Newbie's Skill

Fifty-Two

"Marco!" I cried as I was suddenly embraced by him. I was surrounded by everyone. My brothers. Tears were leaking down my red cheeks, and Marco tightened his arms around me.

"Good grief. I've been so worried about you, Bud," he muttered. He moved one hand up to cradle the back of my head. Izo put a gentle hand on my lower back, and a sob released from me. Haruta smiled, tickling my right side, where he was. It made me snort before going into a fit of laughter.

"So you're the hat thief," Jozu snickered. I pulled off Ace's hat to look at it. A sad smile crossed my lips.

"It took me two years to earn this hat," I mumbled.

"Good job," Marco grinned. "That's the baby of the Whitebeard Pirates for you. Isn't it, boys?" The crew cheered loudly.

"Where are we anyway?" I wondered, looking around.

"This is Sphinx. Pops' home town. My years as a pirate aren't quite over. There's one more thing I want to do before retirement." I narrowed my eyes in determination.

"Wano," I said. He nodded. "Luffy'll be there," I insisted. Marco smiled, petting my hair.

"I know he will. He carries on Ace's will. Just as you do."

"Where is Straw Hat?" Jozu wondered. The boys looked at me, and I smirked.

"Making his return known."

"That sounds like chaos," Marco chuckled.

"Did you get to see the newspaper after the war?" Haruta asked me. I shook my head no, and he and Marco shared a look. "Do you know who Luffy's dad is since you were late?" I shook my head again. "Monkey D. Dragon. The most feared man in the world. He's the leader of the Revolutionary Army."

"Based on Marineford, Pops is," I grumbled. Marco laughed at the comment.

"Yes, well. Dragon is the most notorious criminal."

"Is he really that bad?" I asked curiously. Marco returned his arms around me. He sighed heavily, watching my expression intently.

"I've never met the guy, so I can't say much past rumors."

"Back to the newspaper," Izo reminded. "Almost the entire paper is about the war. And, you got a new bounty." My eyes widened, and my head whipped in his direction. Either way, that meant I was a bigger target for the military, bandits, and other pirates.

"How much am I worth now?" I sighed.

"50 million berries." I about fell...if Marco hadn't been holding me. My knees had buckled.

"What?"

"You're new bounty is 50 million berries," Chuck said slowly.

"No way..." I breathed. "I wonder if Luffy knows."

"Do you know where he was going to make his big return?"

"The Sabaody Archipelago, I believe," I answered. Marco smirked with a chuckle.

"We can make that work." I cocked my head at Izo's comment. "Well, shall we get moving before he leaves for the sea?"

"Wait a second..." I muttered. Marco's eyes gazed down at me in adoration. "What are we doing now?"

"Letting you see Luffy return to the sea," Vista replied.