I promise that I'll never die

by Aorton

Summary:

Luffy saw a photo of his (not) dead brother. This will change the course of further events.
This fanfiction was created with help from the people on The Lamp Desk's Discord server

Chapter 1

At that moment, Luffy was stunned.
His eyes had recently been focused on Shakky explaining to them the 11 Supernova phenomenon. Higher above the counter there was a beam with wanted posters on it. A freshly hung newspaper clipping stood out among them.
It was a blurry photo - it was taken while moving. It showed a blond man with a top hat and goggles. He ran towards Cameko with a bright expression on his face.
Luffy saw THAT smile. The scarred young man's grimace was exactly the same as that of a teenager struggling with falling out baby teeth.
He saw in this elegantly dressed person his (not?) forever lost brother.
The dark-haired man's mouth fell open, his eyes widened and tears began to flow from them. He instantly focused the attention of everyone in the room.
Shakky stopped talking, Chopper froze with the cotton candy in his mouth, Brook started making inarticulate sounds, Hatchan’s and Camie's jaws dropped.
- SABO!!! - he shouted. His sobs mixed with laughter drowned out the bursting resin bubbles outside.
After a long time, Shakky was the first to speak.
- Monkey-chan who is Sabo? – she asked, maintaining a stoic tone
Still controlled by his emotions, Luffy pointed to the photo.
- This is my brother.
- Another brother!? - Chopper shouted in disbelief
- So Luffy has brothers? - Brook would frown if he had them.
- Yes, we met Ace in Alabasta! – the little reindeer replied quickly.
- Fire Fist Ace?! - Fishman shouted. His and Camie's homeland was protected by the Whitebeards.
The barmaid interrupted further exchange of words.
- This photo comes from today's newspaper - she explained - It's quite unusual, your brother is suspected of stealing files from the Marines base in New World. Even his name is valuable information for them.
- I have to find him - Luffy ignored Raven-haired's words. - I want to meet Ace - the boy's crying slowly subsided.
While his nakama and friends were confused by his words, he pulled out the Vivre Card hidden in his hat. The item was intact. He put it on the counter. The tiny piece of paper moved quickly.
- If it's your brother - Shakuyaku put out her cigarette, - then I think it's heading to Banero or is already there. This is the closest island from here towards the east - she smiled.
- Then I'll sail there - the Straw Hats Captain replied in a determined tone.
He didn't doubt what he saw for a moment. He was now sure that Sabo had survived the incident. He wanted to show Ace the article and, if possible, start researching together.
- Luffy, you can't! - Brook and Chopper pointed out.
- We're looking for Ray now -Hatchan explained nervously.
- In that case, you will look for oldman, and in the meantime I will find my brother - Luffy reached into his pocket - I'm sure I'll be back soon! – he held the number of Den-Den Mushi in his hand.

Chapter 2

In the afternoon, Duval arrived on Motobaro to area 13.
The Three Straw Hats, Shakky, Hatchan, and Camie were already waiting by the bridge. After disembarking, he shouted:
- Luffy, as I promised, I have arrived, all handsome me! – he winked ineptly, making the women smile.
- Thanks, anyway, let's go to Banero as soon as possible. "I don't want to miss Ace," Luffy got impatient. He was counting down the seconds until Duval would arrive, he didn't want to waste time on small talk.
- Luffy - The captain turned towards Chopper, who was close to hysterical. Brook stood next to the reindeer and stroked its fur to calm himself and him down - Don't get into trouble, we'll all worry, come back tomorrow...
- Chopper is right - Shakky interrupted - Ace is the commander of the second Whitebeard division. According to my information, Blackbeard also belonged to this division. He allegedly killed a crew member and escaped. That's why Ace distanced himself from Moby Dick. The Whitebeards crew is like family to each other, fratricide is unforgivable to them. Perhaps Ace is following in his footsteps now as well.
Her words will cause panic among the others, but she hasn't changed Luffy's mind. - Ace is strong, he can handle it - he looked straight into Shakky's eyes - I will swim to him without a doubt - he smiled. Until now, he believed that he should not interfere with his older brother's adventure. However, his discovery changed the course of his reasoning. The hope of finding Sabo burned within him. He knew that Ace's wound from losing him would never heal - and it was the same for him. He expected his brother's explosive reaction to the photo shown to him, but also the recognition in his eyes. Maybe he'll even abandon his search for Blackbeard in favor of Sabo. It all seemed worth breaking my own beliefs. However, he did not plan to worry the crew. He took off his hat and took out the Vivre Card previously hidden under the ribbon.
- Here - he passed the crew symbol to Chopper's hooves - take care of my hat until I get back! -he chuckled.
- Well, it's your decision - sighed the Bartender - Please take it - She handed Luffy a bag with a copy of the newspaper with the obvious photo and a baby den den mushi. She passed the second one into Brook's bony hand. – After meeting your brother, please contact the crew. That's all.
- Bright! - The dark-haired man measured the weight of the snail with his hand. After a while he went to the shoreline and jumped onto the Motobar saddle - Dupal Let's go, I want to reach it before it gets dark!
- I'm Duval! – Rosy Life Rider's leader pointed out. With that he signaled to the buffalo and they set off.
- All! See you! - Luffy waved both hands vigorously at his friends. The animal's speed increased slightly.
- Good luck, Luffy! – They replied.
As the Straw Hats and their friends turned into specks in the distance, the boy asked Duval:
- Can you speed up?
"We're not going at top speed now," the bandit replied cheerfully.
In response, he only heard a groan of dissatisfaction.
- XXX-
The journey had taken almost an hour. Despite the increasing wind speed, the sea was still calm. Despite the slow speed of Duval's mount, it seemed that they would make it to Banero Island before dark - only 30-40 minutes of the Rider's estimated time remained.
Whatever, Luffy still had his impatient self. Despite everything, he was irritated by his companion's narcissistic behavior. How long can you listen to people praising their own beauty? His screams were of no avail.
Deciding not to listen to Duval's monologue, Luffy took the Vivre Card out of his pocket.
He was shocked.
The page slowly burned. Ever since he met Lola on Thriller Bark, he knew what that meant.
- Ace is fighting! - he shouted. He suspected it was as Shakky said - he chased the traitor and finally found his way.
"Why do you say that?" He interrupted the sentence after turning fully to Straw Hat. He also knew how Vivre Card worked.
- Indeed - he gritted his teeth - Don't worry, Luffy, we can see the island on the horizon, a handsome guy like me will fulfill his promise!
- Shut up! - Luffy couldn't stand it - just focus on the road!
-XXX-
As he approached the mainland of the island, Luffy saw signs of fighting - one half was full of rubble, and the other half was a fire area. The smoke was still smoldering.
At the shore he saw Striker - his brother's boat.
- Now I'm sure that Ace is here - he still held the Vivre Card in his hand. “He had a boat like this in Alabasta,” he explained to Duval.
They went ashore.
- Stay with your pet, watch your bag, I'm going to check on Ace - he started running.
- Yes, sir! - Duval replied, looking at the retreating Luffy.
The area was deserted - he didn't meet a single person or animal. Rubble cracked under his feet. The sun was still high. The still burning note took him straight to the center of the island.
When he got there, he met a familiar-looking man. He looked at him with greedy eyes - Luffy didn't like it, he already suspected him of being the one Ace was looking for.
"The cherry pie guy," he blurted out. He remembered seeing a guy on Jaya Island.
- So that's how you remember me, Straw Hat? - he cackled irritatingly - I'm sorry, you have something I want, and that's a reward for you!
He didn't listen to his statement, the note pointed straight at Blackbeard. Suddenly he saw an orange thing behind him. Ace Hat.
- You… what did you do to Ace!? – Luffy looked at him with hatred.
- You will soon suffer the same fate as him! – Teach laughed again- Ze Ha Ha Ha-
Gear 2!- GOMU GOMU NO JET GATLING!
Luffy was too fast and Blackbeard was not immune to physical attacks. Through a series of blows, he was pushed towards the rubble.
He stopped the attack and became slightly out of breath, and when he was preparing another attack -
- KUROUZU - Luffy felt like he had lost a part of himself. Immediately afterwards, he was hit with great force in the face.
- YAMI NI SHINE - was thrown towards the zone previously consumed by fire, settling deep in the scorched earth.
- BLACK HOLE - he heard before getting up.
-XXX-
Ace felt like he had died. He had no senses in the deep darkness surrounding him. Until
he didn't feel the familiar presence.
Luffy.

Notes:

Thank you for taking the time to read this work. I still can't believe that I sent fanfiction in English.
please leave comments and constructive criticism