his eyes function like those of an ordinary human. His sharp hearing picked up many voices surrounding them. They were responding to each other with great enthusiasm. It was as if those figures were one with the rhythm of nature, cheering along with their joy.

 

"Old man! Shakky-san!" Now it was Fire Fist Ace's turn, running with a wide smile. Something about their posture made Kuma tremble.

 

The right leg is bent forward and the left leg is bent backward. The right hand is holding the Den Den Mushi camera device, while Red Riding Hood, who is being carried, waves with her left hand. 

 

The sound of drums and familiar body postures... what does this signify? 

 

Why does Kuma... feel 'emotional' about this?

 

The married couple welcomed the two couples with warm smiles. Shakuyaku even hugged the two figures with black and red hair tightly. Meanwhile, Silver Rayleigh stroked their hair, causing Fire Fist Ace to complain with a reddened cheek, while Red Riding Hood simply smiled. 

 

"Who are you?" Fire Fist Ace reacted the same as Silver Rayleigh. His grey eyes sharpened with hostility as he pulled his lover behind him, alongside the married couple. His vigilance made the former right-hand man of the pirates and the former captain of the Kuja tribe grow uneasy. However, the red-haired one maintained her smile, though something flickered in her reddish-brown eyes. 

 

"Fire Fist Ace, Red Riding Hood." Kuma stepped forward with a low voice. The Bible was opened as a distraction because the human heartbeat felt so strong. Slowly clearing his mind and memories.

 

"What is your purpose for your journey?" Fire Fist Ace did not answer or had no intention of doing so. 

 

"Why do you want to know, Kuma-ahjussi?" The man. Red Riding Hood was a man. 

 

"R-red?! Why are you talking to him?! He's a Shichibukai!" Ignoring Fire Fist Ace, Red Riding Hood stepped forward and walked toward Kuma, causing the Pacifista to be mentally startled. 

 

"Hey, Kuma-ahjussi. How are you?"

 

Kuma... was too speechless to respond and had no appropriate words to reply. So, the living cyborg could only remain silent. Was this merely a mistake, or did he see the image of two figures with pink hair on either side of Red Riding Hood?

 

"I hope you've been doing well all this time," murmured the red-haired man. He took another step forward and reached for the end of the glove he was wearing while tiptoeing.

 

"Seeing you has solidified my purpose for this world." His smile was wide and dangerous. But strangely, it made Kuma feel... safe (?). Even his Pacifista's danger alarm wasn't ringing.

 

"My goal now, would be delighted to destroy the World Government and all their foolish rules." If he had heard these words come from someone else's lips, it would have felt like a drug-induced hallucination. However, the man's conviction was so strong that Kuma was speechless.

 

"Did I answer your question properly?" Red Riding Hood asked calmly, and the Pacifista nodded briefly. 

 

"Since you've held on well, let me give you some good news as a reward." Red Riding Hood closed his eyes for a moment. Kuma could see an odd frequency floating around the man in front of him. A very strange power.

 

"Nika will come."

 

The touch on his hand brought a strange warmth. The reddish-brown eyes slowly opened, glancing towards the sea with a small smile. The sound of the waves, that long-buried ambition, echoed once more in his lost soul.

 

Nika will come.

 

For some reason, those words felt incredibly important. Like a key that would unlock his Pandora's box. But Kuma could only remain silent once again, staring at the stranger with unspoken emotions.

 

"Until that time comes, you will continue to uphold your freedom."

 

Freedom.

 

Red Riding Hood released his hand and walked away slowly. There was an emotion he could identify as 'sadness' etched on that 'beautiful, kind' face. 

 

"We will meet again." 

 

Fire Fist Ace then carried his lover. Shakuyaku and Silver Rayleigh gave their final hugs and pats. He watched alongside the married couple as they walked toward the pier. 

 

"Hey, Kuma-ahjussi," called Red Riding Hood, turning back once more and waving to him. Fire Fist Ace beside him even smiled warmly and waved back.  

 

"My name is Cale Henituse." He pointed to himself.  

 

"Give my regards to your daughter, hm?" 

 

With that, the couple departed and boarded the ship coated in bubble resin. The Sea King, already waiting underwater, performed its duty, pulling the anchor to submerge the ship beneath the surface. They waved once more to Shakuyaku, Silver Rayleigh, and themselves before disappearing entirely into the sea.

 

Kuma repeated all the information Cale Henituse had given him.

 

Drum. Body Posture. Nika. Freedom. Cale Henituse. Daughter.  

 

How foreign, how familiar.  

 

Kuma, once again, accepted everything in silence. However, the voices from the remnants of his memories and morality once again merged with the gentle murmur of the forgotten ocean foam. 

 

The freedom that had begun to recede somehow brought gentle waves back into his iron heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Btw, this fic got another gift! 🐱🐱🐱

They are fanart from Noetchi and two other artists, Yeluo and Yhona-nim :) 

So, I already added it to the Appreciation chapter in wattpad (Indo Vers.), you guys can check them! (ㅅ>3<)♡

Additionally, if you have any questions for the Q&A later, feel free to write them in the Appreciation chapter! 🥰🙏

 

But specifically for Yhona-nim's fanart, she made a Cale bounty poster! 

I also asked for permission to make her fanart the official bounty for Cale xixixixi 😆

 

 

Did you guys see the kissmark-?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Actually, writing this chapter was quite difficult and I wasn't really in the mood. But it gradually got better and the ending brought tears to my eyes when I wrote Kuma's POV... ಥ_ಥ)

 

There is a lot of new and raw information in this chapter :)
All of it will be answered in the next chapter, where AceCale finally have a deep talk. Everything strange about Cale, his old or new powers, and his family will be revealed.

Honestly, the next chapter is willll beee my favourite! As it’s the most comforting chapter that I write besides Altalune 🤍🤍🤍

The reason why Cale's plan is so easy is explained in this chapter. Both Kizaru and Sentomaru don't have much effect, as they're behind in terms of information.

 

And about Kuma... let it be :")
Canon has changed with Cale's arrival, so I want him to be happy in this fic huhuhu, I hope it's not weird 😭😭😭

Also, I know the more it's updated, the messier the story looks.., please forgive me :")
It feels like there's no progress at all in my writing, hehehe 😔🤧

 

And if there are any incorrect terms or even different spellings of Kuma's name, feel free to point them out, and I will fix them in my free time :)

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With Love, Neri 🙏❤🍓🌹✨

Chapter 22: #13 - Under Your Umbrella

Summary:

"... may I take shelter under your umbrella, Cale?"

"You can take shelter whenever you want, you know? Well, if I had an umbrella, you'd have to hold it, arra?"

Notes:

FOR REMINDER.
This fic already has a Beta Reader, edited chapters will follow soon. So is this chapter, which is updated raw and not well edited. They are the result of the help of a translator app :")
Thank you so much for the support!
I hope I can write this fic until it END 🍒

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This is my fav chapter and full of narration of their convo
Soooooo..... Happy reading! 🥰🙏

 

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

The journey to Fishman Island felt calmer.

 

The sea was dark because they were travelling at night. Thankfully, Jon Snow was now steering the ship, so Ace could relax for a moment and let go of the wheel. Judging by the Seaking's speed, they might be able to rest for a while before arriving at Fishman Island. So, the dark-haired man quickly turned on all the lights on the ship so that the light could help clarify his vision. 

 

The grey eyes glanced at the beautiful red-haired man who was already sitting back in their comfortable chairs near the edge of the ship. It seemed that fatigue was beginning to take over Cale's consciousness, evident from the way his eyes were drooping and the head was nodding forward. The sight brought a smile to Ace's face. Taking the initiative, the Shirohige commander retrieved Cale's beloved musical instrument and blanket from the cabin before walking over to the other man.  

 

"Tired?" he asked softly, sitting down in his own chair.  

 

Cale slowly opened his eyes and nodded briefly. All his energy had been drained by the mischief they had been up to from morning until this afternoon. Ace placed the guitar to the left of the seat and wrapped the blanket around the man with the reddish-brown eyes. The movement made the smaller man snap awake instantly, but his reaction made Ace's heart ache with cuteness. The man with the reddish-brown eyes sank into the blanket and let out a satisfied sigh.

 

"What'ca doin'?" asked the redhead with a slightly slurred voice. Lazy eyes watched as Ace picked up the guitar and placed it on his lap.  

 

"Uh, playing music?" Cale snorted.  

 

"You don't believe I can play this?" Ace accused lightly, his eyebrows furrowing in a small pout.

 

"Prove it..." the other man mumbled, still sleepy.

 

"Che, you should praise me more. Because I'm going to play a song for you, you know?" The black-haired man found himself trying to hold back the blush on his cheeks. His heart raced again when he realised that Cale was smiling sleepily at him. 

 

The pirate captain Shirohige cleared his throat, his fingers moving to adjust the strings and his thumb testing the right pitch. Satisfied, he began playing a few strings as a warm-up. His grey eyes glanced at the red-haired man, a sweet feeling spreading within him as he saw that those eyes were still awake and fixed on him. Focusing on Ace.

 

The guitar's melody began to fill the ship's atmosphere in the midst of the silent depths of the sea.

 

Within the melody, memories played their part. Making Ace sink into the sea of memories about his sworn brothers, Luffy and Sabo. About the mountain bandits who wept over their departure to go on an adventure. About the Spade crew, sharing dreams as they walked the seas. About Oyaji and the Shirohige crew, something in that man's eyes that made his children feel safe. Now, about Cale, listening to the music with his own soft hum. Something about the way that man with sunset-coloured hair enjoyed the music, smiling contentedly in his place.  

 

Something about the red-haired man's humming, harmonious and in tune with the rhythm of his heartbeat.

 

Ace smiled gently. His grey eyes gazed at the figure who had stolen his heart, cherishing every moment etched in his mind. The way the handsome man leaned sideways against the chair's backrest, facing him. Curled up in his blanket with both hands across his chest, hiding his chin beneath the fabric. The wind swept through his red hair, gently caressing his smooth skin with a simple yet captivating movement.

 

Then the music grew cheerful, and oh, his heart, it made Cale chuckle softly. The red-haired man moved from his comfort zone to sit up straighter, still wrapped in the blanket. His head moved lightly from side to side, following the rhythm like Ace himself.

 

About to say something, Ace’s words were cut off by the miracle unfolding.

 

Spots of light began to appear, one by one in the darkness of the ocean. His grey eyes widened in awe, seeing the once dark, terrifying seawater now resembling a starry sky. A respectful sigh escaped his lips as he watched several shadows of sea creatures with lines of light on their bodies dancing around the ship. They kept their distance, as if they knew that the layer protecting their ship was very fragile.  

 

Ace stood up from his seat. He walked around the ship, still wearing an expression of awe on his handsome face. Unable to contain himself, the man laughed joyfully. One hand reached out to greet the luminous sea creatures, laughing again when his wave was met with their humming. 

 

"Cale!" His heart raced again, seeing that the other man was staring at Ace with a small smile on his beautiful face. As if enjoying how he had suddenly acted childishly. 

 

"Come here, let's dance!" Without waiting for an answer, Ace's free hand—the other holding a guitar—grasped the redhead's hand. Though the smaller man complained, he did not refuse the invitation. 

 

They now stood in the middle of the ship, beneath dozens of lamp lights and the glow from the darkness of the sea. 

 

"I can't dance," Cale murmured. His brow furrowed adorably, and Ace desperately wanted to kiss him so bad. For the sake of the sea, the man in his arms would be the cause of his early death.

 

"Since when does dancing require rules? Dance however you like!" Ace plucked the guitar strings again, humming a simple "lalala" and repeatedly bumping his shoulder against Cale's. Feeling bolder, he even bumped Cale's waist with the left side of his buttocks. This immediately made the red-haired man gasp slightly, causing the other to laugh mischievously while raising and lowering his eyebrows with a teasing grin. 

 

As a result, the red-haired man joined in the laughter. The two men spun around each other, their feet moving to the rhythm of the music. Occasionally, Ace stopped and reached out his hand. Cale took it, and the smaller man's body spun. However, his feet, which couldn't dance, nearly caused him to fall, but he was quickly caught by the other man. They made a funny surprised face before laughing again and continuing the dance. 

 

Then, a foreign melody was heard. 

 

The dance and music stopped. 

 

The dark-haired man tried to pinpoint the source of the sound, but to no avail. The sound came from all directions. Every corner. Every latitude and longitude.

 

For the first time, Portgas D. Ace was certain that the sound he heard now was the sound of the Sea.

 

His grey eyes glistened.  

 

He wanted to say something to Cale, but his tongue was too numb to speak. He saw another man now bathed in light.  

 

Déjà vu enveloped Ace's heart.

 

Those eyes were the same as when he saw Water Seven and Sabaody.

 

The way the light hit Cale's soft, beautiful features.

 

Sweeping across his smooth skin shyly, almost like touching the surface of glass.

 

Cale Henituse's form shone like a gem, drawing a pair of eyes with a fiery glow focused on him.

 

"Why stop?" asked the man in front of him, giving him a small, secretive smile. His hands were outstretched, his eyes closed, and he made an elegant circular motion. His red hair flowed softly, framing the beautiful face, which now smiled sweetly at him.

 

"Bada-nim is playing his song for you now." For him?

 

Something in his expression elicited a rare reaction from Cale. Oh, by the sea, he would never grow tired of that soft, joyful laughter. It felt as though Ace's poor little heart would burst from the euphoria he was feeling now. About the red-haired man's smile, their dance, their foreheads touching, and now the sea, an entity he had never thought of, would sing for him. 

 

For someone like Portgas D. Ace.

 

His hand, not holding the strings, unconsciously moved to tuck a strand of red hair behind the ear. So that the beautiful features of his face were even more clearly visible.

 

"If that's the case—" the owner of the grey eyes asked in the softest voice, almost timidly, in humility.  

 

"—would you sing for me?"  

 

Cale gave a surprised expression.  

 

"Me?" He pointed at himself, and Ace nodded. His heart raced, torn between anticipation and fear of the other's reaction. For he had dared to ask for something to satisfy his heart's desire. For someone like Portgas D. Ace, who was unworthy of being—

 

"Are you sure? My voice is terrible, you know?" The grey eyes, now brimming with tears, blinked in disbelief. Was Cale seriously considering singing a song for Ace? 

 

"I-it's okay! I want to hear it!" the black-haired man exclaimed, nodding firmly. Vaguely, he could hear a snort from Jon Snow, as if he were mocking him. But hey! Cale Henituse was going to sing a song for him! 

 

"Alright..." the red-haired man cleared his throat briefly before asking for Ace's guitar with a face that was starting to flush. Tired of standing, Cale finally sat down in his chair while the man with steel eyes sat on the wooden floor, waiting with a hopeful expression.  

 

"I... I'm not very good at playing the guitar, and umm..." his hands awkwardly began to play unfamiliar musical notes. His movements were truly those of a beginner, as if he hadn’t played in a long time. The rough and irregular notes slowly improved.  

 

Twinkle, twinkle, little star  

 

How I wonder what you are  

 

Up above the world so high  

 

Like a diamond in the sky...  

 

Ace was mesmerised.  

 

The man rested his chin on his palm, his face transfixed. Cale's voice sounded hoarse and deep, completely out of place with the song's tone. However, despite that, Ace was swept away by the sound and melody he heard now. They echoed sweetly, and something inside him melted. A sweet smile formed on his freckled face as he tried to harmonise his humming with the unfamiliar song. 

 

"What song is that?" asked the dark-haired man when Cale finished singing. The red-haired man ran his fingers over the strings, still with a faint blush on his cheeks.

 

"A little shining star," Cale murmured. Ace tilted his head, curious to know more about the song sung for him. 

 

"If I may ask, why did you sing that song for me?" something flashed in his reddish-brown eyes before he finally decided to smile and place the guitar back beside the chair. 

 

"Aren't the freckles on your face like stars?" asked Ace's heartthrob, dangerously pinching his left cheek and then rubbing the freckles there. 

 

"Also—" before he could finish, the red-haired man continued his explanation with a sweet chuckle. Ace wanted to melt into the wood beneath him or sublimate with the chalk and merge with the gentle breeze.

 

(I can't handle it too, bro - Neri 😔🤟)

 

"This song is a lullaby and comes from where I live. It tells of miracles, exploration, and the desire to understand the universe." Cale's eyes sparkled around them, at the sea that still shimmered with the stars of the galaxy.

 

"The underlying message of this song is about a child gazing at the twinkling stars. This sparks their curiosity and wonder. This song is a gentle way to introduce children to the world. Just like you," explained the red-haired man, whispering with a small smile. His hand moved to gently stroke Ace's black hair, causing the man to lean into his touch.

 

Without realising it, the man with steel eyes moved closer—still sitting on the floor—then hugged Cale's waist and rested his head on the man with reddish-brown eyes' thigh. There was a sound of light laughter, muffled by Cale's clothes. His heart was pounding and overwhelmed by how much sugar he was feeling now, especially since the other man didn't resist and continued to stroke his hair. 

 

"Cale?"  

 

"Hmm?"  

 

"May I ask about your hometown?" His hands didn't stop moving.  

 

"Of course."  

 

"Where do you live?"  

 

"Now, I live in the Kingdom of Roan." Ace looked up and blinked twice. The Kingdom of Roan? He had never heard of that kingdom's geography.

 

"The place I live is so, soooo far away," Cale whispered with a sad smile on his face. His reddish-brown eyes glanced upward, as if his home were as distant as the stars in the universe, like a song to him.

 

"Do you have a family?" Ace asked again, tilting his head to the left so he could glance at Cale from the corner of his eye.

 

"... Yes," the red-haired man answered, his sad smile turning into one filled with love and nostalgia.

 

"My family is sooooo big," Cale continued, spreading his free hand wide. As if measuring how large his relatives were. So adorable.

 

"As I mentioned earlier, I have foster children, right?" Ace nodded enthusiastically, happy to finally hear Cale's story.

 

"There's On, a very smart and mature little girl. She has grey hair, golden eyes, and is descended from the cat tribe. Then there's Hong, On's younger brother. This cheerful child has bright red hair and loves poison. Finally, there's the youngest, Raon Miru. A great and powerful little dragon with shiny black scales, blue eyes like the sky, and a fondness for threatening others." Cat tribe? Poison? A dragon descendant with scales?

 

Though confused, Ace didn't interrupt and continued listening carefully.

 

"Then, I have many companions. There's Choi Han, a great swordsman and very... protective. There's Rosalyn, a mage (witch), and though she's a woman, she's very strong, you know. Like Mary, she has many cool black veins all over her body and can control the dead body. She even has a very strong and large bone dragon-"

 

The story continues with an introduction to some members of the Cale family.

 

About Ron Molan and Beacrox Molan. A father-son duo who are the head servant and chef. They’re actually quite terrifying because they’re former assassins and torture experts. Cale hates Ron’s lemon tea but loves Beacrox’s cooking. 

 

About Alberu Crossman, the Crown Prince who is very annoying and often gives Cale gold plaques. It seems they share similar traits, judged by the way they smile and praise each other with hidden intentions. He frequently threatens Cale to become a Minister and is delighted to be called 'hyungnim' by his sworn younger brother. Every day surrounded by documents but always prepares various cookies and snacks if Cale and the children visit the palace.

 

About Eruhaben, the ancient golden dragon who serves as an important mentor for his youngest child. He has an indifferent nature but is very weak to the charm of children. This man is always annoyed by Cale's situation, scolding him and tying—(Ace laughs at this part, as it's very random)—his red hair, then braiding it like his own golden hair. Cale also emphasises that Eruhaben has a very beautiful and enchanting appearance.

 

About his family: his father Deruth, his stepmother Violan, and his younger siblings Basen and Lily. About Lock, the blue wolf tribe teenager and his younger siblings under Beacrox's care. About the whale tribe, Witira, Paseton, and Archie, who are very strong. About Jack and Hannah, the golden-haired twins. About Toonka and his secretary Harol. About the jungle queen Litana and her villa gift.

 

Then there was the annoying Bud Illis and his poor secretary. Queen Jopis and her sister. The vampire duke, Fredo, who always tried to persuade the redhead to become his child. The crazy bastard Sekka, who was very reluctant to discuss because Cale's expression was filled with disgust.

 

Hearing the man tell the story with a calm expression and eyes sparkling with joy filled Ace's heart with relief. Thinking that this red-haired man was so well cared for by his children, companions, and family. Then Ace's heart was also washed over with warmth, that someone as kind, beautiful, and gentle as Cale was so worthy of being cared for. 

 

This man with rose-coloured hair was so precious, and the love he held was so abundant that all his family members felt comfortable sheltering under his umbrella (protection). 

 

"May I..." Cale's words trailed off for a moment. Because Ace was now looking at the man with reddish-brown eyes with hope, pleading, and caution.

 

"... may I take shelter under your umbrella, Cale?"  

 

The smaller man tilted his head in surprise. Then he looked up and scanned the ship.  

 

"But I'm not carrying an umbrella?" For a moment, a hint of disappointment flashed through Ace's heart, and he shouldn't have felt that way. It wasn't Cale's fault if the red-haired man didn't understand—

 

"You can take shelter whenever you want, you know? Well, if I had an umbrella, you'd have to hold it, arra?" The smaller man nodded to himself, and the man with freckles on his cheeks burst into spontaneous laughter. 

 

However, the laughter stopped when he realised that Cale's voice was becoming hoarse from talking non-stop. This must be the first time Ace had heard someone else talk, and ugh. It was his fault for not preparing the red-haired man's favourite drink or snack. 

 

Ace immediately moved away from his comfortable position, grinning as the other man grumbled about his legs going numb. Playfully, he poked the leg, causing Cale to protest while hitting his shoulder, making the pirate laugh joyfully again.  

 

"Alright, alright, wait a moment. I'll go make us some hot chocolate and snacks. Or.... do you want to eat dinner first?" asked the youngest commander while kneeling.

 

"Hmm... I want noodles and karaage, then we'll have snacks and hot chocolate," Cale replied, his cheeks blushing sweetly.  

 

 "Noodle toppings?"  

 

"Do we have toppings?"  

 

"We have a fridge," Ace explained briefly, and his travel partner mentioned the toppings he wanted.  

 

"Rest first, okay? I'll call you later and we'll continue our story, deal?"  

 

Cale smiled slightly and nodded, then took a comfortable position to lean back in his chair. Ace quickly helped and arranged the blanket to cover the smaller man's body. The white-bearded commander gently stroked his red hair before finally heading to the cabin to prepare dinner.

 

Leaving the unfortunate red-haired man, who was trying to calm his racing heart.

 

.

.

.

 

[Cale Henituse's POV]

 

Oh my, Cale... Glutton muttered in his mind.

 

... I-is your heart o-okay?  Crybaby continued, with a worried voice.

 

Why ask something so obvious?  

 

Of course not, you bastard.  

 

The ancient powers—except for the kind-hearted Crybaby—laughed at him contentedly. Even The Cheapskate, who usually protested whenever Ace approached or tended to him. But this time, the ancient fire power was somehow docile and purring like a cat on catnip.

 

As the red-haired man talked about his family in his home world, they occasionally responded with witty comments. This made the calm face of the pale-skinned man even more expressive as he spoke. Especially Glutton and The Thief, who teased him playfully about Ace's sweet response. Listening without interrupting, he wore a small smile on that handsome face, while his grey eyes focused.  

 

What a sweet young man, sighed Super Rock with genuine affection.

 

Did you see his expression when he was talking about Cookie Prince?  The Thief continued, making the ancient wooden figure giggle joyfully.

 

What a charming gentleman, he looked jealous but prioritised Cale! 

 

Or the way he gaped when hearing about Lemon Grandpa?   The Crazy Kid laughed, terryfing, it was so normal.

 

Hahahahaha! This crazy Portgas loves Lemon Grandpa!  Now it was The Cheapskate's turn, his laughter echoed throughout Cale's mind. So annoying!

 

H-he’s so ki-kind… whispers Crybaby, supporting him with a trembling smile—a shadow—in the corner of his mind.  

 

Ignoring the ancient powers resuming their gossip cheerfully, Cale is lost in his own thoughts. Curled up in his beloved blanket—a gift from Ace—memories bring to mind the faces of grey-eyed men as he listens to his story. Setting aside the oddities of the tale, like the cat tribe and whales, then dragons and crown princes, which are certainly different from this world, Ace prefers to ask about the moments and his relationship with his family.

 

Sometimes, Ace was like a child experiencing true love for the first time. 

 

This young man had a troubled past, but thankfully, thanks to his good environment, his personality remained intact. Despite that, his low self-esteem was heartbreaking. He believed he was unworthy of being valued and loved. It feels like seeing the old Cale, when he was Kim Roksoo. Relying solely on instinct to survive, but not feeling worthy of being loved by other living beings. 

 

Cale will strive to survive, no matter how he achieves it or what the risks are. That’s why he doesn’t feel confident that someone out there might like Kim Roksoo, like Cale Henituse, just as he is. But, the family he gained while in Kim Roksoo’s world and in Cale Henituse’s world has taught him so much about himself. 

 

One day, you will find someone who understands you.

 

As much as possible, before Cale returns home, he will make Ace feel worthy. 

 

That his younger brother and his family—the Shirohige crew—truly love him deeply. 

 

That is why he allows Ace to indulge himself tonight. To sing and dance, to tell stories and listen, to receive hugs and have his hair stroked. To hear laughter and genuine admiration in his grey eyes. So happy when Cale even sang him the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Cale wasn't talented, but Ace loved his terrible voice. What a silly young man. 

 

So, what was this fluttering in his heart he was feeling now? Ugh, Cale suddenly sounded like a woman in a cheesy drama. 

 

His grip on the blanket tightened, and he could feel his cheeks slowly growing warmer. Trembling slightly, his hand rose to touch his cheek and his forehead. Annoyed and a little worried, what kind of heartbeat was making him feel feverish? Was he going to get sick? Was the heartbeat because Cale was too tired from moving around so much today?

 

I-it seems so, Cale! You’re exhausted! D-does your body feel tense?  Crybaby’s voice chimed in, the usual observant one, and immediately offered warmth to Cale. That ancient power was trying to make him feel better, bless him.  

 

Seriously, Crybaby? You’re making this stubborn fool even more unbearable, The Thief complained, tapping her forehead in frustration.

 

Exactly! Cale almost fell for it and realised! Glutton added, becoming an unnecessary provocateur.  

 

It’s not Cale’s fault, is it?! Did you hear that whiny old man?! Cale is just tired!  The Cheapskate growled, returning to his fiery personality.  

 

Our Cale is so weak, huh :D  Crazy Kid chuckled.

 

Enough, Cale. Just rest, hm? Ignore your older brothers and sisters. They're feeling sensitive, Super Rock coaxed, making Cale feel a chill for a moment. 

 

Older brothers and sisters your head??? Enough with Lee Soohyuk and Alberu Crossman, along with their oddity of asking Cale to call them 'hyungnim'.

 

"Cale? Dinner is ready," called the black-haired man from behind, and he reluctantly turned around. Something in his heart felt uneasy as he watched the other man carefully cleaning the middle of the ship. He placed their usual small table and a hotpot filled with freshly cooked noodles in the middle. 

 

Glutton quickly forgot her whining and now cheered happily with hunger. Especially since the toppings added by Ace were varied and looked promising. Slowly, the red-haired man got up and sat on his own cushion. Calmly watching Ace tidy up the table, placing their bowls, glasses filled with cold and warm water, chopsticks, spoons, and forks. 

 

"This is rice if you want it and, your karaage, sir." Ace pointed to his right, at a medium-sized bowl containing rice and a plate of freshly fried karaage. On the other side, near their drinks, there was a box of tissues.

 

Cale hummed happily and began to arrange his own food. He felt the taller man chuckle, kneeling on his left side to tie the red hair into a cute messy bun. He picked up the blanket that had been thrown around and placed it on the smaller man's shoulders to keep him warm. After taking care of Cale, Ace sat down on his own cushion.

 

(Oh my GAWT... I want somebody-NO. I WANT HIM—Neri :)  

 

"Enjoy your meal!"  

 

Beacrox must be very happy with Ace. His cooking skills are amazing and cannot be called amateurish. Cale had heard from others that Ace liked to help Thatch prepare meals when he wasn't on duty. Perhaps that’s where his cooking skills were honed. 

 

“How is it?” Ace asked with a wide grin, as if seeking praise.

 

“Delicious.” Cale nodded, giving his signature thumbs-up with cheeks puffed out like a squirrel. 

 

“Do you guys often cook dinner together there?” Ace asked suddenly, and the others nodded.

 

"Beacrox is an excellent cook; no one can resist his dishes," said the redhead seriously, furrowing his brow as the grey-eyed man laughed. 

 

"Oh really? What ranking would you give all the dishes you've tasted?" Cale hummed for a moment before smiling mischievously.

 

"First, of course, Beacrox's cooking. Second, the cake from that rascal White Star. Third is yours. Fourth is Alberu-hyungnim's cookies, and fifth is Bud's wine." 

 

"Eiyy, wine isn't a dish!"

 

"But through fermentation and distillation? Aren't all the processes that form food the same as cooking?" 

 

"Hah. What kind of concept are you thinking of?" Ace laughed in disbelief.

 

The story continued as Ace asked about kingdoms other than Roan, the continents and the division of territories in his world, and even the systems of government adopted by each kingdom. Ace also asked about the tribes mentioned by Cale in the story and somewhat linked them to the Mink race in this world. The freckled man continued to ask about the enemy named 'White Star' and the war caused by this rascal. Regarding the other continental kingdoms that had formed an alliance—  

 

Cale... called out to Super Rock in a soft voice.  

 

Hm?  

 

Does Ace-boya know that you're from another world? Cale raised an eyebrow at the question, and his answer was no.

 

"Cale, you mentioned earlier that all the territories of your kingdom are on the western continent, right? But in this world, there's only West Blue. I'm sorry, Cale, but I don't think I've ever heard of this continent—"

 

"That's because the continent is in another world."

 

Silence fell over them, and Cale, as usual, devoured another mouthful.

 

Confused by the lack of response from his conversation partner, the reddish-brown eyes looked up. Seeing the other master now gaping, a piece of matsutake mushroom on his chopsticks fell dramatically into his bowl.

 

"E-eiiyyyoo, Cale??? I-I didn't know you liked to joke around, so—" the grey eyes blinked sceptically. He took another noodle to eat, but his hand trembled and his voice was slightly stuttered. Then, with a serious expression reminiscent of Jojo Bizarre manga, he asked again.

 

"-are you from the Void Century?"  

 

"Paboya. That's still part of this world," Cale muttered.  

 

"That's why I'm looking for a way home, because I'm from another world," the man continued, as if he weren't dropping a bomb in the middle of this peaceful moment.

 

"UHUK OHOOKKK-" Ace coughed and groaned from the pain rising in his nose. Cale, on the other hand, merely observed with one eyebrow raised. He handed him a tissue, which was accepted hurriedly, momentarily feeling sorry for the unpleasant pain the other man was enduring.  

 

"Caleeee!!!" the black-haired man groaned, now covering his face with his hands.

 

"What?"  

 

"Can't you say it at the right time?! Are you serious? RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FUCKIN' SALAD?!" Ace screamed, opening his hands to reveal his pitiful face, covered in sweat and pale skin with an unhealthy red flush on his cheeks.

 

"But you asked earlier, and I was just clarifying—"  

 

"CLARIFYING?! HELL NAWH! IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL a FUCKIN' CLARIFYING? STUPID—"  

 

"Aceee," Cale sighed, covering his ears with both hands. Suddenly, the taller man covered his mouth with a pout, his eyebrows comically furrowed on his forehead.

 

Seeing the other man now calmer and pensive, Cale continued eating the little food left. Gracefully ignoring the laughter of the ancient powers echoing in his mind. Even Crybaby joined in the laughter this time. Because, well, there was no denying it, Ace's expression was hilarious now.

 

"Okay, okay, I can accept your oddity of talking to Seaking, your courage in slapping Tenryuubitou and breaking into the marine base, your ability to know something in an instant, and all the strange and unusual tools you have that can teleport us to different places. Now, of course I can accept the fact that you're from another world, right?"

 

Ace was out of breath as he tried to convince himself, and Cale had the courage to pat the man's shoulder twice before giving him a thumbs-up like an old man.

 

"Awesome."

 

Ace brushed it off with a disgusted expression, and Cale laughed heartily.

 

"So... how did you end up here?" Ace asked, finally calm with a serious expression. Cale's heart began to race again for some reason, a sense of joy tickling his heart, knowing that the man in front of him believed his words now. (—and would always believe them. Even from their first meeting—)

 

"Like the story I told you about facing that bastard White Star at the temple... the jerk did something with the runes scattered around the building. I think he actually intended to move me with him to a different place. But it backfired (?), both for me and for him. When I came to, I was already in Skypiea," Cale finished, taking a sip of water as his throat began to feel dry.

 

"Are you injured?" Ace asked, his voice sounding concerned.

 

"Yeah, but I'm healed now. The Skypiean and Shandian people were very kind in taking care of me." Feeling full, he looked at the dirty bowl and glass. Ace did the same and took over Cale's eating utensils. 

 

"Wait a moment." 

 

Ten minutes later, the man with a freckle on his cheek returned with two cups of hot chocolate, a glass of water, and a plate of apple pie. Countless times, Cale felt a warmth in his heart. Besides believing his crazy words, whether consciously or not, Ace also soothed his longing to return home with the presence of this apple pie. The red-haired man bit into the pie with a dazed expression, lost in memory. 

 

"Do the children like apple pie?" Ace asked softly, giving a understanding smile. 

 

"Yes. Raon always keeps a supply of preserved apple pie in my spatial bag. So I can eat it anytime." His explanation drew laughter. 

 

"That's why your bag and our fridge are full of apple pie?" 

 

"They taste good when cold too?" 

 

"Don't you smell the chicken and fish in the pie?" 

 

"Ew, Ace. Shut up. You're ruining the mood—"

 

"Hahahahh-!"

 

Ace's laughter slowly faded as his expression turned serious again. His grey eyes shone sharply, reflecting the light, making them appear full of determination and promise. Just like when he gave Cale the Vivre Card, but this time the man linked their hands together. His black hair looked very soft under the golden ship's lights, now falling to shade his eyes. His lips were tightly closed, trembling and too numb to speak. 

 

"Hey, Cale?" 

 

"Yes?" 

 

"I'll help you, hm? So, please ... never feel alone," the man said with a touch as warm as a blanket when the rain pouring. With a slow and respectful movement, he lifted Cale's hand to his lips. 

 

"I'm here." 

 

His reddish-brown eyes widened, feeling the gentle touch on his hand. Ace was kissing his fingers, admiring them slowly, before a soft smile settled there. 

 

The moment lasted for a few seconds, until Ace finally lowered Cale's hand back onto the table. The red-haired man was too frozen to react, only able to widen his eyes as the black-haired man's hand now rose to stroke the left side of his face. Stroking his red hair that had escaped from the messy bun, then gently pinching his cheek.

 

"Pretty." 

 

His cheek felt warm. The heartbeat grew wild. His eyes trembled slightly while the lips opened and closed slightly. He suddenly felt restless, as if he didn't know how to react. Ace, on the other hand, withdrew his hand and tidied up the table so they could prepare for another conversation or even sleep.

 

... you must have noticed it, right, Cale?  the women in his mind whispered. 

 

The response came in the form of a red-haired man lifting the blanket to cover part of his face. He tried to calm his racing heartbeat, but failed. Ugh. Cale felt ... out of control and unlike his usual self. He had never imagined that the concept of 'it' would enter his life, which revolved solely around money, children, and family. Even the red-haired man had never once thought about it when dreaming of his peaceful life! 

 

What should he do now? 

 

.

.

.

 

[Third Person's POV]

 

The two different men had completed their nightly ritual before bed. Cale confirmed from his strange communication with Jon Snow that they had about 8 hours left to reach Fishman Island. After all, Seaking needed its own rest. The man with reddish-brown eyes also said that the other sea creatures would not disturb them. 

 

Ace, on the other hand, just smiled as he tidied up the bed. This time, they chose to use a futon on a mattress covered with a mat. The hanging bed was now neatly folded on one side of the wall. Both beds would be used depending on the conditions. If the waters were calm, they would use the futon. Conversely, if the waters made the ship rock too much, they would use the hanging bed. 

 

"Cale?" 

 

"Hm?" 

 

"Can you really hear something from nature?"

 

The man who asked the question lay on his side, while the head resting on his folded arms, facing Cale, who was clutching his blanket tightly. The others blinked calmly, glancing from the corner of their eyes, then fell silent for a few seconds. 

 

"Is it that obvious?" Ace still smiled, now accompanied by a grin. 

 

"I always see you looking around with a focused gaze. As if you're listening or understanding something." Cale hummed in agreement. 

 

"Is there anyone else in this world with the same ability?" Ace nodded. 

 

"A few. I heard about it from Oyaji and Marco. But this skill is extremely rare. Almost like... one in a million?" The red-haired man looked interested, tilting his face slightly to look at Ace. 

 

"I think it's not just a few. They sound very rare," Cale replied, almost sounding displeased. As if reluctant to be known for having such a great power, which was his trademark.

 

"Can you explain what that power is like in this world?" the bronze-eyed man asked again, forcing himself to stay focused despite feeling sleepy.

 

"We call it the Voice of All Things. This skill remains mysterious and extremely rare. It allows users to communicate with people, creatures, and objects in the world around them without needing physical messages, like speech or writing. Well, it's more like telepathy," explained the man with freckles on his face, giving a small smile. One free hand moved to pat Cale's arm.

 

"I... can hear their voices, but they're a bit different. I think," muttered the red-haired man, sounding unsure. He suddenly recalled the incident when he had 'commanded' people to 'forget' him.

 

"Different how?"

 

"Those voices, Ace, they have their own 'will.' They think, act, and feel. They've been helping me since I fell into this world, guiding me to stay safe so I could meet you," whispered the smaller man, his voice soft and cautious.

 

"You've seen the powers I possess, haven't you? They are my companions, the ancient power holders from my world who now reside within my soul. At first, I thought the connection between me and the ancient powers gave me these abilities, but I don't think that's the case anymore."

 

Ace remained silent as Cale explained the situation and his condition, though various questions began to swirl in his mind. Ancient powers? Dwelling in his soul? How many ancient powers does Cale possess? Is that why Cale always gets injured when using his powers? Because it's too much for his body to handle? 

 

Then, will? Could the voices act on their own if they wanted to? Or did they need to be commanded first? However, hearing Cale's voice grow quieter, as if hesitant, with a troubled expression on his usually calm face—

 

"—do these voices scare you, Cale?" Ace finally asked, after considering all the questions he had been thinking about.

 

The man's heart felt torn apart, seeing those reddish-brown eyes widen and glisten as they stared at him in shock. His hands clenched the blanket and trembled slightly. He confirmed Ace's question with his silent response.

 

"I think I've touched something 'ancient' ... a forgotten power that has long lain dormant beneath the surface. No ... not just beneath ... they're everywhere, Ace! They're in the sea, in the sky, in the earth, in the trees, in the ruins!"

 

The dark-haired man imagined himself in Cale's position. 

 

Alone in a foreign world, without family or companions by his side. Unable to contact them, struggling with hope in the solitude of his journey. Then able to hear the voices from this foreign world, while in his position as an outsider. Blessed with great abilities, but what are the consequences? How terrifying it is. The burden of facing something ancient and unknown.

 

Unable to hold back any longer, Ace embraced Cale. 

 

Pulling the red-haired man into his arms, hoping his presence might at least ease the storm of anxiety raging in the other man’s heart. His chin rested on the top of the red head, feeling the other begin to seek a more comfortable position. The hands that had been hesitant and still trembling slowly but surely began to return the embrace.

 

"Have they ever been bad to you, Cale?" A few seconds later, the redhead shook his head.  

 

"They're sad," he replied calmly.  

 

"Why?"  

 

"Because I'm afraid." Ace smiled slightly.  

 

"We'll face them together. What do you think?" Faintly, there was a sniffle accompanied by a brief nod.

 

"Thank you... Ace-ya." 

 

Seconds later, the sound of calm breathing came from the figure already lost in the flowers of sleep. To avoid feeling suffocated and overheated, Ace adjusted their sleeping position to be more comfortable and spaced out. What greeted him was not good for the heart of the black-haired man.

 

The beautiful face was fully resting on Ace's arm. Red hair fell and framed his beautiful face, forming a halo around the pillow. The eyelashes swept across his pale cheeks, which glowed dimly under the cabin light. One hand clutched the front of Ace's black shirt, while the other hugged him while holding the blanket. 

 

What a great strength, for such a fragile man to possess.

 

Ace thought, brushing the strand of red hair that obscured Cale's face behind his ear. He smiled slightly as the other leaned slightly into Ace's touch. It made his heart race again, thinking that someone like Cale Henituse felt safe with Portgas D. Ace's touch. 

 

That thought brought ambrosia into his blood, that this unworthy Ace, on some occasions, could provide a worthy place to lean on. 

 

"Sleep well, Cale. Tomorrow is the day you've been waiting for, and I'll be there to greet it with you," promised the man with steel eyes, filled with the resolve of a sunflower. 

 

Under the silence of the deep, dark sea, protected by various creatures of the world, and the natural light shining like stars in the sky, the two men finally fell asleep wrapped in blankets and warmth. 

 

.

.

.

 

[MINI OMAKE] 

[Water Seven]

[Portgas D. Ace's POV]

 

At that time, they were at one of the restaurants in Water Seven. After shopping for a while, Cale apparently wanted to eat ice cream. So, whether he liked it or not—defeated by the sparkling gaze of the red-haired man—Ace gave in with his manliness. He led them to sit by the river in the city centre, watching the merchants sail and work with their Yagara.

 

Ace noticed Cale clap his hands once, a satisfied and enthusiastic expression hidden behind his beautiful face.

 

"What are you? A child?"

 

"Not a child," the other man replied immediately.

 

"Your eyes sparkle when you see that damn ice cream. Luckily you didn't cry and whine," Ace teased, starting to chuckle softly. The man grew more hysterical as the others gave disgusted looks at the idea of 'whining' and 'crying.'  

 

"I am a fully grown man," Cale replied, his voice now firmer.  

 

"Oh really? How old are ya if that's the case?" 

 

"38 years old."

 

Silence fell over them for a moment. 

 

Not only Ace was speechless, but also the customers sitting at the table near them. About to object, the grey-eyed man was silenced by Cale's serious gaze. His eyes were calm, but his face was framed by a cold expression. Ace's lips opened and closed, desperately wanting to say something but—

 

"Mentally," Cale continued, his cold expression fading. Now replaced by a wide smile and eyes that sparkled maliciously. As if he was delighted to have tricked Ace, and well, you're such a charming little rascal! I almost believed you! Can't you hear the sighs of relief from the people around you?!

 

"... how old are you, then?"  

 

"20 years old, almost 21." He's ... older than Ace? 

 

"You?"  

 

"... 19 years old," Ace answered reluctantly, getting a bad feeling as the smile grew wider.  

 

"Aha, still a kid, huh—"  

 

"SHUT UP NAWH?!?! WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU CALLING A CHILD?!" The spoon after finishing the ice cream pointed at him.  

 

"You? Look at you, getting angry like a child." The young, handsome face flushed bright red with imaginary smoke rising from his head. Especially when he heard some people start laughing and trying to hold it back but failing.

 

Ace can hear you!

 

Instantly feeling defeated by Cale's argument, the younger man sat down in his chair with a frown on his face. His grey eyes stared at the ice cream on his table, stunned as the dessert melted instantly like water. About to protest the perceived injustice, Ace froze when a laugh came from the red-haired man. 

 

"Pfftt, I-I can't believe this... the ice cream melted because you were staring???" Cale laughed, sounding carefree and joyful over Ace's suffering. However, the black-haired man remained silent with a displeased expression. 

 

"Alright, kid, don't pout, okay? This big brother will order another one for you. How about it?"  

 

"And I'll pay for it, right?" Ace said sarcastically, receiving another laugh in response.

 

"Smart boy." 

 

There was a touch on his temple, his grey eyes widening in disbelief. He saw the man across from him still smiling while ruffling his black hair. The cheeks flushed red with heat that was evaporating into smoke above his head. Strangely, Ace was too frozen—reluctant (?)—to move and brush off the touch. So, what the man did was cross his arms, pucker his lips, and turn away. 

 

Che! How annoying! Why does Cale have to laugh and smile like that?! 

 

As a result, Ace's heart can't beat normally now! 

 

It's all Cale Henituse's fault!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guys, this fic got another gift from one of our friends, Natya! Check it out, IT’S SAAUUURRR GOOOD, MAJESTIC, GREAT, AND CUTEEEEEE! She drew one of the scenes from the previous chapter 😭😭😭

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE FOOD, NATYA 🥰🥰🥰

 

LOVE THE DETAIL SOO MUUCHHH, SHES EVEN DRAWS SPEEDOMETER! ❤❤❤

 

 

CAALLEEEEEE ISS SOOO TINNYYY 😘🥰🤏

 

 

LMAOOO, IM WHEEZING AT THIS ALMOST 1 MINUTES 🤣🤣🤣

 

(This is the link! :

https://i.postimg.cc/s2q97f7W/Red-Cherish-acexcale-20250819150234.png

https://i.postimg.cc/T1qrzrSj/Untitled25-20250819150325.png

https://i.postimg.cc/Hsd0Qhc6/Untitled19-20250819150301.png  )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

I apologise if the conversation between AceCale didn't go as expected and Ace didn't react much. I think he just wanted to hear Cale speak his mind and respond to him the next day.

Also, I think it's very normal for Cale to be afraid of the power he can control without realising it... he's playing ... 'God', iykyk
The thing this man fears most :)

And yeaaah, we're finally getting closer to the MAIN CONFLICT in this fic :)
But yeah, there are about 2-3 more chapters before that, so just enjoy the sweetness for now and then WE'LL CURSE Ace (spoiler :3)

Writing this while listening to soft, comfy songs and wow, my heart is just blooming with love and I'm so into writing about them :(
THEir CHEMISTRY IS JUSSTT A CHEF KISSS, I LOVE ACECALE SO MUCH :(

And for Ace's song... I don't know what else to write for him, I'm just blank when writing 🗿🗿🗿
(Tbh, that's Cale, who doesn't really know any good songs lol :v)

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With Love, Neri 💛🌻✨
PS. If I may ask, where are you all from? (I'm from Indonesia!)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of CHUuu~ (Cale Harem Universe) 。･:*:･(✿◕3◕)❤