Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Despite the pitch-black darkness engulfing the streets, the village burned brightly. The flames illuminated everything—the ruined buildings, the charred remains of the villagers who hadn't managed to escape their homes

It was as if the light was desperately trying to drive away the horror of the night, yet all it left behind was a sinister glow on the remnants

The darkness still tried to consume it, but the village continued to burn until morning. The flames, almost alive, devoured the last of the houses, reducing them to heaps of ash

When the first rays of sunlight pierced through the smoke, all that remained was a lifeless wasteland, soaked in the scent of fire and death

But as the sun's rays broke through the thick smoke, a sudden sound disturbed the eerie silence—a child's cry. It was quiet, barely audible over the crackling embers, yet in the dead stillness of the deserted village, it rang out like thunder

The cry came from beneath the debris, where, against all odds, life had survived amidst the ashes

—Ah... my boy... hush now... Mama's here...

A hoarse yet remarkably gentle voice spoke. A young woman with long, ashen hair, shimmering in the morning light, carefully cradled a newborn baby, trying to soothe him

A sudden gust of wind lifted the cooled ash from the ground, swirling it around like an invisible shroud before gently settling onto the infant’s chocolate-colored skin, as if welcoming him into its cold yet protective world

The boy was the spitting image of his mother—same facial features, the same dark, almost chocolate skin tone, and even the faintest trace of a smile

However, when the newborn, finally calm in the warmth of his mother’s embrace, opened his eyes, it became clear that they had not inherited her light color

Instead, the child's dark eyes resembled those of a man from that fateful night, giving the boy an air of mystery, almost a sense of destiny

—…My little, sweet child... What name would suit you...?

The young woman, seemingly in her early twenties, whispered softly, carefully brushing away the excess ash from the baby's still-damp, tiny body

Her movements were full of care and tenderness. Then, she gently wrapped the newborn in a soft cloth, shielding him from the cold

As the baby, gazing at the world with fresh, untainted eyes, touched her finger with his tiny hand, he seemed to recognize her warmth and smiled faintly, his cheeks still dusted with ash

—…ash... Asher. Your name is now Asher, my child... Welcome to this gray and unforgiving world..

She murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the slightly ash-whitened forehead of her tiny Asher

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Three Years Later

Three years had passed since that day

It was a sunny day, with a gentle breeze carrying the salty scent of the ocean. Gentle waves lapped against the shore, and the sand beneath their feet was warm. In the distance, rocky cliffs stood tall, and only the sound of waves and the whisper of the wind disturbed the peaceful silence

By the shore stood a small, cozy-looking hut. Nearby, on the sand, a woman with long, snow-white hair and chocolate-colored skin sat on a small mat, seemingly enjoying the pleasant weather

Suddenly, the sound of tiny footsteps echoed from the path

It was Asher, now three years old, who was developing remarkably fast for his age

—MAMA!! THE NEWSPAPER CAME!!!

The little boy shouted the moment he spotted his mother, waving a newspaper above his head with all his might

He ran so fast that it seemed like he might crash into the woman with all the energy packed into his small three-year-old body. Fortunately, he managed to stop just in time, right in front of her

With an enthusiastic grin, he held the newspaper out to her. She took it, unfolding it to read the first headline, while Asher climbed onto her lap to listen

Asher couldn't read yet, so he often asked his mother to read to him—this time, it was the newspaper

But the moment her cloud-colored eyes landed on the main story of the day, she froze

—Mama?

He looked up at her questioningly, only reaching her chin due to his small stature. Then, Asher glanced at the newspaper himself—more precisely, at the picture printed on it

The photograph showed an enormous man with thick black hair and a matching curled mustache, draped in a red cape

Two sharp blades were pointed at his neck, yet he smiled broadly—fearless, without regret

For some reason, Asher liked this 'man in the picture', especially his fearless grin

—Mom, who is that?

The white-haired boy asked curiously, poking his mother’s arm to get her attention

When she finally snapped out of her stupor, stunned by the terrifyingly familiar face she recognized all too well, she gave her only son a gentle smile and answered kindly:

—The Pirate King, Gold Roger

To be continued….

Chapter Text

The day was quiet and gentle

Birds sang in ringing trills, as if chatting with one another, while flowers exuded a sweet fragrance, filling the air with their aroma

The leaves of tall, sprawling trees rustled softly under a light breeze, and the bright sun occasionally hid behind soft, slowly drifting clouds

A feeling of tranquility floated in the air, disturbed only by the occasional crackling of branches under the paws of animals and the barely audible splashing of waves from the nearby beach

In the shady forest nearby, a seven-year-old boy in a cap walked leisurely, glancing around as he habitually noted the changes in the familiar landscape:

There, on the oak tree where he loved to sit, new young leaves had sprouted; in the bushes, a rabbit's tail flickered; somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted

Asher often came here to play. In the village near his home, he had no friends—children avoided him, and not only children:

They averted their eyes, whispered behind his back. The most terrifying thing about him, they said, was his eyes. Creepy, almost inhuman

At first, it upset him. He didn’t understand what was so strange about him. Could someone really be judged just by their appearance? He was the same as everyone else… Or wasn’t he?

Because of this, Asher began wearing a cap, shielding his eyes from prying looks. And he decided not to say anything about it to his mother

She couldn't afford to worry—not with her worsening health

Before, he hadn’t felt loneliness so acutely. His mother always found time to play with him, tell stories, laugh as before. But lately, she had started looking tired, weak, as if even the air around her had become heavier

When he asked her, troubled, she would only smile faintly and say she was just a little exhausted

But Asher knew—it wasn’t that simple. He wasn’t a little child anymore!

That’s why he took it upon himself to care for his mother. He forbade her from getting out of bed, got a job as a mail carrier, and in the evenings, went hunting in the forest

Today was his day off, so he decided to take a walk and wandered into the woods

The cool wind pleasantly brushed against his face, filling his lungs with freshness. Asher loved these walks. The forest was a place of solitude for him, a refuge from the annoying stares and whispers behind his back

Here, there were no people—only trees, animals, the sun filtering through the leaves, and the light scent of pine

As he walked through the endless greenery, he suddenly noticed a strange fruit among the regular apples on one of the trees. It was different from the rest—its color was unnatural, and its surface was covered in intricate patterns

Intrigued, the boy swiftly climbed the tree. It was something he was used to—climbing branches had long been his favorite pastime, though he was constantly scolded for the bruises and scrapes

Along the way, he picked other apples, stuffing them into his bag. His mother loved baked apples, and Asher hoped to make her happy today

Finally, reaching the strange fruit, he carefully plucked it. A jump down—and he was already standing on the ground, cautiously holding his find in his palms

Adjusting his slightly askew cap, he began examining the peculiar fruit

It resembled a ripe apple but was wrapped in swirling ashen patterns, as if ashes themselves were slowly consuming it, leaving intricate designs on the surface

Asher didn’t know why, but the fruit seemed strangely alluring. As if it was calling to him, whispering that he needed to try it

He wanted to take at least a small bite. And without thinking, he did

The taste was odd—something between an apple and… ash. A bitterness with a slight sourness, mixed with a soft, almost gentle sweetness. Some might have found it disgusting, but not Asher.

He swallowed the piece

And immediately felt something spreading inside him, seeping into every cell, soaking into his very bones

As if something was settling within him

At first, it was a light tingling—weak, almost unnoticeable. Then it grew stronger, spreading from his fingertips to his heart, to his head, enveloping his entire body

The wind seemed to freeze. The birds fell silent. The forest stood still, as if waiting

Asher shut his eyes, gritted his teeth. His head was buzzing, his heart pounding

And then…

A cool sensation, almost like the touch of icy water on his skin. He slowly exhaled, opening his eyes

The tips of his fingers had turned white. He stared at them in disbelief

Asher raised his hand, moving his fingers as if nothing had happened. It was as if they had simply been dipped in paint

He didn’t know what had just happened. But he felt—something inside him had changed

Something irreversible…

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In a small but cozy kitchen, the rhythmic sound of a knife hitting a cutting board could be heard. A young woman with long, snow-white hair skillfully wielded the kitchen tool, slicing the vegetables her son had brought yesterday

Though small, this kitchen had always felt like home to her—a place where she could momentarily forget her worries

Despite his young age, he was incredibly smart and perceptive. Sometimes even too much so for an ordinary child. In his eyes—the same dark eyes as those of a man long gone—there was sometimes a look of an adult

A look filled with worry and sorrow, something no seven-year-old should have

Ah, she loved her genius son so much, but as his mother, she wanted him to have a carefree childhood. It was a shame she couldn’t even fully give him that

She loved him so much that at times, she just wanted to grab him, hug him tightly, and never let go. He was her only joy, her reason for living

The only person who kept her holding on, even though her own body grew weaker with each passing year

She knew he had realized something was wrong with her long ago. The way he asked questions that struck right at the heart of the matter. The way she felt his eyes watching her, how he listened to her breathing when he thought she was asleep

The way he trained himself to be stronger, learning to cook, clean, and even earn money, even though he was still so small

Then and now, she had no regrets about that night with the pirate—the one who, unexpectedly, became the Pirate King and was later executed

She had been terrified when, after Gold Roger’s execution, a hunt was declared on pregnant women suspected of having ties to him

Thankfully, by then, her little Ashie had already been over three years old, so she wasn’t suspected. And his appearance, aside from his eyes, bore no resemblance to the executed man

Since the age of two, Asher had always worn that beloved cap, which he never parted with even now. She had tried asking him about it, but he would brush it off, saying he just liked it—with a clearly sad little face

"Just like his mother~"

Thinking this, the woman gently smiled as she began cutting meat from some animal

She sighed wearily, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. She could say that cooking brought her joy, but she also felt uneasy at the thought that her son would return home and find her on her feet

He would scold her again, try to make her lie down, and she would smile once more, telling him she was fine

Asher was always so adorably worried about her. It was a shame that his worries weren’t unfounded. She wished she could see him grow up, but… that likely wouldn’t happen

At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside, and soon, the door burst open with a crash

—Mom!

The boy’s voice rang with worry, echoing through the small house. A moment later, the footsteps approached, and he appeared in the doorway

—What happened, Ashie?

The white-haired woman asked gently, having finished cooking and already seated at the table

EAsher, at first, didn’t even pay attention to the fact that his mother, once again, wasn’t in bed as he had asked. But he decided to leave that discussion for later

Frowning slightly, he held his hands out toward her. Surprised and concerned, she took them in her own

—My God, what happened to your fingers?

She asked with worry, carefully examining her son’s pale fingertips

—It happened when I bit into a strange fruit. Here…

Esher rummaged through his makeshift bag full of apples. Finally finding it, he placed the odd fruit in front of her

She gasped in shock, clearly recognizing what it might be

—A Devil Fruit…

The words slipped from the woman’s lips, leaving her son bewildered, still visibly concerned about the situation

—A Devil Fruit..?

To be continued....

Chapter Text

–Devil Fruit..

The words suddenly slipped from the girl’s lips, leaving her son confused. He still seemed deeply concerned by the situation

–Devil Fruit..?

–Mom, what’s a ‘Devil Fruit’?

Asher asked with curiosity, staring at his mother’s face, which had suddenly gone pale at his question. He noticed how her fingers clenched for a moment and how her eyes briefly flashed with worry—but in the next second, the woman pulled herself together and smiled gently

–Oh, don’t worry so much, my little Ash. Sit down, and I’ll tell you everything I know

The white-haired boy nodded, pulled out a chair, and made himself comfortable, looking at her with anticipation. Curiosity gleamed in his eyes, mixed with a hint of unease

–Well, I don’t know much about them. At first, nobody even knew they were real—they were treated like legends or fairy tales. A Devil Fruit grants the one who eats it special abilities, but the ocean will come to hate you, and you’ll never be able to swim again

She explained with a light, slightly nervous smile, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear

–So if I fall into water, I’ll just sink?

Asher asked thoughtfully, tapping his chin with his index finger and leaning back in his chair

–Yes, that’s right. Also, if I remember correctly, I’ve heard there are three types

She tapped her chin in the same thoughtful way, trying to recall more details

–Do you know which type mine is, now that I have one?

Asher asked with barely contained excitement, staring intently at his mother. There was no fear in his voice—only a burning desire to learn the truth

–Unfortunately, no, sweetie. That’s all I know, I’m sorry

She sighed, resting her cheek on her hand, her elbow propped on the table

–It’s okay, Mom. In that case, I’ll find out myself!

He declared with determined eyes, clenching his small fists in front of him, as if anchoring his resolve

His mother looked at him with a warm smile, pride flickering in her eyes—though it quickly turned to worry

–Just be careful, okay? Your mom’s going to worry like crazy

She chuckled softly, her voice filled with motherly love

Esher raised an eyebrow at her mischievous smile, and suddenly his expression turned suspicious

–Speaking of worrying..Why aren’t you in bed?

He countered concern with concern, quickly standing from his chair and walking toward her with a frown

The white-haired woman flinched, like a child caught doing something forbidden

–I can explain!

She said with a sheepish smile, raising her hands in surrender. But it was too late — Asher had already launched into another one of his lectures about her fragile health and how she needed constant rest, all while gently guiding her toward the only bed in their small cabin

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Three years later

The day was gloomy and overcast, as if the sky itself frowned in disapproval. Thunderclouds loomed above, weighing down the air. Wind howled, driving waves that crashed against the rocks in a furious assault, as though trying to breach the shores

–..Mom..

A soft sob broke the silence, followed by a trembling, tearful voice filled with fear and helplessness

–..Asher..my little boy..forgive your useless mother..

The blonde woman whispered weakly, her voice hoarse and gentle. She lay in bed like a withering white flower

Her once-strong body, filled with the will to live, was now skin and bone—fragile, like delicate glass ready to shatter

–..Mom..please don’t leave me! Don’t leave me alone, I’m begging you..

The boy sat beside her bed, tightly but gently holding her frail hand. Asher rarely cried—but this moment was a great exception

She smiled softly, weakly, at her son—her only treasure. He had been the light in her too-short life. She had wanted just a little more time with him..but she couldn't have it

Still, she had made it to thirty-two years old—for him. That was rare for her bloodline

Looking into her son’s tearful eyes, which were usually hidden under a cap, she remembered the man who had given her this miracle

She was so grateful to him for their son. And now, she would finally be able to thank him, even if the situation was far from ideal

She had long debated whether or not to tell Esher the truth about his origin. But now, looking at him, she made her decision

Asher was a clever boy—better he learn the truth now than from someone else later

–..little Ash..

Her frail voice radiated the warmest tenderness as she gently squeezed his hand

–..y-yes, Mom..I’m listening..

The ten-year-old boy answered through sobs, scooting closer to her

–..I want you to know something..

Asher gripped her hand tighter, patiently waiting—he knew how much pain every word cost her

–..your father..

Her voice weakened further, as though the very breath was leaving her

Asher’s eyes widened. His mother had never spoken about his father—and he’d never really asked. But now… now he would know the truth

–..Gold Roger..

His dark eyes widened even more in shock. Could it be? The legendary Pirate King had been his father all this time?

–..we met in a bar, long before his execution..thanks to him, you were born, my golden boy..

She murmured with a faint smile, as if recalling the night she got drunk in some bar and ended up spending it with that man in a hotel room

The cabin fell silent. Even the storm outside seemed to quiet

–..you’re a good and strong boy..

She suddenly said, turning her head toward the white-haired boy beside her. They looked almost like two drops of water

–..my last advice to you..use your strength for good. Be someone who protects the weak..

She closed her pale, almost blind-looking eyes and placed her left hand over his, which still held hers

Her final thoughts were of hope—that her boy wouldn’t end up like her, lying in bed, consumed by unbearable pain and weakness

Hope that the father’s genes would outshine hers

But who said God grants wishes?

–O-okay, Mom! I’ll be someone who p-protects and defends the weak! I’ll become that person—I promise!

Esher’s trembling voice rang with a determined sense of duty

–..despite my words..the most important thing is to be happy..I love you, Asher..

Her grip slowly weakened, but her loving smile never faded

–I love you too..Just please..open your eyes..Mom!

He begged, holding her hand tightly, terrified of losing the one person he loved most. Terrified of being alone..

From that moment on, Asher carved his mother’s words into his very bones. As someone stronger than most, it was his duty to protect those weaker than him. But to do that—he needed more power. And now he knew his origin..

If he was the son of the late Pirate King, then he wouldn’t meet the same end

Who else but Asher could break the system?

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Ash flew across the ocean, among the clouds, which lovingly embraced her in their soft embrace...

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As Asher knew, every year the Marines gathered recruits on his island. So he was determined to join. Strength and skill mattered most—they didn’t care much about age

With just under six months to go before recruitment, he still had time to train and hone his skills

Over the three years since receiving his Devil Fruit—what he later discovered to be the Hai-e Hai-e no Mi—he struggled to find even a shred of information. But effort and hard work eventually paid off

After some digging in the village library and archives (with a few little tricks—who would let a kid near important papers otherwise?), he uncovered the names of the three Devil Fruit types

They say good things come in threes, right? Though does that apply to the Devil too? No matter

The three types: Logia, Zoan, and Paramecia

Logias grant elemental powers and the ability to transform. Zoans provide animal transformations. Paramecias offer weird and unique abilities—pretty much whatever the imagination can dream up

As you’ve probably guessed, Asher’s fruit is a Logia. He can control and become ash

Due to his inexperience, everything he touches turns to ash. He accidentally disintegrated a newspaper and a few pens. Thankfully, no letters were harmed

To solve this, he began wearing white gloves. He found them in some back alley shop, and surprisingly, they helped control his problem

He still had a lot to learn about mastering and living with his fruit—especially with all the water he’d face in military service

But nothing would stop him. He would become the person his mother had dreamed of

And thus began the independent life of our ten-year-old Asher

Would the world be kind to him?

To be continued....

Chapter Text

More than five months had passed

During that time, Asher had trained tirelessly, aiming to develop his abilities. He focused not only on various aspects of his Devil Fruit but also on his physical strength

After all, who knew what kind of enemy he might face in the future? Perhaps his opponent would be immune to the powers of his fruit, and an extra layer of physical preparation wouldn’t hurt

As before, Asher continued working as a letter carrier. Every week, he ran from house to house, collecting and delivering letters for further dispatch to other islands

This job allowed him not only to support himself but also to stay connected to the outside world — something that wasn’t particularly important to him, yet still necessary at the time

At the moment, Asher was sitting in the kitchen, leisurely enjoying his freshly made breakfast — a porridge that his late mother used to cook for him every morning. The taste, of course, wasn’t quite the same as it had been in his childhood, but the nostalgia he felt gave the moment special meaning. He felt like she was still there with him, and that gave him strength

Spoonful by spoonful, he nearly emptied his bowl of porridge, lost in thought. Time flew by unnoticed, and when he glanced at the small wall clock, he saw it was already nine a.m. There was only an hour left until the Marine recruitment event on his island. It was an important moment for him, and he didn’t want to be late

At last, finishing his breakfast, Asher cleaned up the kitchen and began to get ready. He dressed as usual: a loose gray T-shirt, black shorts, sandals, and a cap with gloves

Over time, the white-haired boy had learned to control his powers — nothing turned to ash from a mere touch unless he willed it. Still, he had worn those gloves for so long they had become part of his image

He examined himself from head to toe in the mirror, adjusting every small detail in his clothes and hair. The final touch was adjusting his cap, as usual pulling it low enough to let its shadow hide his eyes. He had long grown used to this style, but he liked how it gave him an air of mystery

Looking back at the clock, he saw he had half an hour left until ten. He decided to use the time wisely to mentally prepare for the upcoming event. Taking a deep breath, Asher stepped out of the house, ready for the new challenges that lay ahead

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With his characteristic punctuality, Asher arrived exactly at ten o’clock, becoming one of the first to show up at the event

In fact, the only one who arrived earlier was a man about five years older than Asher. He was the only local who didn’t look at Asher strangely — in fact, he didn’t pay him any attention at all. That was unusual, considering most of the islanders typically treated Asher with curiosity or subtle disdain

All in all, around thirty people from his island had come, and judging by the expressions on their faces, about half didn’t seem too thrilled with the prospect. Some whispered among themselves, speculating about what lay ahead, creating a tense atmosphere in the air — like the calm before something big

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A few hours later, they were all standing on the wet deck of a large ship, proudly flying a white flag. Written in blue letters on the flag was one powerful word — MARINE. That flag symbolized not just belonging to the Marine Corps, but also the spirit of unity and strength that connected everyone on board

All of them had already been issued their initial uniforms, carefully designed for both practicality and easy identification

Each wore a white short-sleeved shirt with the Marine emblem on it, and a seagull symbol with the word 'MARINE' printed on the back. Around their necks, they wore blue scarves that signified their allegiance. Dark navy trousers completed the sharp but stylish outfit, and on everyone’s heads sat matching caps with the same word 'MARINE', giving them the look of true naval warriors

Among all the people gathered on the deck — ranging in age from ten to thirty — Asher stood out. He was the youngest and the shortest, even for his age

Despite that, his eyes burned with determination and a desire to prove his worth. He understood the trials ahead would be many, but he was ready

A sharp whistle echoed across the deck, and everyone lined up into formation. Before them stood an imposing man, dressed in white garments that emphasized his authority. The word 'JUSTICE' was boldly emblazoned on his cloak, adding to his intimidating presence and inspiring respect

This moment was symbolic for everyone on the deck — they knew great things and serious tests awaited them

–Welcome to the Marines, recruits!

The dark-haired man began his speech loudly, walking across the wooden deck with heavy steps in his black boots

–You stand at the doorstep of the greatest trial in your lives. Here, in the ranks of the Marines, you’re not just soldiers — you are protectors of justice, guardians of peace and order across the seas

He continued, staring strictly at everyone present. Some even flinched under his gaze

–Each of you came here with a dream. A dream to become part of something greater than yourself. But remember — that dream comes at a cost. You will face hardships that will test your strength, your resolve, and your loyalty

Asher listened attentively and with enthusiasm, realizing this was likely his future instructor

–We will teach you not only how to fight but what it means to be a true Marine. You will learn to work as a team, to trust one another, and to support each other in the hardest of times

Those who had been standing sloppily suddenly straightened up — some so sharply it sounded like their spines cracked

–Each of you is a part of a mechanism that must function perfectly if we are to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Almost everyone instinctively glanced at Asher, who stood at least three times shorter than the tallest recruit

Most didn’t understand how Asher had even been allowed to join. Some looked at him with scorn, others with pity

–You will face enemies who show no mercy. But remember: we are the Marines. We stand for justice. We will not back down in the face of danger. We will fight to our last breath to protect peace and order

He suddenly stopped marching, his boots stomping loudly, staring firmly at the recruits

–So get ready! Ahead of you lie training, trials, and perhaps even real battles. But I believe in you. I believe each of you can become a true hero. Let’s do this together!

He lifted his head even higher — despite already being tall — and continued staring them down

Some began to shake from the intensity of his presence

–FOR THE MARINES!!

He shouted with a harsh voice, showing no concern for their eardrums

–FOR THE MARINES!!

Everyone shouted in return, almost like a single reflex — including Asher, who grinned wide, eager for his bright future as a Marine and a protector of justice

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The second day of service aboard the ship turned out to be relatively calm — aside from the exhausting training that seemed to have no end

Asher was already on his fiftieth lap, and the fatigue was starting to catch up with him. His legs felt heavier with each step, and his breathing grew more labored. Suddenly, someone called out to him

–Private Asher!

His current instructor shouted, holding a stack of papers — probably documents. Asher stopped, trying to catch his breath, and looked curiously at the instructor, wondering what was about to happen. Anxiety began to grow inside him: what would they ask of him now?

–Private Asher reporting, sir — at your command, Captain Kaito!

Asher replied sharply, instantly standing before the instructor with a straight back and a salute.

–At ease, soldier

Kaito said with a slight smirk, then returned to his stern demeanor as he flipped through the papers until he pulled one out

–In your submitted documents, it says you possess a Devil Fruit ability. Is that true?

He asked in a firm voice, reading over the sheet

“Yes, sir! That’s correct, Captain Kaito!

Asher replied loudly and clearly, adjusting his cap. The dark-haired man gave him a strange look at the gesture but decided to say nothing, coughing into his fist before continuing:

–In that case, despite your very young age, you’ll have to work harder than anyone else. And to prevent any..funny business, you’ll be wearing special bracelets. They’ll block your ability to use your powers

He picked up the document and tucked it with the others, then reached into his coat and pulled out a pair of bracelets that looked more like shackle cuffs without chains

–I’ll train even harder, sir!

With new determination, the white-haired boy accepted the cuffs and put them on. He immediately felt the fatigue hit harder, but with a shake of his head, he brushed it off and returned to training

Captain Kaito watched him with a smirk, thinking to himself that this kid might just have a promising future

Right?

To be continued....

Chapter Text

The gentle sea breeze played with the sails, lazily tugging at their edges as the warm sunlight bathed the deck. The sky stretched serenely above the horizon, only a few white clouds drifting across the azure expanse

The water reflected the sun's rays like scattered fragments of gold, and soft waves rhythmically lapped against the ship’s hull. Seagulls pierced the silence now and then with their cries, circling above the masts in search of prey

The sailors moved slowly, enjoying a rare moment of calm. The air was filled with the freshness of salt and the light scent of the wooden deck, mixed with the faint smell of an approaching island. Today, the sea was friendly, offering an illusion of endless peace

Our ashen boy had been serving in the Navy for three years now. Transferred to another unit, he had already risen to the rank of Petty Officer. During that time, he'd earned a few scars, grown hardened in battle, and gained a reputation as both a flawless man and a stubborn one who never backed down

Despite the promotion, Asher wasn’t eager to change his uniform much. The only thing he allowed himself to modify was replacing the standard white shirt with a sleeveless version, allowing for more freedom in combat

Though quite short for his age, Asher quickly earned both the fear and respect of his subordinates. His sharp gaze, hidden under the shadow of his cap, and his constant—sometimes unsettling—smile instilled a sense of dread in the crew. They knew: if he gave an order, it was best to follow it without question

What scared the sailors wasn't just his cold smile but also his incredible strength. Despite having a Devil Fruit, Asher had trained his body to the point where he could overpower opponents with his bare hands. His punches were swift, precise, and devastating

But it was thanks to his Devil Fruit that Asher earned a nickname among his subordinates — 'Ashtray'

Rumors circulated among the sailors that everything he touched turned to ash—whether objects or people—and that, like ordinary ash is collected in an ashtray, he kept the remains in various jars. Sailors tried not to test fate and followed all his orders diligently

The ship carrying Asher finally reached the island’s shore. The waves gently hit the hull, and the wind carried the scent of salt and seaweed across the deck

Sailors bustled about, preparing for disembarkation, but they kept their distance from the Petty Officer, who stood silently at the railing, staring into the horizon. His silhouette, wrapped in a light haze of ash, looked ominous against the morning sun

Asher had been tasked with scouting the island with a small group of sailors. It was said to be long abandoned, though recent intel had reported strange activity. While the others exchanged nervous glances, he calmly checked his gear, as if the mission posed no threat at all

Soon, after receiving final instructions, he wordlessly moved toward the gangplank, followed reluctantly by his group. They knew: if the Petty Officer led the way, something was bound to go wrong

The moment Asher stepped onto the shore, the wind picked up particles of ash swirling around him. He looked around, then, with his usual wide smile and adjusting his cap, he addressed his subordinates

–Alright, my dears. Split into three groups of two. Explore different parts of the island. I’ll head to the center on my own

No one dared argue. The sailors knew it was useless to protest. They merely exchanged glances, silently split up, and disappeared in different directions. Despite the calm and almost cheerful tone of their officer, the feeling of unease lingered—as if the island itself held its breath, waiting

The groups headed into the depths of the island, vanishing into thick greenery. Their main goal was to study the area and determine if a Marine base could be established there

The forest turned out to be wild, but not as dangerous as expected. Birds fluttered from branches with every step, small creatures darted through the grass, and somewhere in the distance echoed the calls of not-too-large predators

Asher moved through overgrown trails, calmly surveying the area. In one hand, he held a small notebook, jotting down observations of the local fauna

Some of the creatures caught his interest, but none posed a real threat yet. He even allowed himself to relax slightly, enjoying the rare moment of silence

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ten minutes later, that silence was shattered by a sharp, piercing scream from one of the sailors. In an instant, Asher closed his notebook, tucked it behind his belt, and dashed toward the sound. He moved swiftly, his silhouette dissolving into an ashen mist, eyes now focused and intense

If something or someone had attacked his men, he had to deal with it immediately

When Asher reached the scene, a grim sight unfolded before him

Three sailors were desperately fending off what he assumed was a massive white-furred tiger, its gleaming eyes filled with wild determination. The tiger raised its paws, preparing to strike as the sailors braced their weapons, trying to hold it back

One of them lay injured on the ground—his comrades fought desperately, trying to buy time to save him

Asher quickly assessed the situation. It was time to intervene

Without hesitation, he activated his Devil Fruit ability. His body crumbled into ash, and in the blink of an eye, he materialized between the sailors and the enraged tiger

The beast growled, sensing danger, but Asher didn’t flinch. Calmly, without a word, he extended his hand and pulled off his glove, revealing skin coated in a fine layer of ash

He didn’t wait—his bare hand reached out to touch the tiger, intending to turn it to ash. But… nothing happened. No spark, no smoldering fur, no trace of his power. That surprised him—but only for a second

“Interesting”

The thought flickered in his mind, but there was no time to dwell on it. Before he could change tactics, the tiger suddenly lunged forward with all its strength

Asher couldn’t dodge in time and, the next second, he was pinned to the ground by the beast’s massive paws. The soft sand cushioned the blow slightly, but the situation still wasn’t in his favor

Pinned to the sand, Asher calmly waited for the attack. He wasn’t worried—after all, his Logia body couldn’t be harmed by mere claws or teeth. However, instead of sharp pain, he suddenly felt something warm and rough glide across his cheek

The tiger—or rather, the giant cat—didn’t attack. It just licked his face, as if in greeting. Startled, Asher’s cap shifted, revealing his eyes, usually hidden in shadow. He blinked, trying to grasp what was happening

The sailors stood frozen, struggling to process the scene. Their thirteen-year-old Petty Officer, whom they were used to seeing as fearsome and unshakeable, was now lying in the sand with a massive white tiger… licking him like a housecat. No one dared intervene—the scene was too surreal

But what happened next shocked them even more

The giant creature began to shrink, its massive body condensing until an ordinary-sized white cat was perched on Asher’s chest. It calmly curled into a ball, completely content, as if everything was perfectly normal

Asher didn’t waste time. He swiftly stood up, placing his cap back on

The white cat, now in his arms, didn’t even try to escape. Something about the creature intrigued him, and he already knew—he was taking it with him

–Time to head back and report a successful mission. And don’t forget your injured comrade

Asher said with his usual smile, though this time, there was a hint of cheerfulness in his tone

The sailors, who had stood in stunned silence, finally snapped out of it. They exchanged glances, unsure how to react to what had just happened. Their Petty Officer now held a cat in his arms that had, moments ago, been a massive tiger—but acted as though nothing unusual had occurred

–Y-yes, sir

One of them replied, still too unsure to ask questions

They carefully lifted their wounded comrade onto the back of the strongest sailor, then, albeit reluctantly, followed Asher

All of them thought the same thing: was it really safe for him to carry that cat? But their officer had clearly already made up his mind

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–You do realize that, according to the men, this animal is quite dangerous?

The Captain said seriously, eyeing the white cat nestled in Asher’s arms with skepticism

–But there’s no rule against pets on board, is there?

Asher asked innocently, smiling as he stroked the fluffy creature, who lightly bit his hand in response

The Captain sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He knew this boy’s stubbornness all too well. If Asher wanted something, he would get it, and convincing him otherwise was near impossible

Besides, there was no reason to scold him—he carried out his duties perfectly, never giving cause for complaint

“No way. I’m not dealing with this shit”

The Captain thought gloomily, waving his hand

–Fine. But you’re fully responsible for that cat

He finally relented with another sigh

–Of course, Captain!

Asher replied with a satisfied smile, continuing to pet his fluffy companion as it chewed on his glove

–Welcome aboard, Ash

He said warmly, lifting the cat in the air. The cat looked at him with pale, almost white round eyes and meowed in reply

The Captain, watching the scene, sighed once more, silently glad that he’d be rid of him soon

To be continued....

Chapter Text

The sun’s rays danced on the waves as they broke against the ship’s hull, leaving flashes of light in their wake. The sky above the deck was a dazzling blue, without a hint of storm clouds. A warm sea breeze fluttered among the masts, filling the sails and carrying the fresh, salty scent of the ocean

The waves gently rocked the vessel, setting a light rhythm to which the sailors went about their tasks. In the distance, a gull cried out, diving from the yardarm in a swift flight

The deck planks had warmed pleasantly under the sun, and the soft shadows cast by the rigging and sails created cozy, cool pockets where one could briefly escape the midday heat

–Chief Petty Officer Hayato, I have some good news to share!

The fleet captain announced cheerfully, striding confidently across the deck toward fifteen‑year‑old Asher

The youth, who had changed markedly in two years, lifted his gaze from beneath his ever‑present cap. He’d gained muscle mass and grown taller than most of the crew, now standing a striking 5''11 foot. His white hair was tousled by the sea breeze, and on his shoulder, as always, perched his fluffy companion

–And what good news is that, Captain?

Asher asked with mild interest, continuing to scratch his companion’s soft fur

The captain smiled with restrained satisfaction. He knew the announcement would surprise the young Chief Petty Officer—in the best way

–You’ve been promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer and reassigned to serve under the Hero of the Navy himself, Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp!

He pronounced the words ceremoniously, a slight smile on his lips, before placing a firm hand on Asher’s free shoulder

He watched Asher’s reaction closely, knowing this assignment was more than just another promotion—it was Asher’s chance to serve at the very heart of the Navy, under a legendary figure renowned across the seas

Asher gasped in surprise. Though his shining eyes were hidden beneath the cap’s brim, his entire aura glowed with excitement. He broke into a wide smile, exhilaration washing over him

–It’s an honor, sir!

He declared firmly, pressing a hand to his chest in salute—at which point Ash let out a disgruntled meow, and the Captain quickly withdrew his hand

It was no surprise: Ash, the snowy‑white cat Asher had rescued two years ago, was fiercely hostile to all but his master. Any unauthorized attempt to touch him ended in hisses, scratches, or outright ignored disdain. They were lucky the cat often stayed close to Asher—its presence the only thing keeping its feral instincts at bay. Best not to imagine what would happen if Ash reverted to his true, immense form

Everyone decided not to think about that

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Sunlight streamed softly into the spacious office through broad windows, bathing it in a warm glow. Beams played across the furniture, casting gentle shadows in the corners of the room

In that light, the silhouettes of two men sitting at a massive wooden table stood out clearly. One, an old sailor with thick gray hair and a broad chest, threw back his head and laughed heartily. The other, clad in the white cloak of an admiral, maintained a serious, contemplative expression

–So, this promising recruit you mentioned?

Garp chuckled, folding his arms and leaning forward. His eyes sparkled with interest beneath a sly grin

–Yes

Sengoku nodded, adjusting his glasses

–His name is Hayato Asher. He has no living relatives except his mother, who died in his childhood of an unknown illness..

Sengoku’s tone was even, but a hint of pride shimmered in his eyes, as though he already sensed the exceptional man Asher would become

–..a rather fascinating lad..Fifteen years old, you say? And a Devil Fruit user?

The Vice Admiral murmured thoughtfully, stroking his chin

–Yes. Despite his youth, he’s advanced rapidly in the ranks

Sen­goku confirmed, clasping his hands atop the table

—PHAHAHA! A genuinely promising individual!

Garp roared, slapping the table so that neatly stacked papers shifted

Sengoku only shook his head with a weary smile

–So, will you take him under your wing, Garp?

–You even have to ask? Of course I will!

Garp snorted, grinning broadly

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Garp lounged back in his chair, that familiar careless grin on his face. His gaze slid over the young man standing before him in a pristine Navy uniform

Before him stood Hayato Asher—tall for his age, with posture as straight as regulation demanded. His aura burned with vibrant energy, and his voice, though confident, carried genuine respect

–Good day, Vice Admiral Garp! I am honored to serve justice by your side. Please, look after me!

Asher said, hand to chest in salute. The cap’s peak nearly obscured his features

Garp squinted at him appraisingly, then burst into loud laughter, giving the youth a playful thump on the shoulder that made him step back

–PHAHAHA! You’re too serious, kid! ‘Look after me,’ you say? I hope you’re not the type who expects a nanny!

He crossed his arms, his dark‑skin eyes sharp behind a teasing grin

Asher shook his head quickly, standing tall again

–Not at all, sir! I’m ready for any trial!

Garp nodded approvingly, still smiling broadly

–That’s more like it! But be warned: serving under me isn’t just drills—it’s a test of your spirit. Be prepared to run, jump, and take hits!

He laughed heartily, but his words were no joke

–If it makes me stronger, I’m ready!

Asher answered with unwavering confidence. His eyes were all the mirror he needed

Garp’s grin widened

–We’ll see how long you last, kid!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Two years of intense training passed. Asher was always on alert, though early on he took plenty of hits due to inexperience. Over time, he grew quicker and more agile, awakening both Observation and Armament Haki, and gaining firmer control over his Devil Fruit

Beyond his standard ability to manipulate ash and turn anything he touched to dust, he mastered creating ash storms and learned to soar through the air on wings of ash

In the present moment, using this power, Asher deftly dodged cannonballs that Garp hurled at him with boisterous laughter

Ash, in his massive true form, lay stretched out on the deck of a small ship, lazily basking in the warm sun. The vessel steadily cut through the waves, heading toward a destination unknown to Asher

–You still haven’t told me where we’re going!

The blond youth called, hovering in the air on his ash wings

–Just wanted to pay a visit to someone!

Garp replied with a grin—then thundered another cannon into Asher’s direction

Asher twisted away from the shot, arms crossed, peering at the old man from beneath his cap

–And why bring me along?!

Garp laughed uproariously

–I want you to meet someone, kid!

He hefted a new cannon, clearly intent on upping the difficulty of the drill

Asher squinted, dodging the next shot, murmuring under his breath with curiosity

–..who’s this ‘someone’..

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The wind had picked up significantly, shaking the masts and flapping the sails more forcefully than before. Waves thundered against the hull, spraying salty droplets onto the deck. The ship finally pulled alongside a shore hidden by dense forest that lined the coastline, cloaking the island in greenery

–You still haven’t told me whom we’ve come to see?

Asher asked as he jumped off the ship beside Garp, landing lightly on the sand and adjusting his cap

–To my grandkids!

Garp shouted, chuckling, then straightened his shoulders and marched confidently toward the trees

Asher barely registered surprise at that declaration. He sighed, hands in pockets, and followed at a leisurely pace. Garp often spoke of his grandchildren—how stubborn they were, how they refused to become Marines, and how much pirates annoyed them. It was his favorite topic

Asher glanced thoughtfully at the forest ahead—the path they were to traverse. He had the vague feeling he’d been brought along as living propaganda for the Navy. Well, at least it might not be boring

A few steps into the woods, Asher sensed someone’s presence—actually two small presences. He smiled to himself at the clumsy attempts at stealth, but decided to play along, keeping his own movements calm

–Ace!!

A shout rang out from above. Before Asher could look up, a boy of about twelve or thirteen landed in his arms

The brunette and the almost‑blond boy stared at each other in stunned silence—until loud laughter echoed through the forest

–PHAHAHAHA! Meet my sailor!

Garp’s booming voice rang out

–This goofball here is my grandson Ace, and the other..

He peered up through the canopy

–Luffy! Come on down, you little rascal!

Asher instinctively raised his head and squinted. On a sturdy branch above, a boy in a red vest and shorts hung, grinning broadly and refusing to descend

–Nooo, I don’t wanna!

He called, gripping the branch with all limbs

Ace, still clutched in Asher’s arms, frowned and muttered

–Put me down already

–No problem, lil bro

Asher said with a light shrug—and simply let go

Ace fell to the ground with a thud, then sprang up angrily, leveling a long pipe at Asher

–Who are you, anyway?!

He snapped

–Call me Asher, lil bro~

The white‑haired youth replied teasingly, watching him with interest.

–You’re Navy?! And stop calling me that!!

Ace’s eyes blazed with suspicion as he took in the taller figure in a white uniform

–Oke

Asher replied indifferently, as if only half listening

Garp pounded his fist against the tree trunk, and Luffy lost his grip—plunging down..directly onto Ace

No one noticed how, from beneath his cap’s shadow, Asher’s eyes lingered on the all too familiar shape of those, so much like his own, eyes

To be continued….

Chapter Text

A gentle breeze drifted into the bar through a slightly open window, lazily stirring the curtains and carrying with it the faint scent of the sea

Inside, an unusual silence reigned — there were almost no customers, which was quite expected, considering that a Vice Admiral of the Navy was present. The locals preferred not to tempt fate and stayed away

In the half-empty hall, only four people sat at one of the tables: the bar owner Makino, Garp relaxing after the journey, a pensive Ace who occasionally glanced at the white-haired Asher, and Luffy, who was devouring meat greedily, as if he hadn’t eaten for a whole week

At that moment, the prolonged creak of the door echoed through the bar, drawing everyone’s attention. In the doorway appeared Ash — a massive cat, currently in his large form. He lazily stepped over the threshold, stretched his paws languidly, and after scanning the room attentively, made his way inside

Normally, his arrival followed a familiar pattern — heading straight toward Asher — but this time something unexpected happened. The cat didn’t go to his owner; instead, he headed toward...Ace

Asher raised an eyebrow, watching, while Ace stared at the approaching beast with a mixture of confusion and slight tension. Ash stopped right in front of him, studied him for a few seconds, then settled on the floor, resting his head on the twelve-year-old’s knees, and stared up at Ace with his pale white eyes

–Hey..what’s he doing?

Ace muttered in bewilderment, glancing from the cat to Asher, almost immediately sensing a connection between the two white-furred creatures

–Looks like he likes you

Asher replied with a slight smirk, taking a sip of juice that Makino had kindly brought, watching the scene unfold with a hint of worry, hoping the white tiger wouldn’t harm the kids

–Hah, guess you’ve got good taste, kitty

Ace chuckled, a sweatdrop rolling down his temple as he cautiously reached out to scratch the big white cat’s head — which Ash allowed without resistance

Garp observed the scene with a raised eyebrow. He knew that the fluffball usually stuck close to Asher and didn’t show much interest in anyone else. Yet now, this huge beast, like a tamed animal, was trustfully lying on Ace

–Well, I’ll be..First time I’ve ever seen that furry monster be affectionate to anyone other than you

Garp rumbled, thoughtfully scratching his chin while speaking to Asher, who merely hummed in agreement

Meanwhile, Luffy finally tore himself away from his fifth plate of meat and stared at the huge white tiger, whose massive head rested on Ace’s knees. Ace was now confidently petting the beast’s thick fur. Luffy’s eyes widened slowly until he jabbed a finger toward the predator and shouted:

–Ace, there’s a tiger on your lap!

Ace didn’t even turn his head

–Yeah

–A huge tiger!

Luffy jumped up, waving his arms

–Still see it

Ace replied dryly

Luffy blinked, then glanced at the presumed owner of the tiger — the dark-skinned officer he had firmly decided to nickname ‘Chocolate Guy’

–You never told me you had a TIGER like that!

–Well, you never asked

Asher shrugged, watching Luffy’s reaction with clear amusement on his lips

Luffy turned back to the tiger. The giant beast slowly blinked, lazily stretched, and placed a paw next to Ace, like a gigantic house cat

–Can I touch him too?

Luffy leaned in closer, his eyes shining as if he would pounce on the fluffy white mass at any second

–You can — if he lets you

The white-haired man warned the brunette

Luffy extended a hand, but the tiger lazily cracked open one eye and yawned, flashing massive fangs

–WHOA, LOOK AT THOSE TEETH!!

Luffy exclaimed

Ace chuckled, continuing to stroke the tiger’s fur

–Wait until you see his claws

Luffy froze, thought for a second, then suddenly beamed

–Can I have one too?!

Garp and Ace nearly choked on that, while Asher struggled to suppress his laughter — and didn’t even try to hide it

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–Hey, why did you become a Marine? They’re so boring!!

Luffy, who was only nine years old, leaned forward, not hiding his curiosity

Ace, who had been silently listening to the conversation, had to hold back from nodding in agreement. He had been observing this Marine, brought by his grandfather, for an hour now

Asher didn’t look particularly intimidating, but something about his gaze irked Ace — specifically, the fact that it was impossible to make out his eyes due to the shadow of his cap

–Maybe they’re boring, but it was my life’s goal, and I’m not about to stray from it

Asher answered calmly, flashing Luffy a Cheshire smile

–Yeah, and they’re such killjoys, always interfering when they shouldn’t!

Ace grumbled, furrowing his brow

–Exactly! You could’ve been a pirate! Pirates are way cooler!

Luffy eagerly added, nodding enthusiastically

Ascher tilted his head slightly, thoughtfully eyeing the non-blood-related brothers

–Not everyone wants to be a pirate. Some of us have to catch people like you

Ace exhaled a puff of air, leaning back in his chair as he observed, as he had learned, Ash, who in his cat form was dozing on his lap

–You say that like you could actually catch me

–I won’t just catch you. I’ll do it

Asher smirked ominously, sending a shiver down Ace’s spine

Luffy curiously shifted his gaze between them, not entirely understanding why tension suddenly arose between them

–Well, if that’s the case, then I need to become the strongest pirate so you won’t be able to catch me!

Luffy suddenly stood up, clenching his fists

Asher smiled a little wider

–Then try. It’ll be boring catching weaklings

Luffy laughed, while Ace just snorted, turning away and petting Ash, his anger momentarily dissipating

–HEY!! Stop encouraging my grandsons to become damn pirates!

Came a gruff shout from the recently returned Garp

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A couple of days later, Garp and Asher left the island, leaving behind only memories of recent events

After their conversation, the Vice Admiral had come to a conclusion: if he kept bringing the cap-wearing Marine to his grandsons, it would only stoke their desire to become pirates even more. So, Garp decided to stop directly interfering, knowing that any of his attempts would only make things worse

Asher was slightly offended, as he had actually enjoyed spending time with the two of them, and had even gotten used to their company. Luffy sulked while Ace remained silent

Before leaving, Asher, dodging Garp’s fist, called out with a cheeky smile:

–See you on the water!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A year later, Asher got promoted to Midshipman. However, despite the promotion, he continued to stay close to Garp. He had long decided that he would stay by his side until the end, no matter what happened. The service itself didn’t burden him; on the contrary, he felt he was doing important work, even though he understood that absolute justice didn’t exist in this world

As usual, he carried out his duties: catching pirates, training newcomers, patrolling territories. In addition to all this, he had one other important concern – Ash

Over the years, the cat had noticeably changed: it had become fluffier, more graceful, and, most importantly, much more selfish. Its loyalty was now devoted solely to one person – Asher, and to no one else. The only exception was that one incident with Ace, when Ash suddenly clung to him and refused to part, as if sensing some sort of kinship with the brunette

Asher, however, had also changed. By the age of twenty, he had earned another promotion – now he held the rank of Lieutenant. This moment was particularly special to him

Now, he could finally wear the Marine’s white cloak with the large inscription on the back – 'JUSTICE'. He remembered the first time he saw such a cloak on another officer’s back when he was still a child, and back then, it seemed to him a symbol of something unattainable

Now, that symbol belonged to him

On the outside, Asher hadn’t changed too much, but he had grown 5.9 inches taller. His white-grey hair had grown longer, although he continued to keep it from becoming too long. His face had become sterner, and his gaze firmer, still hidden beneath the unchanging shadow of his cap. But beneath all this outward seriousness remained his mischievous nature

Life continued its course, and despite all the changes, Asher remained himself. He didn’t have illusions about the world, but he kept moving forward, holding onto his understanding of justice

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Two years later

The weather was unusually sunny, and the ship’s deck, with the proud figure of a dog towering at its bow, had already warmed up considerably under the sun’s rays

Asher, his arms crossed over his chest, stood by the railing, watching his commander, Vice-Admiral Garp. The old warrior was laughing loudly, easily hurling huge cannonballs directly at the next pirate ship unlucky enough to cross their path. The explosions, splashes of water, and the pirates’ screams only amused the old man, while Asher merely grunted, watching this scene

Asher adjusted his white cap with the word 'MARINE' on it, hiding his eyes in its shadow, and lazily surveyed the deck. Marines of various ranks were scurrying around, trying to handle their tasks as quickly as possible

The heat was unbearable: the sun mercilessly scorched, heating the deck planks to such an extent that some marines were jumping, trying not to stay in one spot for too long. Some had already tried to escape into the hold, hoping to hide in the shade, but the work never waited

Asher watched this with a slight smirk when, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a seagull approaching. A tiny replica of his own cap sat on its head, and a small bag dangled from its belly, with fresh newspapers sticking out of it

The seagull landed on the railing with an important air, and Asher, taking his time, tossed a few berries into its bag. He took one of the newspapers and unfolded it, quickly scanning the headlines

While the dark-skinned man read the paper with gloved hands, Ash, comfortably settled on his shoulder, nearly pounced on the seagull. Half-hidden under his cloak’s collar, Ash squinted predatorily and almost reached for the bird, but the moment the seagull sensed the danger, it quickly took off, escaping its potential fate of being caught

Asher, lazily flipping through the newspaper, unexpectedly caught sight of a headline that immediately made him smirk

The headline announced the appearance of a new pirate crew – the "Spade Pirates," led by none other than Portgas D. Ace

The blonde barely held back his laughter. He could already clearly imagine how Garp, upon reading this article, would go into a frenzy, likely causing a real storm and possibly trying to break something particularly sturdy. The thought of the old man’s furious reaction amused Asher, and he continued reading, intrigued by the details

Ash, distracted from the now-flying seagull, felt his owner trembling slightly with suppressed laughter. He cast a glance at the newspaper, which was nearly tearing under Asher’s ’s grip. In one of the pictures, the cat recognized a familiar face – Ace. Meowing, he pawed at the photo

–Our lil bro has finally hit the water. Good news, huh, Ash?

Asher purred, a wide smile spreading across his face as he scratched Ash’s chin, who meowed again

To be continued....

Chapter Text

Night

The storm was relentless, violently smashing waves against the side of the large ship, tossing it from side to side. The wind howled, blending with the loud shouts of the crew trying to steady the vessel and keep it afloat. Rain poured without pause, streaming down the deck and washing away footprints as lightning split the darkness

Deep inside the ship, in the hold, hidden from the others, someone was fighting a different battle. In a private washroom, hunched over a porcelain sink, a harsh, dry cough echoed ceaselessly. With each fit, the body shook, fingers clutched the sink’s edge in a convulsive grip, and crimson droplets slipped from parted lips

The thunderous crash of waves outside mixed with the labored, ragged breathing within, forming a sinister symphony of nature’s fury and inevitable decay

A cat, meowing anxiously, rubbed against his owner's leg. His fluffy tail twitched, ears flattened. He looked up at the man, as if trying to understand why he was so weak

–..d-don’t worry..I’m..fine..it’ll pass soon..

The white-haired man rasped hoarsely, exhaling heavily

His voice trembled, but he tried to smile—tired, strained, but soft nonetheless. He slowly sank to his knees to run his hand through the cat’s fur, feeling the warmth of the living creature that refused to leave him, even now

God really doesn’t grant the wishes of ordinary mortals, does he?

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

After a year of diligent service and many successful missions, Asher was finally promoted to the rank of captain. It wasn’t unexpected—his resolve, experience, and strength spoke for themselves. Colleagues congratulated him, some even joking that the real challenge was just beginning, now that the responsibility would increase

But Asher took it calmly. In the end, he decided to remain at Garp’s side in his new position, becoming his right hand. It worked out well for both. Garp, clearly pleased, dumped all the paperwork onto the young captain’s shoulders, declaring that 'youth should work, and old men should rest'

–You’re a captain now, you can handle it!

He laughed, clapping Asher on the back, while Asher simply sighed, realizing his days would now be buried under endless reports and forms

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Asher was now twenty-five

The morning was quiet—if you didn’t count the mountain of documents waiting on his desk. Picking up the newspaper, kindly brought by Ash, he unfolded it and lazily skimmed the latest headlines, eyes trailing over the lines without much focus

The cat, proud of his completed task, jumped onto his owner’s shoulder, settling into his rightful place. Asher let out a short chuckle but didn’t brush him off, allowing the fluffy tail to brush against his cheek

Apparently, Marshall D. Teach, known as Blackbeard, had betrayed his crew by attacking the fourth division commander of Whitebeard’s pirates. The paper claimed the commander had died, but Asher knew official reports often concealed the truth or lacked full information. According to earlier sources, the commander had survived but was in critical condition

Kind of funny that this news was delayed an entire year

Asher snorted, set the newspaper aside, and looked ahead—toward the training grounds, where a group of recruits stood lined up. Two stood out: a tall blond with confident posture, and a shorter pink-haired one who observed the scene with a faint smile

–..Helmeppo and Koby, huh..?

He muttered, glancing at the scattered paperwork of new recruits spread across the desk

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The sun shone brightly, bathing everything in warm light. Thankfully, clouds scattered across the sky served as natural cover, gently diffusing the sunlight so it didn’t burn or blind

A loud crack of splintering wood rang out, followed by booming laughter that sent chills down some pirates’ spines. They had no time to react before the massive figure of a vice admiral—an old man with a dog-faced cap—launched into the air. His leap kicked up a cloud of dust and knocked over a few unlucky onlookers

Before anyone could respond, Garp came crashing down on their captain, who was fast asleep, and landed a heavy punch. The deck cracked, the ground trembled, and a flock of birds scattered nearby

Meanwhile, further away among the market stalls, a white-haired young man strolled unhurriedly. He lazily browsed the booths, deciding which crackers to buy for his boss—who wasn’t around now but would certainly demand food later

–..hmm, cinnamon or cheese-flavored..?

Asher muttered thoughtfully, ignoring the sudden noise and commotion

Cracks, shouts, crashes..All of it became background noise as he calmly weighed his options, seemingly unfazed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Holding a bag of crackers and various treats in one hand, and lazily scratching a cat’s head with the other, Asher strolled toward the designated meeting spot. The weather was pleasant—the sea breeze cooled his face, and rays of sunlight poking through the clouds warmed his back. The white-haired man enjoyed the moment, even if the walk was longer than he expected

When he finally opened the creaky door of the bar, he was greeted by a loud, almost choral scream:

–WHAT?!

After a bit of crashing, a brief silence followed

–Revolutionary Dragon has a son?!

–And that son is Luffy-san!!

–Then that means Dragon is Vice Admiral Garp’s son—what kind of family is this?!

–I’ve never even heard Dragon’s full name before!

A wave of stunned exclamations erupted. The bar filled with noisy chatter, debates, and outbursts

Asher lazily scanned the room, his gaze drifting over the crowd. First, he spotted the old man grumbling to himself as he patched up a gaping hole in the wall. Then a few Marines, dazed and strewn across the floor among broken boards—clearly, they’d been through something. And finally, he saw them—the Straw Hats

The corners of his lips tugged into a faint smirk

–Hey guys, what’s with the fuss?

The dark-haired man asked, confused

–Idiot, don’t you know who Dragon is?!

The blond snapped immediately

–Everyone knows about your dad!

The redhead added, visibly tense

–Huh?

–Hey, Robin?

Still lost, Luffy turned to the tall brunette

–Not sure how to explain it..

Robin began, resting her chin on her hand

–Most pirates don’t make it a habit to attack the Government or the Marines, but there’s one group that declared war on the World Government..

She continued calmly, turning her gaze to Luffy

Asher silently observed the scene, listening to Nico Robin’s explanation with clear interest. He seemed to enjoy her voice, remaining quiet until a small, fluffy paw poked his cheek. The white-haired man blinked slowly and shifted his gaze to the furry cat

He hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke:

–Been a while, Rubber Boy

As soon as the words left his lips, the scarred brunette's face lit up with a wide smile—stretching ear to ear, genuine and full of joy, as if he'd just seen an old friend he hadn’t met in ages

–Chocolate guy!

Luffy exclaimed cheerfully, instantly stretching out his arms to wrap them around the broad-chested man in the cap

Asher let out a laugh, unfazed by the sudden embrace, and patted Luffy on the back. Meanwhile, Ash, clearly displeased by the noise, smacked Luffy on the head with his paw

–Shishishi, hey there, little tiger!

Luffy laughed in his usual manner and reached out to pet Ash. The cat hissed, but ultimately allowed the touch

Everyone who witnessed the scene froze, slipping into another brief moment of stunned silence. It seemed no one expected such a display, yet no one dared to interrupt it either

Garp watched with mild contempt, lazily picking his nose as though the entire situation bored him to death

–What are you doing here??

Without looking away from the man in the cap, the Straw Hat asked, tilting his head with curiosity

Asher raised an eyebrow slightly, smirked, and replied slowly:

–On duty, as you can see..

His voice was casual, almost mocking, a familiar Cheshire grin playing on his lips

With his free hand, he adjusted his snow-white cap—matching his hair in color—and then glanced meaningfully toward Garp. The old man, who had been watching with a hint of disdain, suddenly whistled and dramatically turned away. He resumed fixing the hole in the wall he himself had made, pretending none of this concerned him

Luffy just blinked, glancing from Asher to his grandfather, clearly not understanding their silent exchange of looks

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In a sterile, almost lifeless room, the only sounds were the faint beeps of medical machines. Tubes and sensors snaked toward the single bed, where a frail body lay motionless

Beside it stood a tall man in a white coat, closely monitoring the readings. He adjusted his glasses, jotting down notes in a small notebook, missing nothing—no matter how small. Yet his thoughts were far from the data

Something within him refused to settle, refused to let him focus

His eyes flicked toward the door, and his fingers tightened around the pen

"Where are you, Ace..."

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In his search for Blackbeard—Teach, the former brother now turned sworn enemy—Ace had traveled to countless places. He could feel it: the traitor’s end was near. Just a little longer, just a little more patience, and the death of his brother would be avenged. All he had to do was endure. Wait. And he would kill that damn traitor himself

Another island. Another port. The brunette docked at the shore, secured the Striker, and jumped onto the wooden platform, heading into town to restock supplies

He hadn’t expected to see Marines around the next corner. Or rather—he had. But not him

Ace quickly pulled back, hiding behind the wall. His heart clenched with a tangle of emotions—alertness, irritation, a faint flicker of nostalgia. He cautiously peeked out and laid eyes on a familiar figure

Esher

How long had it been since he’d seen that half-blond?

Snorting, Ace rubbed his cheek with a finger, studying him closely. Asher’s cap was, as always, pulled low to hide his eyes in deep shadow. Still clinging to the old habits

He couldn’t help but recall that incident at the ba—

Oops, their eyes met

Wait. What.

Ace tensed, already mapping out a route back to the Striker, ready to bolt the moment he had a chance

But to his surprise, Asher only smiled wider and gave a lazy wave, like he was seeing an old friend—not a wanted criminal

The other Marines were chatting, oblivious to the silent exchange between them

And in Ace’s head, he could almost hear the voice from eight years ago:

"Lil bro~"

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The day on the deck was cloudy, as if the skies were slowly gathering into one massive storm, ready to unleash its fury on whoever was unlucky enough to be caught in its path

As usual, Asher sat in his quarters, buried in a sea of paperwork. His cap—which he rarely took off—rested on the table to his left. His hair, white with a light ashen hue, fell across his forehead, framing his dark eyes as they lazily scanned the documents in front of him

As always, without knocking or being invited, Ash entered the room. The cat leapt onto the desk with the confidence of a landlord and gently dropped a newspaper in front of the captain's white gloves

Asher smiled in thanks, ran his hand over the pet’s soft fur, and took the paper. He unfolded it slowly, savoring the rare moment of peace

And then, time seemed to stop

A crooked smile crept across his face—disbelief mixed with unease. He read the article over and over again, but the words never changed

Hah

Public Execution of Portgas D. Ace

To be continued....

Chapter Text

A deathly silence enveloped the small but cozy cabin. Only the faint creak of wood and the soft crackle of a candle broke it — but even those sounds felt muted, as if they dared not disturb the man lost in his thoughts

Asher sat at a not bid desk, cluttered with papers, most of which remained untouched. But reports, orders, and dispatches were the least of his concerns right now. His full attention was fixed on the newspaper in his hands, held with a hint of disbelief. With each line, each word he read again and again, his face remained motionless — yet his fingers gripped the thin paper just a little too tightly

Why?

Why hadn't he been told sooner? Why did he have to learn about this from his beloved little furball and not someone higher up?

The execution..No, the execution itself wasn’t surprising — after all, Portgas D. Ace was a pirate, the commander of Whitebeard’s second division. It made sense that the Marines would want to eliminate such a threat at the first opportunity

But a public execution..

Even with careful consideration — it was laughable

Public executions hadn’t happened in a long time. Except, of course, the attempt on Luffy in Loguetown, but that was a different matter entirely. Executing a member of a Yonko's crew in full view of the world? That was something personal. That was a challenge not only to Whitebeard, but to all pirates. It was war, even if no one officially admitted it

Asher closed his eyes and rubbed his temples wearily

–..calm down..calm down..

He muttered under his breath. Calm. He needed to keep a cool head. Assess the situation, understand what options he had. No rash decisions

He inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly. The best course of action was to hear the details from the old man

Pulling his cap down, he stood up in one smooth motion and headed for the door. A faint shadow glided after him — Ash, his loyal companion, silently followed his master

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The white-haired man knocked on the wooden, slightly rusted office door, behind which a rough but lively voice was usually heard. Today — silence. Receiving no answer, Asher pushed the door open and stepped inside, Ash gliding in behind him

The office was dim, as if mirroring the state of its occupant. Behind the massive desk, buried in papers and reports, sat Garp. A veteran whom even the fiercest storms couldn’t shake. A man who laughed in the face of the enemy, even when bleeding out himself

But not now

Now he looked grim, breathing heavily and almost shakily, staring at a single spot. His broad shoulders were slightly slumped, as if weighed down by memories or guilt

–Garp-san, can you explain?

Asher asked quietly, emotionless. His voice cut through the silence like icy water, and his eyes, hidden beneath the shadow of his cap, remained calm as a void

The old man grunted without looking at him

–Heh..What’s there to explain..

His words were bitter

–Why make it public? It makes no sense

Asher continued, hands clenched in the pockets of his coat

But again, no answer came. Garp only clenched his jaw tighter. He was shaking — not from anger, but helplessness

If only that pathetic pirate Blackbeard hadn’t

If only his grandson wasn’t so stubborn

If only he had listened

If only...

Too many 'if'

Receiving no explanation, Asher turned to leave

–I’ll take my leave, then

He said flatly, though even without permission, he would’ve done as he pleased. He was never fond of blindly following orders

But just as he took a step, a faint sound came from behind him:

–..Ace..

Asher froze. He didn’t turn around, only stood still by the door, listening

Garp hesitated for a few seconds, then, with a heavy sigh, continued:

–..Ace is Roger’s son..the son of Gol D. Roger — the Pirate King..

Asher’s pupils instantly widened. His heart dropped like a stone. His fists clenched until his knuckles ached

He exhaled, and without turning back, he said:

–Good night, old man..

And disappeared beyond the door

But the crooked smile — no one saw it except for Ash

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Deep in the darkness, in the depths of Impel Down

Around the corner, near the cell holding Ace, stood a man in a cap, arms crossed over his chest, listening intently to the conversation between Garp and Ace — between grandfather and grandson

Garp was trying to convince Ace that he could’ve been a Marine. That both he and Luffy could have walked a righteous path. Ace only gave a bitter laugh in return, saying they could never have served the Marines — not with the blood of infamous criminals flowing through their veins. He admitted he had chosen his mother’s surname for a reason — out of gratitude for her care. His father? A useless bastard he had no desire to know

But then Ace’s voice softened, filled with respect. He spoke of why he had followed Whitebeard. To him, that man had become someone he could truly call a father. Whitebeard gave him not just strength or purpose — he gave him a family, a place where he was needed

Asher listened to the conversation, never revealing himself, until Garp, with a sigh, turned and walked heavily away. He knew the old man would probably want to be alone. When the vice admiral’s footsteps faded, Asher stepped out of the shadows and approached the cell. Ace was sitting with his head lowered, dark hair partially hiding his face

The capped man smirked slightly and said with a quiet chuckle:

–After a fire, all that's left is ashes, right? Heh, not quite my style

–..who—?

Ace jerked his head up at the familiar voice, but caught only a glimpse of a white coat disappearing around the corner. All that remained were the echoes of retreating footsteps

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The sky was clear. Too clear. Not a single cloud in sight, as if the sun had been given full reign to flood Marineford with its blinding light

Morning

Marine soldiers bustled about — from cabin boys to admirals, every formation, every order — preparations were in full swing. Their duty was to protect this place, to uphold order and law. Especially now, when the expected guests weren’t just any pirates — but Whitebeard’s crew

The execution of the second division commander, the man Whitebeard called his son, the man who was a brother to many of Whitebeard’s pirates

They all knew what was coming. A storm was approaching. And despite the clear sky, the shadows of war were already gathering

Not far from the main square, one of the captains—or perhaps an officer of even higher rank—stood before the assembled Marines. His posture was upright, and his voice rang out confident and stern, cutting through the noise of the execution preparations

–All officers without weapons, report to the supply point immediately and collect your gear!

His loud, hoarse voice echoed through the ranks, making some flinch. The Marines exchanged glances quickly before several of them nodded and broke away toward the armory. The rest remained silent, listening as the captain continued

–The rest of you, prepare for battle. This may seem like just an execution, but we cannot be sure we won’t face retaliation.

Some Marines swallowed hard, fully aware of what he meant. It should have been just another public execution—but a strange tension hung in the air. Soldiers checked rifles and blades; some adjusted their uniforms, waiting for orders. A creeping unease began to spread through the ranks

At the raised platform where the execution was to take place, everything was ready. The sun was at its peak, leaving no shaded refuge. The hot air shimmered, reflecting off stone walls and pavement. Somewhere in the distance, the muffled roar of a crowd could be heard—citizens had already gathered, hungrily awaiting the spectacle

Yet among the Marines, tension still reigned. They didn’t know what to expect, but each was ready for a possible battle

High on the scaffold stood Ace, shackled hand and foot, flanked by Marines with weapons at the ready. Their gazes were cold but strained—even with their overwhelming numbers, they knew exactly who they might be up against

A man stepped forward in a white-and-red uniform, a massive Marine cape flowing behind him. His face was expressionless, but the voice that boomed over the plaza was filled with firm resolve

–You, son of the Pirate King, will become the tide of a new era of terror! That is why we must destroy you here and now!

Spoke Admiral Akainu, and then his voice roared even louder:

–EVEN IF IT MEANS FACING WHITEBEARD HIMSELF!

Those words became the trigger for the chaos to come. Less than a minute later, one wide-eyed Marine rushed up to Sengoku and shouted:

–The Gates of Justice are opening on their own!

–Why are they opening?!

The seagull-man furrowed his brow, visibly confused

And as if in answer, from the low mist curling at the entrance to the bay, massive shadows began to rise. It was as though they were being born from the sea itself, hidden by the fog, now revealing their terrifying might

–This is...ships!

Someone whispered, but a second later, that murmur turned into a chorus of chaotic cries

–Where did they come from?!

–Find Whitebeard!

–It’s all of Whitebeard’s allied forces!!

At first, the Marines were only murmuring among themselves, but the moment the pirates revealed themselves, restraint broke down. Panic bloomed in the ranks of the Navy—and amid it all, a new sound emerged: a dull, gurgling rumble, as if something ancient was awakening from the ocean floor

Then—a thunderous roar

The surface of the bay, cradled by the crescent-shaped island, surged upward, and from beneath it, as if a seal had been shattered, gigantic shadows burst forth

–They were hiding underwater!

A colossal form, larger than all the naval vessels combined, slowly emerged. A massive gray whale—no, not a whale, but a whale-shaped ship—surfaced, towering over the water like a mythical beast. It was so enormous that even the largest warships looked like toys in comparison.

But this was no ordinary vessel

Because within it stood the man known as the strongest in the world:

Whitebeard

Amidst the chaos, he already stood on his ship’s deck, surveying the world from the height of his own might

On the scaffold, Ace looked down, disbelief in his eyes. His heart clenched when he saw the massive whale-ship rise from the depths like a legendary monster. And then—he saw the silhouette of the man standing atop the deck, unmoving as a mountain

–..Pops..

He whispered, but his voice cracked into a hoarse gasp

Ace’s eyes widened in horror, and straining his vocal cords, he screamed:

–POPS! WHY DID YOU COME HERE?! I BROUGHT THIS FATE ON MYSELF!!

His voice was raw and fractured, reflecting his tormented state. His body ached, each cut reminding him of the torture he had endured, but now the pain faded into the background. Only one thing mattered—Whitebeard had come for him

The Marines stood frozen, waiting for an answer

And it came

–No. I ordered you to return

Whitebeard’s voice was calm, but so powerful it shook the air. He didn’t shout—he didn’t need to. Each word echoed across the entire plaza, filling every crack, every pause between the Marines’ frantic cries

Ace clenched his teeth, his chest bubbling with pain and fury

–..you..

He was about to continue, but voices interrupted him

–We’re not leaving you!

–You’re our brother, dumbass!

–Just accept it already!

The voices blended together, growing stronger. They were his crewmates—Whitebeard’s pirates, who refused to let him die

Their resolve rang louder than anything Ace could say

Whitebeard didn’t move—he merely lifted his naginata slowly, as if measuring his opponent. But the very air around him began to quiver—reality itself was bending to his power

One of the Admirals—Aokiji—stepped forward, and immediately a freezing mist spread from his feet. In the next second, he launched forward, arm extended

From the ground, razor-sharp ice spikes erupted, aiming to trap Whitebeard in a crystalline cage. But he only scoffed and swung his naginata through the air

The world cracked

The shockwave shattered the ice into splinters, and then surged toward Aokiji. The Admiral leapt up just in time to avoid the fracturing earth—but barely, as the next strike came flying toward him

The battle had begun

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The clash between Whitebeard and Aokiji erupted with unprecedented force

The ice spears forged by the Admiral were obliterated by Whitebeard’s blow, but Aokiji was already on the move. He skated across frozen air, swung his arm, and Whitebeard felt the chill seep into his bones

A giant spike of ice aimed straight for the Emperor’s chest—but at the last moment, his shockwave shattered it into hundreds of shards. Whitebeard grinned, showing his strength had not waned

But the attack was a diversion. Aokiji had already circled behind, arm swinging

In the next moment, his hand grabbed Whitebeard’s side, and frost began to spread across the pirate’s body

–Pops!

Marco’s shout rang out as he soared through the sky, wreathed in the blue flames of a phoenix. In an instant, he struck Aokiji with a kick, forcing the Admiral to leap back

But the cold had left its mark—part of Whitebeard’s body was coated in frost. He scowled, but merely brushed the ice from his shoulder

–Pfft..A bit chilly, kid 

The battle resumed with renewed intensity. While Whitebeard clashed with the Admirals and his crew fought the Marines, a loud sound split the sky

–WHAT IS THAT?!

Something was falling from the sky. No—someone. Several figures

Tearing through the clouds, past the shocked faces of the Marines, people were descending fast—and one of them wore a red shirt and a straw hat

–LUFFY!!

Ace shouted, his eyes widening in shock

At that moment, all eyes turned to him — the man who would inevitably turn the tide of battle

–ACE!! I’M HERE FOR YOU!!!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Asher was already in the thick of it, using his power to hold back the incoming pirates. Ashen clouds, born from his Devil Fruit, wrapped around their bodies, seeping into their lungs and choking them. Those who resisted soon lost consciousness, collapsing to the ground

He was breathing heavily, wiping sweat from his forehead, when a thunderous crash echoed above Marineford. At first, he didn’t understand what was happening — then his gaze shot upward

–..You’ve got to be kidding me..

He muttered with a nervous smirk

A ship was falling from the torn sky — completely out of control, packed with prisoners from the lower levels of Impel Down. Following it, in the very eye of chaos, came a human figure in a red shirt and straw hat

Asher took a deep breath and cursed under his breath:

–..now the real fun begins..

There was no time for a break. It was one thing to keep the pirates at bay — now there were escaped convicts raining from the sky with the damn ship

–..damn it..

He muttered, extending one arm forward while the other held his cap

The ashen clouds surged again like a choking whirlwind. He blocked the convicts’ path, forcing them to gasp and pass out — but there were too many

One after another, criminals rose from the wreckage of the fallen ship, eyes gleaming with anticipation as they scanned the battlefield

–WAHAHA! WHAT A SLAUGHTERFEST!

One of them shouted gleefully

Asher smirked again, but his eyes remained sharp

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The battle raged like a hurricane, sweeping everyone into its chaotic storm. Marines, Whitebeard’s pirates, Impel Down escapees — all blended into one churning mass. And then, amid the chaos, a command rang out:

–EXECUTE HIM IMMEDIATELY!

The words struck like thunder. In an instant, the executioners’ blades were raised over Ace

But before they could strike, a voice cut through the roar of battle:

–STOP!!!

A voice full of fury and resolve rang across the square — but with it came something more

A heavy, crushing wave swept through the area. Space seemed to shudder, and the air grew thick

"..Conqueror’s Haki.."

Those few who knew of it thought with dread

Marines lacking strong will fell like wheat to a scythe. Their eyes rolled back, bodies going limp as they dropped to the stone floor. Even those still standing felt their knees tremble, fingers loosening around their weapons

Asher felt it — and simply smirked boldly, looking toward the execution platform

And in that moment, the chains shattered

Ace was free

Flames burst into the air, engulfing the area around the scaffold. Fire Fist had been unleashed — now he burned everything in his path. People screamed and fled in panic, terrified of being turned to ash

..Ash..

Near the platform, nothing could be seen

Only fire

Through its roaring, only the sounds of the ongoing slaughter could be heard. Then again, that had become the soundtrack of all Marineford

Ace was now one step from freedom — nearly out of hell

If only not for...

–LOOK OUT! IT’S AKAINU!!!

The warning shout rang across the battlefield — but it was already too late

–You free Ace, and run immediately..

The admiral's voice was calm, but venomous

–Whitebeard’s pirates — pathetic cowards. Figures

Ace stopped dead in his tracks

–Whitebeard was nothing but a ‘failure’ from a past era

His fists clenched

–Not surprising..just look at your captain

–'Failure', huh..?

Ace’s voice wavered, then hardened

Akainu raised an eyebrow

–SHOVE THOSE WORDS..HA..BACK DOWN YOUR THROAT!!!

Everyone tried to stop him. They shouted. Begged. But he couldn’t hear them

–THE NAME OF THIS ERA..IS WHITEBEARD!!!

His scream tore through the air

–STOP, ACE!!!

But Ace had already lunged forward, his flame-wreathed fist flying at Akainu. The admiral didn’t even flinch. He easily deflected the blow and looked down on Ace with disdain

–You’re too weak, kid. Fire can’t defeat magma

Behind him, gasping for breath, Luffy tried to stand — but his legs shook traitorously. He dropped to his knees and noticed a white scrap sliding along the ground

–..Ace’s vivre card..

He reached for it

–The son of the Pirate King, and the son of the Revolutionary..

Akainu sneered

–Who would’ve thought these two’s sons..would be sworn brothers!

His gaze darkened

–Your blood is a sin in itself! Let the rest run..

He raised his hand, magma streaming from his palm

–BUT YOU ‘BROTHERS’ — I’M NOT LETTING YOU GO!!!

His eyes locked on Luffy

–Watch closely

Ace froze — then whirled toward his brother. Akainu was already striking

–WAIT! LUFFY!!

Luffy looked up just in time to see Ace step in front of him, shielding him from the admiral’s fist. But..

Someone shoved him aside

Dark eyes met their mirror image, as if staring into a reflection

Yes..what a fitting memory to return to at this moment..

To be continued....

Chapter Text

The sun lazily peeked through the bar windows, casting golden bands of light across the wooden floor, illuminating smooth tabletops and old but sturdy chairs. The air held the scent of wood, a faint aroma of fruity wine, and the distant murmur of street conversations

Three people sat by the bar counter: Luffy, Ace, and Asher

The atmosphere was almost homely—quiet, measured, like the calm before an ocean storm. Makino had vanished into the cellar to restock bottles, and Garp had left, citing some 'important' business which, according to Ace, always happened to pop up at the worst possible moment

Luffy, as usual, couldn't stay still—his flailing limbs stretched in all directions until, once again, he hit something important. Asher’s cap slid off his head and fell to the floor with a soft thud

All three looked down at the same time. Ace squinted, shifting his gaze to Asher’s face. The man always hid his eyes under the shadow of his visor too carefully. And now, for a fraction of a second, that shield had fallen

The dark-haired pirate caught a strange shift—something subtle, almost imperceptible, on the marine’s face. Uncertainty? Worry? Maybe even fear? Asher reached to cover his face with his hand but stopped at the last second. And just like that, everything seemed back to normal. But not for long

–Oops, sorry

Luffy muttered briefly, picking up the cap and inspecting it with curiosity. It was light-colored, a bit worn, like it had seen a lot

–Why do you wear it soooo low?

Asher chuckled briefly, taking the cap back. His smile was the same as always—familiar, easygoing. But Ace noticed: it didn’t reach his eyes

–They say eyes are the window to the soul. And I’d rather not show what’s inside. Enemies read eyes better than they read movements

Asher replied, tugging the visor down almost to his lashes

Ace frowned. He didn’t know what unsettled him more—the words, the tone, or... the eyes themselves. The ones that felt too familiar. Too close..

Too hateful..

HATRED..

HATE..

HA...

No....

. . . . .

NOOO!!

Ace’s eyes widened with shock and disbelief. He couldn’t look away from the figure that suddenly appeared in front of him, shielding him from a fatal blow. And all he managed to see was the familiar cap falling to the ground—and a silhouette..

He knew this man

Ace landed heavily on the stone tiles, four meters away from where he’d just been standing. Everything around him froze. He stared. Stared without blinking at the white-haired man whose body now hung in an unnatural pose

Asher coughed—loudly, hoarsely. A clot of blood splattered from his mouth and hit the ground. He blinked, lowering his gaze..and understood. A molten magma fist from Akainu had pierced right through his chest from the back. It sizzled where it fused with flesh, exuding smoke and the stench of burned meat

–Khah..that stings..Admiral..

Asher managed to say, turning his head toward the enemy. A smirk flickered across his face. Not a trace of fear

Luffy, just two meters away, seemed petrified. His lips trembled, eyes wide with horror.

–..A..sher..

He whispered almost inaudibly

At his feet lay the same cap. Beneath it—a barely visible corner of Ace’s vivre card

Akainu hissed through clenched teeth, glaring at the bloodied man:

–Shameless traitor..

And mercilessly yanked his hand out of Asher’s body. Flesh sizzled, and on the back of Asher’s coat, the word 'JUSTICE' ignited in molten fire. It burned, crumbling into ash

..Ah, Ash..

Asher staggered but didn’t fall. He leaned on his thighs, trying to stay upright, as if sheer will was the only thing holding him up. His uncovered eyes gleamed again

–..heh..happens

He rasped

Akainu narrowed his eyes, noticing the man was still alive. Still talking.

And then Asher, with sudden fury in his voice, raised one hand high—despite the pain—and shouted:

–LISTEN UP, ALL OF YOU!!

His throat gurgled, blood spilled down his chin, but he pushed the words out

–I..AS THE FIRST SON OF THE NOW-EXECUTED PIRATE KING—GOL D. ROGER!

The crowd rippled. Pirates, marines, even admirals—all gasped. The air thickened with terror and astonishment

–AS CAPTAIN HAYATO OF THE MARINES...

The white-haired man continued

—

–So, Gol D. Roger..

Asher began, frowning, but was interrupted by the old man's loud, hearty laugh

–PWAHAHAHA! That’s right—Gol D. Roger! I remember how mad he got every time someone said it wrong!

Garp laughed, slapping his knee like recalling an old joke

–Then why does everyone call him Gold Roger?

Asher asked, a little puzzled

–The government hides the 'D' in his name

Garp replied with a wry smirk, looking into the distance, as if he knew much more than he let on.

–Does it mean something..?

Asher’s voice grew quieter, cautious

–Of course

The vice-admiral said seriously, and for a moment even his smile faded, giving way to a heavy silence thick with meaning

—

–I HEREBY DECLARE: THE DAY OF PORTGAS D. ACE’S EXECUTION..WILL BE THE DAY OF MY EXECUTION! THE EXECUTION OF GOL D. ASHER!

The crowd stood stunned. Even those who thought they were prepared for anything on the battlefield couldn’t believe their ears. The Pirate King had another son? The word execution echoed through the air, sounding almost like a verdict—for everyone who heard it

Akainu, standing just a step away from Asher, suddenly clenched his fist. He hadn’t expected this—though he’d seen the man as a minor threat, a rebel against certain orders. The admiral seemed frozen for a second, then his face twisted in rage. He stepped forward, his eyes bloodshot

–You think this is funny?! Who are you to decide who lives and dies, traitor?!

Akainu growled, his voice like stone—cold and merciless

But Asher didn’t back down. Fire still burned in his eyes, despite the blood streaming down his face and the worsening struggle in his every breath. He smiled, through the obvious pain

–I’m not laughing, Admiral

Asher said quietly, his hoarse voice barely audible

–It’s not for you to decide who deserves life. In the end, it’s me who gives my life in exchange for Ace’s

Meanwhile, behind him, still sitting on the stones, a stunned Ace finally forced out words, his voice breaking into a hoarse whisper:

–..older..brother..?

He couldn’t comprehend what was happening. Everything was moving so fast, so insanely..His mind was bursting with new revelations. He had known there would be pain in his life—but not this kind. Not the kind where your brother—someone you’d never even known existed—appears before you, takes your place on the battlefield, gives you a chance..dying for it

–Why?!

The question that tormented the brunette for endless seconds, stretching into eternity

–Khah..well, sorry, it’s my duty as the older brother to protect the younger one. Can’t do much about that..

He said with a grin, as the light in his eyes began to fade, and his smile slowly weakene.

Luffy, lost in the chaos around him, couldn’t move—until his eyes met Asher’s. He had seen it all. He couldn’t be blind to it

–..Luffy..

Asher whispered with a softer smile, his voice barely holding together from the blood in his throat and lungs

–..khah..I’m sorry I didn’t let you save him..

No longer able to stay on his feet, the white-haired man collapsed to his knees, practically falling into the arms of the brunette

Luffy froze, barely understanding his words. His body trembled; he was one step away from going into shock from the pain

The battlefield fell silent, as if nature itself had held its breath before the coming storm. Tension thickened in the air, and everyone present could feel that the storm was about to break again. Akainu, unable to restrain his rage, clenched his teeth and prepared to attack once more. In his heart burned the desire to finish off the traitor who dared rise against justice

At that critical moment, the first division commander of Whitebeard’s pirates rushed into the fray, his voice thundering like a bolt from the blue:

–JINBEI!! TAKE LUFFY AND ACE!!

Without hesitation, the fish-man grabbed the brothers, ignoring their resistance. They kicked and screamed, demanding to be let go—they couldn’t leave Asher behind in such danger. But Jinbei silently carried them, heading for the ship

At the same time, Admiral Akainu readied another strike, but Whitebeard appeared behind him, launching an attack

–Marco, take the boy! I’ll hold him off!

The giant roared, preparing to face Akainu alone

Marco, though reluctant to leave his captain, couldn’t disobey the order. He picked up the barely-breathing Asher with effort and soared into the sky without wasting a moment, heading for safety

Admiral Akainu threw his magma-covered fist straight at Whitebeard’s face, filling the air with blistering heat and fury. But just before the blow landed, something suddenly flew into his eyes, throwing off his aim

He immediately felt a counterattack slam into him, knocking him off balance. The next moment, he was hurled backward, crashing through a wall with a deafening roar

Through the dust and debris, Akainu barely raised his head and saw two figures high above the ground. One of them had an arm extended toward him. Though they were far away, the admiral could clearly see the bloody smirk

–EH?! LOOK, SOMEONE’S BEHIND THAT BUILDING!

A Marine shouted, pointing toward a large structure

–Hey, they found me!

A giant voice boomed

–Is that..? THAT CAN’T BE..

Another Marine said in alarm

–LOOK! THERE’S SOMEONE ELSE OVER THERE TOO!

Yet another yelled, pointing in another direction

Tension surged across the battlefield, and in response to these panicked cries, everyone turned their heads

–YOU! HOW DID YOU GET HERE?!

Sengoku bellowed, trying to make sense of what was happening

–Fufufufu!!

A sinister laugh echoed across the field. It was Doflamingo, relishing the chaos

–Bastard..

Whitebeard hissed, clenching his fist, eyes ablaze with fury. Before him stood a gang of pirates—mostly giants

–IT’S BLACKBEARD’S PIRATES!

A Marine screamed as Teach suddenly appeared

A loud, echoing laugh filled the battlefield. Teach was clearly enjoying the chaos. His laughter wasn’t just threatening—it was terrifying, sending chills down every spine

–LONG TIME NO SEE, OLD MAN!

Blackbeard declared with a wide grin, arms spread

–I’M GLAD I MADE IT..JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR FUNERAL!!

–Teach..

Whitebeard growled hoarsely, gazing at him with deepest scorn and disappointment. His grim expression seemed to darken the very air around him—one look could freeze blood in veins

Sengoku clenched his fists in fury and confusion. How had the most dangerous prisoners of Impel Down been set free again?

–You..you released them?!

He nearly snarled, unable to believe it

–Of course I did!

Teach answered nonchalantly

–What, you really thought I became a Shichibukai because I believed in order? Ha! I don’t need that title anymore

While Teach was rambling, Whitebeard was already raising his bisento, his gaze ablaze

–TEEEEEACH!!

With a furious roar, Whitebeard struck—a blow as devastating as the sea’s wrath. One of Teach’s men shouted

–WATCH OUT! CAPTAIN!!

But it was too late—the strike sent Blackbeard flying, smashing him through a building, debris raining down on those nearby

As he approached, Whitebeard spoke:

–You’re no longer my son..You broke our code..You hurt your own comrade and nearly killed him

Teach, rising to his feet, let out a weak laugh, masking his pain

–Come on then, I’M READY!! BLACK HOLE!!!

He plunged his hands into the ground, which was instantly consumed by a black fog, like a sticky swamp, pulling everything and everyone nearby into it

––DARK WATER! What’s wrong, old man? Can’t cause earthquakes anymore?..

But he didn’t finish—Whitebeard slashed his shoulder with a swift, precise bisento strike. Teach stumbled back in fear

–Wait! You can’t kill your own son! I’m still—!

He shouted, but Whitebeard slammed him into the ground and hurled him away with immense force

–BOYS, TAKE HIM OUT!!

Blackbeard roared, giving the order to his crew. But not even two seconds had passed before—

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Up in the sky, hovering above the battlefield, Marco was in turmoil. His heart was being torn in two—he couldn’t abandon Whitebeard in battle, but neither could he watch as life faded from Asher, Ace’s older brother. He knew he had to fly, to save, to heal—before it was too late...

His thoughts were interrupted by a weak but firm hand that touched his chest, now stained with blood and ash

–..don’t khah..worry about me..I’m not gonna make it anyway..

The dark-eyed man whispered, faintly smirking

–But—

–..there’s been no helping me for a long time..and I’ve got, khah..a literal hole in my chest..

He tried to chuckle but coughed instead, spitting out clotted blood. Marco, seeing this, pressed his lips into a thin line, guilt gnawing at him for his helplessness. He clung to a fleeting hope, forgetting how little time the white-haired man had left

The dark-skinned man furrowed his brow, catching that look. He had seen it only once before—in the eyes of someone when their mother died. And he hated it. He punched the phoenix in the chest and, breathing heavily, looked downward

–..hey..don’t look at me like that..let’s, khah..not rush..I want to..see my fluffball..one last time..

–Who—?

Marco began to ask, but a roar cut him off

A loud, beastly, low growl

A massive ash-colored tiger roared from the battlefield. Even from the sky, it was clearly visible. It was insanely huge, almost the same height as Whitebeard himself

–..oh, Ash..I told him to stay on the ship..disobedient boy~

With a smile full of tenderness, Asher whispered and sent one last, weak stream of ash toward Ash. Marco looked down anxiously

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The fighters froze again. For the umpteenth time in this battle

A massive tiger slowly, with terrifying grace, stepped between Whitebeard and Blackbeard’s pirates, shielding the captain with its body. A wall of muscle—powerful and fearless

Suddenly, the beast lunged forward and clamped its jaws around Blackbeard’s upper body. It happened so fast, no one had time to react. The next moment, Teach was flung out of Marineford like a ragdoll

Whitebeard stared at the beast in disbelief. This was..absurd, even by Grand Line standards. But he wasn’t surprised—anything was possible in this world

Blackbeard’s crew rushed after their captain

Meanwhile, some of the Marines, recognizing the beast, froze in place

–That’s..the pet of former Captain Hayato..

–He lost his master..

–We’ve been ordered to eliminate the animal!

The voice of an admiral rang out

The Marines already had their weapons trained

The tiger looked at Whitebeard one last time and, bolting away, began to shrink, transforming into a small creature. In seconds, the massive beast was gone—leaving behind a white, though mud-stained, fluffy kitten

Only Vice Admiral Garp noticed as it approached him. Silently, while no one was looking, he picked up the kitten and tucked it into his coat, shielding it from prying eyes and the danger to come

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Asher, still watching the battlefield from above, took one last look at this world. His gaze softened, as if he had finally found peace. With a gentle breath, a single tear slipped down his cheek, and he closed his eyes forever. But the smile remained—stubborn and warm

God did hear her words after all..just answered in his own way, hah

THE END

Chapter Text

Two Weeks Later

The sky was blanketed with clouds, as if it too mourned the weight of loss, hanging heavy and leaden above the sea. Yet the rain didn’t come — only the wind lazily stirred the pale clouds

Across the endless stretch of ocean drifted a battered ship, worn down by life itself. Its hull was covered in scars, both small and large — remnants of a recent battle. It seemed as if the vessel held together purely by the willpower of its crew, and at best, it had a month left to live

Inside, in the stuffy silence of the infirmary, the wounded lay on cots — some conscious, some lost in feverish sleep, all wrapped in bandages, faces hollow and weary

In the largest room, lying on pristine white sheets, was Whitebeard himself. He had survived Marineford, but now his body resembled ruins — age and wounds had done their part. He was stable, but calling it life would’ve been a stretch

In the room next door, beneath a suffocating silence, two brothers slept — Ace and Luffy, wrapped head to toe in bandages, exhausted and spent

Marco, standing in the corridor, had just finished his rounds. He exhaled heavily, rubbing his forehead — his thoughts were restless

What troubled the blond most at that moment was how the brothers would react to the death — or as he knew it, possible death — of Asher. No one had told them yet whether he was alive or not. And they wouldn’t stop asking about him

–Hey, don’t crowd your head with things that don’t need it..

A large hand rested on the phoenix’s shoulder — the fish-man spoke with a gentle smile

–Jinbei, yoi..haaa..You saw their faces when you carried them off..

Marco replied with a sigh of frustration, covering his face with a hand

–There’s no need to worry so much. They’re not kids anymore. They’ll understand

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Somewhere in a dark office, thick with dust and the smell of tobacco, the only source of light was a dim desk lamp

A blond man with a scar covering the left side of his face sat trembling, gripping the latest newspaper in his hands. His lips barely moved, and his voice shook:

–..Ace?..Luffy?..

But it wasn’t just their names that gripped his heart. The name 'Gol D. Asher' wouldn’t leave his mind

"Who is he?"

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Two Years Later

On Sabaody Archipelago, laughter and footsteps echoed again — the Straw Hat crew had returned. Stronger, united, and ready to conquer the New World

The world had moved on. Rumors spread that the Devil Fruit Haiya Haiya no Mi — Ash’s Fruit, once belonging to Gol D. Asher — had ended up in the hands of none other than Donquixote Doflamingo. In time, it was announced as the grand prize of a massive event — the Corrida Colosseum Tournament

Luffy, upon hearing this, didn’t hesitate. Under the alias 'Luccy', he entered the tournament, determined to win the fruit in Asher’s name

After a few rounds, with fire in his eyes and victory in his heart, he met a contestant named Icy. And to his utter shock and joy — it was Ace. Alive. Whole. Real

Without missing a beat, the brothers joined forces — unstoppable, their attacks synchronized like breath

The finals were near. Only the strongest remained

But just before stepping into the arena, a stranger in a cloak stopped them — a blond man with a scar. And when he smiled..Luffy and Ace froze — then bolted toward him

Sabo

Tears, hugs, warm words — they didn’t let go of him for a good ten minutes. The family was whole again

For the final match, Sabo wore Luffy’s clothes and covered his face with his helmet. During the battle, without wasting a second, he broke through to the pedestal. With a powerful blow, he shattered it, caught the falling fruit, and swallowed it without hesitation

Wincing at the taste, he spat out the core and, raising his hand, unleashed an ash storm — wiping out every foe except one — Ace

Hehe

The Ashen Emperor, huh?

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Four Months Later

The sun shone brightly. Waves gently rocked the massive ship, and the dancing light on the water cast shimmering patterns on the deck. The breeze was calm, carrying the salty scent of the sea from the horizon. The distant cries of seagulls broke the stillness of this peaceful morning, which seemed destined to be ordinary

Whitebeard’s commanders stood on the deck when they felt it — something rushing toward them. Something — or rather, someone. The sensation was primal — skin prickled, the air thickened

They had only recently reemerged to the world — two and a half years spent healing wounds, both physical and emotional. The new Moby Dick II had become a symbol of their rebirth, their hope. They were still here. Still a family

Almost instantly, the commanders of the First, Second, and Fourth Divisions appeared on the main deck. Whitebeard was already there, seated in his chair. His towering figure still radiated calm and strength. His bisento rested in his hand as if it were part of him. He was waiting. He could feel it. A guest was approaching — and not just any guest

–What do you want here, Garp?

Whitebeard asked coldly, narrowing his eyes. His tone was wary, and his posture showed he was ready for anything

Vice Admiral Garp of the Marines stepped aboard — the old man stood proud in full uniform, despite the heat, a cocky grin on his face

–PWAHAHAHA! You’re not exactly easy to find!

He laughed, hands on his hips, voice echoing — but then he fell silent, eyes growing serious

The air on deck grew heavier — like the hush before a storm

–Don’t worry. I’m not here for that

He said with a faint smile, scanning each face. Eyes met. Tension thickened

–What do you want, old man?

Ace snapped, his voice tight with restrained fury. Flames flickered on his shoulders — anger, anxiety

–You are exactly what I need 

Garp’s smirk widened as he pointed directly at Ace.

–Huh?!

Ace flinched. He wasn’t alone — the whole deck tensed, hands moving toward weapons. Everyone was ready to fight

–I brought you a gift...on behalf of your brother

He spoke calmly — and that calm only deepened the unease

—..what..?

Ace’s voice faltered, doubt flashing in his eyes

–HAHA! That damn kid..he was so insistent on this..

The old man suddenly softened. He looked down, as if recalling something warm

—

–Hey, old man!

A voice rang out — like from another time

Asher was walking toward Garp, wearing his usual, annoying grin. He waved as though greeting an old friend on a casual stroll, not a fearsome vice admiral

–AISH! Stop calling me old man, you brat!

Garp barked, jabbing a finger at him — but his voice carried more exasperated fondness than real anger

Ash — the cat — lounged comfortably on Asher’s shoulders, lazily flicking his tail. The warmth of his master, the sound of the waves, the gentle breeze — he was content

–Alright, alright. My apologies, señor

Asher said with a smirk, coming to stand beside him. For the first time in a while, his smile dimmed slightly. He gazed out toward the horizon, where sky met sea

–You know, Garp-san..

He began after a brief pause. His voice was quiet, but unmistakably serious

Garp frowned. He knew that when Esher called him '-san', it meant the conversation wouldn’t be easy. Normally, Esher ignored formalities, but not now. This time was different

–Can I ask you for a favor?

He asked, unexpectedly calm, but Garp caught the tension in his voice. It was hidden—but it was there

He nodded

Asher reached out and gently stroked Ash’s chin. The feline purred, eyes closed. Then Asher looked up, and his eyes glinted from under the shadow of his cap

–When I die, can you place Ash in Ace’s care?

Silence fell. The wind ruffling their hair and coats seemed to be the only movement in the world. Everything froze. In that moment, even time seemed to stop

Asher’s smile widened. But there was no life in it. Only weariness

Garp wanted to brush the thought away, to chase it off, but he couldn’t. Instead, he muttered through gritted teeth:

–You planning to DIE before an old man like me, huh?!

He reached for Asher’s hair, intending to give him a fatherly smack like old times. He expected him to dodge. But Asher didn’t move

He just smirked, and for a moment, Garp caught a glimpse of his eyes—tired, deep, but still warm. Then Asher adjusted his cap, hiding them, and turned his back to Garp

Ash, as if sensing the moment, climbed into his arms

–Haha..I’m joking. How could I give away my fluffy little monster?..Just thinking out loud. Don’t mind it

His voice came, but it lacked its usual cheer. He waved a hand and walked away, not waiting for a response

Garp stayed behind. He stood there, watching him leave, trying to shake off what had just been said

But ever since then, something had been gnawing at him, like a warning: it's too late. And this 'late' hadn't happened now. It had come earlier—or maybe it had always been there from the start

Once, he had entered his slav- subordinate’s cabin to dump paperwork on him again

Esher wasn’t there. But in the trash bin were bloody tissues. Garp had thought: the kid must’ve cut himself again and hid it from the nurse. He decided to scold him later. But then forgot. How foolish

—

Sighing, he reached into his inner pocket—and immediately yelped, yanking his hand back as if burned

–Ow–ow!

A white kitten clung to his finger

–OW, YOU DAMN FLUFFY MONSTER, LET GO!

Garp shouted, shaking his hand. He flailed it around, trying to free himself, and finally flung the cat onto the deck. It landed lightly, gracefully

–TAKE CARE OF THIS DEMON, BRAT!!!

He shouted as he left—and quite literally flew off. Into the air. As if he were not a battle-hardened Vice Admiral, but some kind of circus acrobat

The ship fell into a stunned silence

Everyone stared at the cat who had just attacked Garp himself

The white puffball hissed furiously—until it caught a familiar scent. It froze. Its ears perked up. Its head turned toward Ace

And then it bolted

–A..ASH?!

Ace cried out, unable to dodge in time, as a now much larger, grayish tiger pounced on him. It tackled him to the deck and began nuzzling into his chest

Ace’s eyes sparkled, tears forming. He laughed through them and hugged Ash tight, burying his face in the soft fur

Everyone watched in shocked awe. Those who had seen the tiger who protected Whitebeard from Blackbeard recognized him. He was with them again

Whitebeard nodded his approval. He knew: this beast wasn’t just a pet. He was family now. And this was a sign. A gift

All were stunned as the realization struck them: this tiger had belonged to Ace’s brother — Asher

And now, he had chosen a new master

Marco gave a short chuckle, recalling the final moments of that strange young man. He remembered the way that guy looked at his beast. Such love. Such pain. Such a farewell

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Somewhere above, in the vast sky, one man was still smiling. Dark-eyed, without his usual cap, and with a crooked but warm grin

“Ash won’t burn twice, but fire can always reignite..

..so you better keep burning, little brother♡”

End of EPILOGUE