Shanks stared at Makino. He didn't blink, he forgot how to breathe and he was sure it was getting too hot in the room. Every man dreams of this moment. The moment he's going to become a father of his own. The fact that he managed to get this far it's a miracle for Shanks, in his perspective.

"What?" He asked, still in shock at the news Makino just dropped. She chuckled at his expression. He so close to start crying. "I'm pregnant!" She repeated with a big smile on her face.

At this point, Shanks didn't knew what to say or how to react. He just had a huge grin on his face. He began to laugh and hugged Makino who returned the hug immediately.

The two got married only a week after the big question. Some may say they hurried a little too much but they didn't care. They knew each other for such a long time, it would be a shame to waste more years just to get married.

"But... Are you going to be alright, all on your own? You know I'm leaving today." Shanks said sadly. "Well that's exactly why I told you. I know you're leaving but when you do come back, you'll have a family waiting for you back home." Makino stroked his cheek.

-later that day-

"What no way!" You squealed in excitement. You immediately hugged Makino. "Congratulations!" You told her. She smiled and thanked you.

The two of you were standing in front of Shanks's ship. Today was the day you'll set sail again. Shanks promised you that he'll get you wherever you want to go. He asked you if you would like to seek for your crew however you denied the offer saying that you being them would only weaken them more.

You feared that if actually reunite with the crew now, you'll only bring more trouble. The fact that you're his daughter worsens the situation a lot more.

So, what you decided to do was actually use the eternal pose that Garp gave and go to Pops and Ace's grave to pay your respects and to finally introduce Kou to Ace.

That's right. Some may not consider that bringing a 10 months old will be a great idea however Ace kept his identity hidden for 21 years and he still got killed in the end. You wanted to be in Kou's life but also you wanted Kou in your life. You swore to protect him even if it kills you.

"I'm so happy for the two of you!" You said as you let Makino out of the hug. "I guess now I'll finally understand what it means to be a mother, right?" Makino chuckled as she kneeled in front of Kou. Kou opened his arms and hugged Makino. "Aww~"

"I'll miss both of you." Makino said as she tapped Kou's nose. "I wish you luck." She said. Makino gave Kou one last hug and handed him back to you. "Thank you for everything, Makino." She smiled at you and waved. "You're welcome anytime."

Finally after everybody said their goodbyes to Makino, the ship finally sailed. It wasn't long until the island could not be seen anymore. To your surprise, Kou loved being on the ship. Well, he probably loves the fact that he can see the ocean up close. Whenever he would look at it, he would become so quiet until he hits you with all sorts of feelings when he starts to say the only word he can pronounce.

The entire 'trip' to the island was surprisingly longer than expected. As much as Kou loved water, he also development a love for land everytime the ship docks somewhere. It seems he got tired of being on a ship all day, and you completely understood.

It took two months to arrive there. Kou had his birthday celebrated on the ship. He became friends with everybody. He developed this competitive trait that reminded you in a way of Ace. He learned to say 'mama' and also started to communicate a lot more. He knows how to show you what he wants.

But also, the two years of silence finally ended just three days after his birthday. This morning, the newspapers started to get interesting again. Everybody was freaking out over the fact that the Straw Hats, after these two years, had finally reunited. You were so relieved to know that Luffy was doing alright.

But just as those news were delivered around the world, you finally arrived at your destination. Your heart was beating like crazy. After saying your goodbyes to Shanks, you finally gathered your courage to go to the tombs.

You didn't wanted to cry. Setting Kou on the ground, he didn't let go of your hand, probably feeling the sadness you felt at that moment.

But to your surprise, as you arrived in front of the graves, you weren't alone. You furrowed you brows as you watched the person sit down in front of Ace's grave. You had no idea who this person is. He set a newspaper in front of the grave and placed three sake cups. The moment he started to talk about Luffy you realized who that person is.

You took a step closer to him. You weren't exactly sure if that was really him. "Sabo?" You hesitantly asked. He got surprised and turned immediately around in your direction. "(Name)?" His eyes widened.

"You're Sabo, right? Ace's and Luffy's brother?" You asked once again. "Yeah, that's me." He replied as he moved closer to you. "I've heard that you've been searching for me. I was surprised to learned that No.2 was... you. Everybody thinks you're dead." You said. "It's a long story actually. But what I'm curious to know is where you hid yourself all these years. Not even us, the Revolutionaries, could've found you. It was like you disappeared."

"Back in East Blue. Ironically at the same place the three of you grew up." You answer him. The wind went through your hair as petals were falling out of the trees. "Goa Kingdom? Wow, that place brings a lot of memories. But how did you get all the way here?" He asked.

The two of you sat down on the grass and started to tell each other's stories. Somehow you found similar attributes in Sabo. The two of you became friends right away.

"So this is my nephew." Sabo said as he waved at Kou. "Yep. He's one year old but he's a spitting image of his father." You said. "He even has his freckles." Sabo chuckled. "It's like I gave birth to Ace himself, not to his child." You joked. "Yeah, but he has something from you too. For example his eyes. They actually look exactly like yours." Sabo as he placed Kou in his lap.

"He's really cute. Although, I never imagine Ace as a father. I'm pretty sure he would've been the best at that." He said. Kou surprised him by hugging him. "Oh! Well that's new. He obviously got a lot of things from you actually. Ace would never hug people." He chuckled.

You giggled at his words and looked towards the graves. "It's crazy, you know. One day you're holding each other and the next one he's gone forever." You said under your breath. "You really loved him, didn't you?" Sabo asked.

"I still do."

——————————————————

SABOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

YASSSS. So, we finally met Sabo. It won't be long until we reach Dressrosa. And I have to say, Dressrosa will be fulllll of feelings. I think we all know why.

But Sabo once said: "The three of us brothers we'll meet again on these seas." ;))))