Hello! I'm not sure what the rules are- I couldn't find them, sorry QAQ.
But I wanted to request an ASL (or just Luffy, that's fine as well!) x f!reader. Where the reader was the tallest out of them when they were all young, then as they grew up, reader became the shortest. (And if it's possible, I feel like it would be funny if reader was the youngest, because most children take pride in being tall for their age, especially if they're taller than other children older than them.)
Thanks for reading this request, and hope you have a fun time writing my request if you do so!
Tallest
ASL x f!reader
Words: 9,515
Summery: This fanfiction excerpt follows Y/n, Ace, and Sabo, who grew up together alongside Luffy in the world of One Piece. As children, Y/n, despite being the youngest, took great pride in being the tallest of the four, often teasing the boys about it. Years later, they are all accomplished pirates and revolutionaries, having set sail on their own adventures. When Ace and Y/n unexpectedly reunite, they discover they've both grown considerably, now towering over Y/n, a fact Ace enjoys teasing her about. Their reunion then leads to a heartfelt decision to seek out their other brothers, Luffy and Sabo, bringing to light a hidden, painful past from Y/n's childhood involving the Celestial Dragons, ultimately reinforcing the unbreakable bond of their unique, found family.
Warnings: Childhood Trauma/Slavery Implied, Teasing/Minor Bullying, use of y/n.
A/N: I am SO sorry, I made this a lot sadder then I thought it would/then what you requested. But I really enjoyed writing this! Also sorry about the rules thing
Masterlist
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The sun beat down on Mount Colubo, just as it always did, warming the forest and the hidden clearing that served as a makeshift training ground. A chorus of shouts and grunts echoed through the trees, punctuated by the occasional clang of lead pipes. "Ha! Missed me again, Ace!" a clear, joyful voice rang out, laced with a familiar teasing lilt. Y/n dodged another wild swing from Ace, her own pipe held casually at her side. Even at their young age, she towered over him, a fact she never let him forget. Luffy, already tangled in a tree branch he'd tried to swing from, giggled from his precarious perch, while Sabo, ever the more strategic of the three, watched intently, plotting his next move. They were an unlikely quartet, bound by sworn brotherhood and endless adventures, but in this wild, untamed corner of the world, Y/n, despite being the youngest, was undeniably the tallest, and she wore her height like a crown.
"Honestly, you guys are practically hobbits!" Y/n declared, easily stepping over a fallen log that Ace stumbled over. He grumbled, picking himself up. "It's not fair! You just keep growing!"
She flipped her (h/c) hair over her shoulder, a smug grin on her face. "Someone's gotta reach the good berries on the higher branches, right? You'd all starve without me."
Luffy, finally extricated from the tree, bounced over. "But Y/n, how come you're so tall? Are you part giant?" His eyes were wide with innocent curiosity.
Y/n laughed, a bright, clear sound that echoed through the trees. "Nope, just perfectly proportioned. Unlike some people I know." She winked at Sabo, who was trying to suppress a smile. He knew she was teasing, but even he couldn't deny the height difference. She stood at least a head taller than him, and even more so compared to Ace and Luffy.
"One day, I'll be taller than you, Y/n!" Ace declared, shaking his pipe at her. "You won't be able to tease me then!"
Y/n just chuckled, easily disarming his "threat" with a playful shove. "Dream on, shorty. By the time you catch up, I'll probably be able to high-five the clouds." She stretched her arms above her head, as if to demonstrate, her slender frame reaching further skyward. The sheer joy and pride in her height were evident in every movement, every jest. It was her signature, her unique mark amongst the three boisterous boys, and she reveled in it.
Years later
The salty spray of the Grand Line was a familiar kiss on Y/n's face as she gripped the railing of her ship, the Sea Serpent. Eighteen years old and a captain in her own right, she gazed out at the endless horizon, a faint smile playing on her lips. It had been a long four years since she and her brothers had parted ways, each setting sail on their own adventures at seventeen, just as they'd promised. Now, Ace and Sabo were 22, and Luffy, forever trailing a year behind, was 19.
A gust of wind whipped her (h/c) hair across her face, and she sighed, a small, almost imperceptible sigh of something akin to wistfulness. The truth was, Y/n hadn't exactly reached the lofty heights she'd once boasted about. She was still tall, taller than most women(barely, but she still counts that ½ of an inch.), but her childhood dreams of practically high-fiving clouds had remained just that—dreams. And somewhere out there, she knew, were three familiar figures who had undoubtedly shot up like beanstalks themselves. The thought brought a smirk to her face. She could already hear the teasing.
"Captain! Land sighted!" a crewmate called from the crow's nest, pulling Y/n from her thoughts. Her smile widened, a genuine, unburdened expression. Whatever her height, she was a captain, and the Grand Line was her playground.
The port town bustled with the usual chaos of a Grand Line stopover. Y/n navigated the crowded docks, her crew dispersing to resupply and stretch their legs. She was heading towards a local tavern, the scent of grilled fish and cheap ale already beckoning. As she pushed through a knot of sailors, a flash of orange caught her eye—a familiar hat, just visible above the heads of the crowd. Her breath hitched. No, it couldn't be. Pushing it off before continuing her way. She was just seeing things.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the busy street, Ace was enjoying a hearty meal at an outdoor stall, his signature hat tilted back. He laughed loudly at something his crewmate said, his broad shoulders shaking. He'd filled out significantly since his teenage years, a testament to the harsh realities of the New World. At 6'1", he was undeniably taller than the boy who used to swear he'd one day outgrow her. He paused mid-chew, his keen eyes scanning the throng of people. A flash of (h/c) hair, a familiar confident stride... no, it couldn't be. But then, she turned slightly, and his eyes widened. Y/n.
He watched, a slow grin spreading across his face. She was still tall, yes, but not quite the towering giant he remembered. He, on the other hand, was now nearly a head taller than her, a fact he was very eager to confirm. He swallowed the last of his food and pushed away from the stall, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes. This was going to be fun.
Y/n was just about to step into the tavern when a hand clamped down on her shoulder, spinning her around. Her eyes widened. It was him, unmistakably. The freckles, the grin, the familiar spark in his dark eyes that hinted at trouble.
"Ace?!" she breathed, a wide, disbelieving smile breaking across her face.
He chuckled, that deep, rich sound that always made her feel like a kid again. "Hey, Y/n. Long time no see." His smile softened, a genuine warmth replacing the playful glint. "Damn, it's good to see you. I thought I was seeing things for a second there."
"You too!" she exclaimed, her voice a little choked up. Before she knew it, she was pulling him into a tight hug, inhaling the familiar scent of sea salt, smoke, and something uniquely Ace. He returned the embrace just as fiercely, lifting her slightly off her feet for a moment before setting her down.
They pulled back, a comfortable silence settling between them for a beat, filled only with the sounds of the bustling port. His gaze swept over her, taking in the changes, the way her hair had grown, the faint scar just above her eyebrow she hadn't had before. "You look good, Captain. Being out on your own treating you well?"
"Couldn't be better," she replied, a blush rising on her cheeks at his appreciative gaze. "And you? Still burning everything you touch?"
Ace laughed, a full-bellied laugh that drew a few curious glances. "Only the things that deserve it. But seriously, Y/n… it’s been too long. I’ve missed you, ya know?" His voice was a low murmur now, almost intimate.
"I've missed you too, you idiot," she admitted, nudging his arm playfully. "More than you know." She felt a warmth spread through her, a comforting sense of belonging she hadn't realized she was missing.
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Though… I gotta say. You haven't quite managed to reach those clouds yet, have you?" A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he straightened up, looking down at her with a smirk. "Last I checked, I'm pretty sure I could practically use your head as an armrest now. What happened to our little giant?"
Y/n's face immediately flushed a furious red. Her eyes narrowed. "You overgrown beanstalk! I'm still tall! You just... grew more!" She jabbed a finger at his chest, completely falling for the bait. "It's not fair! You were supposed to stay small so I could keep teasing you!"
Across the crowded street, the crew of the Sea Serpent watched, a mixture of confusion and outright terror etched on their faces. "Is that... is that Fire Fist Ace?!" whispered a trembling navigator, pointing a shaky finger. Their captain, Y/n, was currently jabbing her finger into the chest of the infamous Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, a man with a tattoo so recognizable it could make even the bravest marines break a sweat. And the scariest part? He was laughing. And she was flushing.
"Captain, what are you doing?!" one of the new recruits whimpered, clutching his sword. The older, more seasoned crewmates were equally perplexed. They'd heard whispers of Captain Y/n's past, of her "brothers," but this... this was beyond anything they'd imagined. This was the man who had faced down admirals, who sailed under the most powerful pirate in the world! Yet, their usually composed captain was acting like a schoolgirl, bickering with him like they were squabbling siblings, yet with an undeniable undercurrent of something more... something dangerously familiar.
"She's gonna get herself killed!" another gasped, eyeing the massive Whitebeard tattoo prominently displayed on Ace's broad back. It was a stark reminder of the power he wielded, the sheer force behind the man who was currently being teased by their captain. They braced themselves, expecting an explosion of fire, a casual obliteration of their beloved captain for her audacity. But instead, Ace just leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes that only deepened Y/n's blush.
"Oh, so it's my fault I kept growing?" Ace countered, stepping closer, his voice a low rumble that only she could hear over the din of the port. "Maybe you just stopped trying, Y/n. Got complacent at your… average height." He paused, his gaze lingering on her lips for a fraction of a second before meeting her furious eyes. "Though, I gotta admit, it's kinda cute when you get all riled up."
Y/n’s jaw dropped, her cheeks burning even brighter. "Cute?! I'll show you cute, you giant oaf!" She lunged, not with an attack, but with a playful, yet forceful, shove that sent him stumbling back a step. The crew gasped, their fear turning into bewildered awe. No one shoved Fire Fist Ace and lived to tell the tale, let alone got a playful grin in return.
"Alright, alright, feisty as ever," Ace chuckled, easily regaining his balance. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side, a gesture so natural it made her heart thump a little faster. "How about we grab a drink and you can tell me all about how your 'average' height has been serving you, Captain?"
The crew collectively fainted, or at least, looked like they were about to.
Ace's arm remained casually slung around Y/n's shoulders as they walked towards the tavern, his presence a comforting weight she hadn't realized she’d missed so intensely. The anxious whispers of her crew faded into the background as they stepped inside, the warm glow of the lamps and the murmur of conversation enveloping them. They found a relatively secluded corner booth, sliding in across from each other.
"So," Ace began, resting his forearms on the table, a genuine, soft smile on his face. "Tell me everything. What kind of trouble have you been getting into?"
Y/n recounted her adventures, her voice animated as she described challenging a minor Warlord, navigating treacherous currents, and even a comical run-in with a giant sea king that nearly swallowed her ship whole. Ace listened intently, his eyes crinkling at the corners as she spoke, occasionally interjecting with a laugh or a surprised "No way!"
"And then," Y/n continued, leaning forward conspiratorially, "I convinced the entire crew of a rival pirate ship that my cook's burnt stew was a rare, deadly poison, and they surrendered without a fight!"
Ace threw his head back and roared with laughter, drawing a few curious glances from other patrons. "Only you, Y/n! Only you could pull something like that off!" He wiped a tear from his eye. "Sounds like you've really come into your own, Captain."
Her cheeks warmed again at his praise, but this time it was purely from pleasure. "It's been... an experience. And you? Heard you've been making quite the name for yourself."
He shrugged, a hint of pride in his demeanor. "Just doing my part for Pops. It's a good crew, Y/n. A real family." His gaze softened, a hint of melancholy flickering in his eyes before he blinked it away. "But it's not the same without you around. Or Sabo and Luffy."
Y/n reached across the table, covering his hand with hers. "I know, Ace. I know the feeling. We always said we'd sail together, didn't we?"
He turned his hand, lacing his fingers through hers. "We did. And we will. Just not in the same way we thought when we were kids." He squeezed her hand gently. "But seeing you now… it's like no time has passed at all. Still the same loud, stubborn, ridiculously brave Y/n I grew up with." His thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, sending a shiver through her. "Even if I do have to crane my neck to look at you now." He winked, the teasing back, but softer this time, more affectionate.
Y/n snorted, unable to suppress a smile. "Oh, you just wait. I've got a growth spurt left in me. You'll be looking up to me again before you know it, Fire Fist."
Ace just grinned, squeezing her hand once more. "I wouldn't bet on it, Captain. But I'm looking forward to seeing you try."
Hours later, the tavern had emptied, and the stars had begun to pepper the ink-black sky. Ace and Y/n found themselves strolling through the quieter streets of the port town, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestones. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of the sea and the distant hum of the ocean. Their conversation had drifted from their separate adventures to shared childhood memories, punctuated by comfortable silences that only old friends—no, family—could share.
They passed a dimly lit market stall, its canvas awning rustling in the gentle breeze. Ace stopped, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know," he began, his voice a low murmur that seemed to blend with the night, "we should check on them. Luffy. Sabo."
The words hung in the air, potent and heavy with unspoken longing. Y/n felt a pang in her chest. She had thought about them, of course, constantly. Wondered if Luffy was still getting into impossible scrapes, if Sabo was still meticulously planning his every move. But hearing Ace say it aloud, giving voice to the buried desire, made it feel real, tangible.
They were both in crews they had sworn their lives to, families forged in the crucible of the Grand Line. To just… leave, even for a bit, felt almost wrong, a betrayal of the bonds they’d built. Their respective crews relied on them, looked up to them. They had responsibilities now, grander purposes than the simple, wild dreams of three boys and a girl on Mount Corvo.
But then again… it was Luffy. And Sabo.
The thought of seeing them, of hearing Luffy’s booming laugh and Sabo’s calm, steady voice, of having all four of them together again, even for a fleeting moment, was a powerful pull. The loyalty they felt to their current crews was immense, but the bond they shared, forged in blood and shared dreams, ran deeper than anything. It was a silent promise made years ago, etched into their very beings. The urge to see their brothers, to know they were safe and well, gnawed at them both.
Ace turned to her, his dark eyes reflecting the distant lamplight, a mix of conflict and yearning in their depths. "What do you say, Y/n? Think we could make it work?"
Y/n paced back and forth in the narrow alley, running a hand through her hair. "Ace, are you serious? Just 'check on them'? Do you have any idea what kind of mess that would cause? What about our crews? What about Pops? Do you really think Whitebeard is just going to wave his hand and say, 'Sure, son, go gallivanting across the Grand Line to visit your little brothers'?"
She threw her hands up in exasperation. "And my crew! They'd mutiny! I'm a captain, Ace, I can't just abandon ship to go on a sentimental little family reunion tour. There are protocols, there are responsibilities, there's the whole... you know, pirate life!"
Ace, however, remained infuriatingly calm, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He leaned back against the cool stone wall, his arms crossed over his chest. "Relax, Y/n. You're overthinking it, as usual. They'll understand."
"They'll understand what?" she retorted, throwing a glare his way. "That their captain, the one they swore loyalty to, just decided to disappear on a whim?"
"That their captain is a good person who cares about her family," Ace corrected gently, his eyes serious now. "Look, my crew, they know how important Luffy is to me. They know my connection to Sabo. Pops... he gets it. He's all about family, remember? He wouldn't stand in the way of me checking on my brothers. He'd probably just tell me not to cause too much trouble." He winked. "Which, you know, I might have to ignore a little."
He pushed off the wall, stepping closer to her. "And your crew? They follow you because they believe in you, Y/n. Because you're strong, and you're fair, and you're loyal. If you explain to them why this is important, they'll get it. Or at least," he added, his voice dropping to a low, persuasive tone, "they'll trust your judgment enough to let you handle it. We wouldn't be gone forever, just long enough to make sure they're alright. To see them."
He reached out, taking her hands in his. "Think about it, Y/n. Luffy, Sabo. All four of us. Even if it's just for a moment. Don't you want to see them again?"
His words chipped away at her resolve, stirring the deep-seated yearning that had been there all along. The 'ifs' and 'buts' of responsibility suddenly seemed less daunting than the thought of letting this chance slip away.
Y/n looked into Ace's earnest, hopeful eyes, the silent plea for a reunion echoing in their depths. All her carefully constructed arguments about responsibility and protocol began to crumble. The thought of seeing Luffy's boundless energy, Sabo's thoughtful smile, the sheer joy of having all four of them in one place again, even just for a fleeting moment, was an irresistible force. The pirate captain, the one who meticulously planned every move and accounted for every variable, was suddenly gone, replaced by the little girl who just wanted to see her brothers.
A slow smile spread across her face, mirroring Ace's. "You know, you're an insufferable idiot," she said, but her voice held no venom, only affection. "And completely reckless."
Ace's grin widened. "Comes with the territory."
"But," Y/n continued, a mischievous glint entering her own eyes, "you're right. They'll understand. And if they don't," she shrugged, a familiar devil-may-care attitude returning, "then they can just try to stop us."
Ace let out a triumphant laugh, pulling her into another quick, powerful hug. "That's the Y/n I know! So, what's the plan, Captain?"
Y/n pulled back, a determined glint in her eye. "First, we explain to our crews. Then, we figure out where those two knuckleheads might be. This is going to be complicated, Ace, but it's going to be worth it."
He nodded, his gaze fixed on hers, a shared understanding passing between them. The night air, once cool and crisp, now felt charged with a new kind of warmth, a renewed sense of purpose. They were pirates, yes, with crews and responsibilities, but they were also family. And family, for them, always came first.
Ace's Plea to Whitebeard
The next morning, back on the deck of the Moby Dick, Ace stood before the towering figure of Edward Newgate, the legendary Whitebeard. The air was thick with the usual bustle of the crew, but a respectful hush fell over the immediate area as Ace approached his captain.
"Pops," Ace began, his voice firm, "I need to ask for a leave of absence."
Whitebeard's massive eyes, usually twinkling with mirth or narrowed in battle, regarded him steadily. "Oh? And what grand adventure has captured my son's attention now?" His voice was a deep rumble, accustomed to commanding respect.
Ace didn't flinch. "It's not an adventure, Pops. It's… family. My brothers. Luffy and Sabo. Y/n and I ran into each other, and we realized we need to check on them. See if they're alright."
Whitebeard listened, stroking his magnificent mustache. A thoughtful silence stretched between them, broken only by the creak of the ship. Ace waited, knowing the weight of his request. Leaving his division, even temporarily, wasn't a small thing.
Finally, Whitebeard let out a hearty laugh, a booming sound that reverberated across the deck. "Gurararara! Family, you say? And my son asks to see his kin? Of course, you fool! What kind of father would I be to deny that?" He raised his gourd of sake. "Go, Ace! See your brothers. But don't you dare come back without some exciting tales for your old man! And don't cause too much trouble!"
Ace grinned, a genuine, relieved smile. "Thanks, Pops! You won't regret it!"
Y/n Addresses Her Crew
Later that day, Y/n gathered her own crew on the deck of the Sea Serpent. Their faces were a mix of curiosity and lingering apprehension after witnessing her interaction with Fire Fist Ace. She stood before them, her stance firm, her gaze sweeping over each of them.
"Alright, listen up!" she began, her voice clear and strong. "As you all saw yesterday, I ran into an old friend. More than a friend, actually. My brother, Ace."
A ripple of murmurs went through the crew, but Y/n held up a hand. "I grew up with him and two other brothers, Luffy and Sabo. We swore an oath when we were kids to set sail and find our own way, but also to always look out for each other." She paused, taking a breath. "Now, Ace and I… we've decided we need to check on them. Make sure they're safe. It's been years, and it's something we have to do."
A seasoned quartermaster stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Captain, with all due respect, leaving the ship… that's unprecedented. What about our next course? Our supplies? The dangers of the Grand Line without our captain?"
Y/n met his gaze head-on. "I'm not abandoning you. And I'm not leaving you vulnerable. We'll set a course for a safe, secluded island where you can resupply and conduct maintenance. I'll leave detailed instructions, and your chain of command will be clear. I trust each and every one of you to keep this ship sailing true until I return."
She looked at each of them, her voice softening slightly. "This isn't a whim. This is family. It's a bond that means everything to me. I wouldn't ask this if it wasn't absolutely necessary. I need to do this, for them, and for myself." She took a deep breath. "Are you with me? Can you trust me on this?"
The crew exchanged hesitant glances, the fear of the unknown battling with their loyalty to their captain. The quartermaster looked at Y/n, seeing not just their captain, but the genuine emotion in her eyes. He sighed, then straightened up. "Captain, we follow you. Always have. If this is what you need to do, then we'll hold down the fort. Just… come back safe."
A wave of relief washed over Y/n. A genuine smile bloomed on her face. "Thank you. All of you. I won't be gone a day longer than necessary."
Ace and Y/n met again at the edge of the bustling port that evening, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues. A shared sense of exhilaration crackled between them.
"So," Ace began, a wide grin stretching across his face, "they're good with it?"
Y/n nodded, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. "Took a bit of convincing, but yeah. They're holding down the fort. What about your old man?"
"Pops gave me his blessing," Ace confirmed, his chest puffing out slightly with pride. "Said family comes first. Told me not to cause too much trouble, though." He winked, and Y/n rolled her eyes playfully.
"Right, because you never cause trouble," she retorted, nudging him with her elbow. "So, the plan? Who are we tracking down first?"
They walked a little further, the last vestiges of the day's chaos fading into the quiet hum of the evening. Ace tucked his hands behind his head. "Well, Luffy's probably causing chaos wherever he is, which means he's easy to find eventually. Sabo, on the other hand… he's always been the more discreet one." He chuckled. "Always plotting, always observing. We should try to find him first. He'll probably have a better idea of where Luffy's gotten himself into trouble."
Y/n nodded in agreement. "Good call. Sabo's the brains of the outfit, even if he doesn't always act like it." She paused, then glanced at Ace. "This is really happening, isn't it? We're actually going to find them."
Ace’s grin widened, a pure, unadulterated joy radiating from him. "Damn right it is! They're gonna be so surprised." He clapped her on the back, a little harder than necessary. "Aww, and they'll see how small and cute you are, shorty!"
Whack! Y/n's hand connected sharply with the back of his head. "Shut it, you overgrown tree! I told you, I'm still tall! You just keep unfairly stretching out!" She glared at him, but her lips were twitching with a smile she couldn't quite suppress.
Ace rubbed the back of his head, feigning pain. "Hey, you used to think it was hilarious when you were taller! Now look at you, all defensive." He laughed, an easy, happy sound that filled the quiet night. "Alright, alright, Captain. Lead the way. Let's go find our brothers."
The search for Sabo proved to be a more arduous journey than either Ace or Y/n had anticipated. What they'd hoped would be a quick detour turned into a two-week odyssey across unpredictable stretches of the Grand Line. They spent their days charting courses, cross-referencing outdated maps with Ace's more recent intel from the Whitebeard network, and chasing down every whisper of a "flame-powered revolutionary" or a "top-hatted brawler."
The Grand Line, in its infinite capriciousness, threw everything it had at them. They navigated through sudden, violent thunderstorms that appeared out of nowhere, forcing them to huddle together as waves crashed over the small, borrowed vessel Ace had managed to procure. They endured sweltering, windless days that left them drifting under a relentless sun, only to be followed by bone-chilling cold fronts that had them sharing Ace's meager supply of cloaks. One memorable afternoon saw them narrowly escape the jaws of a monstrous sea king, a beast so large it dwarfed their little boat, leaving Y/n breathless with a mix of terror and exhilarating laughter.
Their nights were a stark contrast to the chaotic days. Anchored in secluded coves or drifting calmly on placid seas, they found solace in the quiet companionship. They'd share rations, often warmed by Ace's flames, and talk for hours under the vast, star-dusted sky. They recounted stories of their respective crews, shared anxieties about the paths they'd chosen, and drifted back to simpler times, reminiscing about Dadan's tough love and the endless freedom of their childhood.
Ace, surprisingly, was a decent storyteller, recounting thrilling escapades with the Whitebeard Pirates, his voice low and rich in the darkness. Y/n, in turn, found herself opening up about the challenges of being a captain, the weight of responsibility, and the moments of profound loneliness she sometimes felt. They laughed about their old dreams and shared new ones, finding a comfortable rhythm in their shared past and uncertain future. There were moments of quiet intimacy, too, as they sat shoulder-to-shoulder, the warmth of Ace's body a comforting presence against the cool night air.
Just when frustration was beginning to set in, after chasing a particularly misleading lead to a small, isolated island, they saw him. A familiar figure, easily distinguishable even from a distance by his distinct top hat and pipe, was engaged in a heated discussion with a group of rather disheveled-looking individuals near a makeshift revolutionary base.
"Sabo!" Ace bellowed, his voice echoing across the clearing, laced with unadulterated joy.
Y/n felt a wave of relief and excitement wash over her so strong it almost buckled her knees. After weeks of searching, battling the elements, and countless near misses, they had finally found him.
Sabo spun around at the sound of Ace’s booming voice, his eyes widening in disbelief. His pipe nearly clattered to the ground as he took in the sight before him: Ace, undeniably larger and more imposing than he remembered, and beside him, Y/n. He hadn't seen her since they were all seventeen, and the memories of her towering over them, even as kids, were vivid.
He rushed forward, a joyous laugh bubbling from his chest. "Ace! Y/n! What are you two doing here?"
Ace met him halfway, pulling him into a bone-crushing hug. "Sabo! You idiot! We came to find you, of course!"
Y/n, a wide, teary smile on her face, embraced Sabo next, a warmth spreading through her at the familiar feeling of his arms around her. "It's been too long, Sabo!"
As they pulled back, Sabo's gaze swept over Y/n, and a flicker of genuine shock crossed his face. He remembered her as the tallest, the one who constantly teased them about their height. Now, at 6'1", he found himself looking down at her, just as he did with Ace. Y/n, at 5'5", was still a good height, but she was no longer the giant of their childhood memories. The realization hit him with a surprising force, a comical twist to their reunion.
He quickly masked his surprise, a warm smile returning. "You both look… incredible! What brings you all the way out here?"
"We wanted to see you, you knucklehead," Ace interjected, clapping Sabo on the back, a playful glint in his eye as he glanced at Y/n. "And someone here," he nudged Y/n with his elbow, "was getting worried she was going to be the only short one left."
Y/n immediately flushed, jabbing him in the ribs. "Ace, shut up! I am not short! And you're just as much an overgrown beanpole as he is!" She gestured exasperatedly at Sabo.
Sabo's eyebrows shot up in amusement, a wry smile playing on his lips. "It's true, Y/n, you haven't quite reached the sky like you used to threaten. I guess we finally caught up, huh?" He couldn't help but chuckle at her indignant pout, remembering how fiercely she'd clung to her height advantage as a child.
"You two are absolutely insufferable!" Y/n declared, throwing her hands up in mock surrender, a bright, genuine laugh escaping her lips despite her protests. It was exactly like old times, and the familiarity, the comfortable bickering, felt like coming home.
The small revolutionary base, a collection of makeshift shelters and tents, became the impromptu site for a long-overdue reunion. Sabo quickly introduced Ace and Y/n to his comrades, briefly explaining their shared past with a glint of pride in his eye. After the initial introductions, the three siblings found a quiet spot away from the bustling activity, settling around a small, crackling fire Sabo had built.
Hours melted away as they talked, catching up on years of missed adventures. Ace recounted his fiery escapades with the Whitebeard Pirates, his voice filled with reverence when he spoke of Pops. Y/n shared tales of cunning and leadership aboard the Sea Serpent, her crew's quirks, and the challenges of being a captain. Sabo, in turn, spoke of the burgeoning Revolutionary Army, the injustices he sought to dismantle, and the hope he carried for a better world.
"Remember that time Luffy tried to eat that entire wild boar by himself?" Y/n chuckled, poking the fire with a stick. "And ended up with a stomachache for three days?"
"And Dadan made him run laps until he nearly passed out," Ace added, a wide grin on his face. "Good times."
Sabo laughed, a soft, familiar sound. "We always had to save him from himself. Some things never change, I suppose." He looked at Y/n, a fond smile on his face. "It's good to see you, Y/n. You really haven't changed much, except maybe for your height." He ducked as Y/n aimed a playful punch at his shoulder.
"You're just jealous you're not as graceful as I am!" she retorted, though her eyes were twinkling with mirth.
As the night deepened, a comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the crackle of the fire and the distant sounds of the jungle. The air was thick with unspoken affection, a tangible warmth that transcended the years and the vast distances they had traveled. They were no longer just children on Mount Corvo, but fierce pirates and revolutionaries, yet the core of their bond remained untouched. The easy camaraderie, the shared history, and the deep, unwavering love for each other was a powerful anchor in their tumultuous lives.
The thought of Luffy, still out there, unaware of their reunion, stirred a fresh wave of excitement. Their little family, broken by circumstance and distant memories, was slowly, surely, beginning to piece itself back together.
The night deepened, wrapping the three siblings in a comfortable cocoon of shared history. The fire cast long, dancing shadows, flickering across their familiar faces. They talked of their dreams, their crews, and the endless expanse of the Grand Line that now separated and connected them. Laughter, genuine and heartfelt, often punctuated their stories, a melody of brotherhood and sisterhood that had been years in the making.
Ace tossed another piece of wood onto the embers, sending a shower of sparks upwards. He leaned back, his gaze thoughtful as he looked at Y/n, then at Sabo. "You know, it's funny," he began, his voice a little softer than usual. "We've talked about everything under the sun tonight, but we've never really talked about it, have we?"
Y/n tilted her head. "Talked about what?"
"How you even ended up with us," Ace clarified, gesturing between the three of them. "I mean, Sabo and I were together for a while, then the dork— luffy showed up at Dadan's around a few years letter, then you.. but you… you were different. You were the last one, and you were so quiet at first. Distant, even. It took you almost a year to really open up." He paused, his brow furrowed in thought. "And Garp… he was always so much gentler with you than with us. At the time, we just figured it was because you were a girl, but looking back, Garp's the last person in the world to treat someone differently just because of their gender. He always looked at you with this… pity. Or something close to it."
Sabo nodded slowly, his expression mirroring Ace's. "He's right. Garp was tough on us, but with you, it was like he was walking on eggshells sometimes. What was that about, Y/n? How did you end up with him?"
The warmth in Y/n's eyes seemed to dim, ever so slightly. The firelight flickered, making the shadows deepen around her. She didn't answer right away, her gaze drifting to the dancing flames, lost in a memory. A moment of silence stretched, heavy with unspoken questions.
The crackling of the fire suddenly seemed louder, the chirping of crickets in the distance more pronounced. The easy laughter and comfortable silence of moments before had vanished, replaced by a sudden, heavy quiet. Y/n reached for a nearby waterskin, taking a slow, deliberate gulp, her eyes fixed on the inky expanse of the night sky above.
"Well," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "Garp—Garp saved me."
Ace and Sabo exchanged a quick, bewildered glance, but remained silent, sensing the shift in her demeanor, the sudden fragility in her usually strong presence.
Y/n paused, her gaze still fixed on the stars, as if searching for answers in their distant glow. Then, she spoke the words that hung in the air, chilling them to the bone despite the warmth of the fire. "From the Celestial Dragons."
A heavy silence descended upon them, thicker than the deepest ocean trench. Ace's jaw clenched so tight a muscle jumped in his cheek, his freckled face darkening. Sabo's breath hitched, and the easy warmth that had flowed between them minutes before evaporated, replaced by a cold dread. Both knew, intimately, the unspeakable cruelty of the Celestial Dragons. They were the world's untouchables, their casual whims often leading to unimaginable horrors for anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path.
The implication hung in the air, a sickening weight. A child. A child saved from them. The only way a child would be "saved" from a Celestial Dragon was if they had been... a slave. The thought was a searing brand, burning through Ace's mind. He wanted to rage, to incinerate something, anything, to extinguish the vile image that had just appeared in his head.
Sabo's hand instinctively went to his chest, where his own painful memories resided. He remembered Y/n's initial silence, her flinching at loud noises, the way she would sometimes stare blankly into the distance. He had dismissed it as shyness, as the natural caution of a child thrown into a strange new family. Now, those distant memories twisted into a horrifying new context. Garp's pity, his uncharacteristic gentleness, suddenly made chilling sense.
"Celestial Dragons?" Ace finally growled, his voice low and dangerous, laced with a raw fury. His hand, even now, instinctively reached for the hilt of a non-existent knife. "What... what did they do to you?"
Y/n offered a soft, almost imperceptible smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. It was a fragile thing, brittle around the edges. Her hand unconsciously drifted to her left side, resting gently over her ribs. "I think you know," she said, her voice a low murmur, barely a whisper in the quiet night.
As her hand settled, a horrifying jolt of memory struck Sabo. He remembered it with crystal clarity now, a vivid flash from years ago. One sweltering afternoon, during one of their countless rough-and-tumble games, her shirt had ridden up. He’d seen it then, a strange, swirling pattern branded into her skin near her ribs. He hadn't understood it at the time, dismissing it as some kind of odd scar or perhaps a peculiar birthmark. But now, the context of the Celestial Dragons snapped the puzzle pieces into place with sickening precision. It was the Hoof of the Heavenly Dragon, the mark of a slave. He’d seen it in books, read about it in hushed tones amongst revolutionaries, but to see it on Y/n… on his sister…
His blood ran cold. The rage that had been simmering in Ace suddenly ignited, a furious, silent blaze in his dark eyes. Neither of them spoke, but the air around them crackled with unspoken horror and a shared, profound grief for the little girl they had found all those years ago. The truth, finally unveiled, explained so much about the quiet, distant child she had been, and it shattered their hearts all over again.
Y/n’s soft smile returned, though it was still fragile, as if daring to break. She quickly pulled her hand from her side, as if the brief contact with the hidden mark had burned her. She saw the raw pain and anger etched on Ace and Sabo’s faces, the horror in their eyes. The shared revelation hung heavy in the air, threatening to suffocate the warmth of their reunion. But Y/n, ever resilient, wasn't about to let it consume them.
"Anyways, Sabo," she said, her voice a little too bright, forcing a change of subject. She leaned forward, her elbows on her knees, bringing an almost business-like air to her tone. "I know you have a lot to work on, being a revolutionary and all. Important stuff." She glanced quickly at Ace, who was still staring at her with a mix of fury and protectiveness. "But if you can, if you would, do you wanna come find Luffy with us? Just for a little bit."
The question hung in the air, a lifeline thrown into the sudden emotional abyss. It was an invitation back to their shared, simpler past, a distraction from the harrowing present.
Y/n didn't push for an immediate answer. She understood the weight of the request. Sabo had responsibilities, a cause he was deeply devoted to. She just held his gaze, a silent plea in her eyes that mirrored Ace's own unspoken hope.
"Think about it," she said, her voice softer now, less forced. "No pressure. We can talk about it in the morning, after we've all gotten some sleep." She glanced at Ace, who nodded in agreement, his initial fury having subsided into a quiet intensity. The night had taken a heavy turn, and the need for rest was palpable.
Sabo looked between them, a flicker of emotion in his eyes—longing, conflict, and then, a slow understanding. He knew what this meant to them, to all of them. The unaddressed pain of Y/n’s past still hung in the air, a silent testament to the resilience of their bond. He simply nodded, the weight of his decision clearly on his mind. The three of them sat in quiet contemplation for a while longer, the only sounds the crackling fire and the gentle hum of the distant jungle, each lost in their own thoughts as the vast, star-filled sky watched over their complicated reunion.
A shiver ran through Y/n, not from the cool night air, but from the raw vulnerability she'd just exposed. The sudden, stark quiet that had fallen after her confession felt too heavy, too revealing. She needed a moment, a space to breathe away from the intensity of their gazes.
"Well," she said, pushing herself up from the ground, a casualness she didn't feel in her tone. "It's been a long day. I think I'll turn in." She offered them a small, tired smile. "Don't stay up too late, you two. We've got a busy morning ahead."
She didn't wait for a reply, just offered a quick nod and turned, walking away from the flickering firelight and the heavy silence, leaving Ace and Sabo alone with the chilling truth she had finally laid bare.
The first rays of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, chasing away the lingering shadows of the night. The air felt lighter, fresher, though an unspoken understanding now hummed beneath the surface of their interactions. Ace and Sabo were already up when Y/n emerged from one of the revolutionary tents, rubbing sleep from her eyes. They offered her a quiet, knowing smile, devoid of the shock and horror from hours before, replaced instead with a gentle protectiveness.
"Morning, sleepyhead," Ace greeted, tossing her a piece of dried fruit he’d acquired.
"Morning," Y/n replied, taking the fruit and avoiding their gazes for a moment, still feeling a slight awkwardness about her confession. But the easy way they were acting, the lack of overt pity, was a relief.
They shared a simple breakfast with some of Sabo's comrades, the usual revolutionary base bustle resuming around them. As the last of the food was cleared, Sabo turned to his siblings, his usual composed demeanor firmly in place, but with a new sparkle in his eyes.
"Alright," he began, "I've thought about it. And yes, I'll come with you to find Luffy."
Y/n's face lit up, a genuine, unburdened smile finally breaking through. Ace let out a triumphant cheer, clapping Sabo on the back. "Yes! Knew you wouldn't let us down!"
Sabo chuckled, holding up a hand. "But," he continued, a mischievous glint in his eye, "there are a few conditions."
Y/n raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her gaze. "Oh? Lay 'em on us, Mr. Revolutionary."
"First," Sabo began, "this can only be for a short while. The Revolutionary Army's mission is too critical for me to be gone for an extended period. We find Luffy, we make sure he's safe and well, and then I return to my duties."
"Fair enough," Ace conceded, though a slight pout touched his lips.
"Second," Sabo continued, "no unnecessary trouble. I know that's asking a lot from you two," he glanced pointedly at Ace, then at Y/n, "but we need to be efficient. Our objective is to find Luffy, not start a war."
Y/n snorted, but nodded. "We'll do our best. No promises for when Luffy inevitably causes trouble himself, though."
"And finally," Sabo said, his voice softening as he looked at both of them, "we stick together. All of us. No splitting up, no going off on solo tangents. We do this as a team. For old times' sake." His gaze lingered on Y/n for a moment, a silent message of reassurance and protection passing between them. The promise was clear: they would be there for her, no matter what.
Ace grinned, pulling them both into a rough, heartfelt embrace. "Deal! Operation: Find Luffy, ASL style!"
On the Trail of Chaos
Finding Luffy proved to be significantly less of a logistical nightmare than locating the notoriously discreet Sabo. While Sabo moved like a shadow, Luffy left a blazing trail of chaos and good deeds wherever he went. Their journey, which took a little over a week, was marked by a series of increasingly absurd rumors and newspaper headlines.
"Heard he liberated an entire island from a tyrant just by yelling really loud," a fisherman muttered in one port, pointing vaguely eastward.
"Some giant rubber man apparently ate all the meat at a local festival," a tavern owner grumbled in another, eyeing Ace's similar appetite with suspicion.
Ace, Y/n, and Sabo listened to these tales with a growing sense of fond exasperation and nostalgic amusement. It was pure Luffy, through and through. Their week-long voyage together was a reunion in itself. On the small, swift ship Ace had commandeered, they settled into a comfortable rhythm. Days were spent poring over marine reports and newspaper clippings, tracking the most recent, most outlandish disturbances. Nights were filled with the easy camaraderie they'd missed so dearly.
Y/n found herself laughing more than she had in years, the simple joy of having her brothers by her side a balm to her soul. Ace would often spar playfully with Sabo on deck, their Haki-infused punches sending ripples through the air, while Y/n watched, offering tactical advice and occasionally joining in with her own swift moves. They shared meals, cooked simply over a small flame, reminiscing about Dadan's questionable cooking and their endless hunger as kids.
There were moments of quiet understanding too. Ace would sometimes glance at Y/n, a silent message passing between them, a shared awareness of her past. Sabo, ever observant, would subtly position himself closer to her, a comforting presence. The unspoken knowledge of Y/n's history with the Celestial Dragons added a new layer to their bond, a fierce, protective current flowing beneath their usual teasing and laughter.
As they neared their destination, the signs of Luffy's recent presence became undeniable. A distant plume of smoke, reports of a minor island's government being "reorganized," and the faint, yet unmistakable, scent of barbecued meat on the wind.
"That's him," Ace declared, a wide, excited grin splitting his face.
"No doubt about it," Sabo chuckled, adjusting his top hat.
Y/n leaned over the railing, a joyous anticipation bubbling in her chest. "Looks like our little brother hasn't changed a bit." She tightened her grip on the railing, a thrill running through her. The reunion was almost complete.
The island was a vibrant, chaotic mess, a testament to Luffy's recent visit. Buildings were half-repaired, banners of a newly liberated people flapped in the breeze, and the air was thick with the scent of festivities and, indeed, an abundance of meat.
"He's definitely here," Y/n grinned, jumping from their small boat onto the dusty shore. Ace followed, his eyes already scanning the horizon, and Sabo landed gracefully beside them.
They didn't have to search long. A booming, unmistakable laugh, followed by shouts of "Meat! More meat!" led them straight to the heart of the celebration. In the center of a bustling town square, amidst a crowd of cheering islanders and his own eclectic crew, was Monkey D. Luffy. He was just as they remembered him – boundless energy, an insatiable appetite, and a wide, beaming smile that could light up the entire Grand Line.
He was currently attempting to devour a portion of grilled sea beast nearly as big as himself, his straw hat slightly askew, surrounded by his equally unique companions. A long-nosed sniper was yelling excitedly, a green-haired swordsman was leaning against a wall looking bored but watchful, an orange-haired navigator was counting something on a paper, a blonde cook was passionately arguing with her, a tiny reindeer doctor was scurrying around, a cyborg was shouting "Super!", a skeleton musician was serenading a few islanders, and a quiet archeologist was observing the scene with a gentle smile.
"LUFFY!" Ace roared, his voice cutting through the festive din like a cannon shot.
Luffy, mid-chew, froze. His head slowly turned, his eyes widening to comical proportions. He blinked once, twice, then dropped his piece of meat with a thud.
"ACE?! SABO?! Y/N?!" he shrieked, his voice echoing across the square, completely overriding the celebration. His elastic limbs stretched, propelling him forward in a burst of rubbery speed.
He slammed into Ace first, nearly knocking the fire user off his feet, pulling him into a bone-crushing embrace. "ACE! You're here! I missed you!"
Before Ace could fully recover, Luffy bounced off him and launched himself at Sabo, equally ecstatic. "SABO! You too! What are you doing here?!"
Then, he turned to Y/n, his eyes sparkling with pure, unadulterated joy. "Y/N! You're here too! You got so tall!" he exclaimed, then paused, tilting his head. "Wait... no you didn't! I did!" He peered closer, holding his hand up to her head, then to Ace's, then to Sabo's, a puzzled look on his face. "Huh? You're all taller than Y/n now!"
Y/n simply laughed, a full, unrestrained sound, pulling him into a warm hug despite his height-related confusion. "It's good to see you, Luffy, you absolute idiot!"
Behind Luffy, his crew stood frozen, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and trepidation. They knew of Fire Fist Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. And the revolutionary Sabo. But who was this woman, who commanded such familiar affection from their notoriously reckless captain? And why were these legendary figures being embraced like long-lost brothers and sister? The sheer absurdity of the scene left them speechless.
The initial chaotic reunion slowly settled into a joyous pandemonium. Luffy, bouncing with unrestrained energy, insisted on introducing Ace, Sabo, and Y/n to his crew, each introduction punctuated by exaggerated tales and Luffy's unique brand of storytelling.
"This is Zoro! He's super strong but gets lost easily!"
"And Nami! She's a greedy witch but also our navigator!"
"Usopp is the bravest warrior of the sea! Even though he's a liar!"
His crewmates, initially bewildered, were quickly won over by the genuine warmth and camaraderie between the four siblings. Ace's booming laughter, Sabo's calm smiles, and Y/n's easygoing nature created an infectious atmosphere.
At one point, as they all gathered around a massive bonfire, sharing food and stories, Luffy suddenly pointed at Y/n, a wide, innocent grin on his face. "Shishishi! Y/n, you're short! I remember you being sooo tall!" He stretched his arms upwards, exaggerating her childhood height. "You used to be like this big!"
A wave of laughter rippled through Luffy's crew. Even Zoro cracked a small smile. Y/n, however, just rolled her eyes, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Oh, shut up, Luffy. You've just finally grown into your ridiculous rubber limbs." She playfully swatted at his straw hat. "Besides, I'm not short!" she protested, though the teasing tone in her voice betrayed her lack of genuine offense.
Ace chuckled, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Yeah, well, someone had to stay the right size so we didn't mistake her for a giant." He winked, and Y/n playfully elbowed him in the side.
Sabo, ever the diplomat, interjected with a smile. "She's plenty tall. Just… we caught up." He ruffled Y/n's hair affectionately. "It's just a bit surprising, that's all. We all remember her towering over us."
Luffy, oblivious to the subtle nuances of their childhood dynamic, just continued to grin, happily munching on another piece of meat. "Shishishi! Still good to see you, Y/n! Tall or short!" He stretched his arm out and gave her a rubbery hug, nearly knocking her off balance.
The night continued with more laughter, shared stories of their separate adventures, and the comfortable feeling of being a family, finally reunited, even amidst the chaos of the Straw Hat Pirates' world. The height difference, once a source of Y/n's childish pride, was now just another fond memory, another layer to the complex and enduring bond they shared.
The bonfire roared, casting dancing shadows on the faces of pirates and revolutionaries alike. Luffy's crew, initially wary, had fully embraced the novelty of their captain's legendary brothers and sister. Franky, the cyborg, kept exclaiming "SUPER!" at Ace's flame abilities, while Chopper, the reindeer doctor, gazed at Sabo with wide-eyed admiration. Usopp tried to out-storytell Ace, leading to a hilariously exaggerated battle of tall tales. Sanji, the cook, kept trying to woo Y/n with elaborate dishes, much to Ace's mock-chagrin and Luffy's simple delight at the extra food.
Nami, ever practical, had managed to corner Y/n, exchanging navigator tips and quietly expressing her amazement at the sheer star power of Y/n's "brothers." Robin, the archaeologist, observed the familial dynamics with a gentle smile, occasionally asking a pointed question that showed her keen understanding of their intertwined pasts.
A Quiet Moment Among Brothers
As the night wore on, the party showed no signs of truly winding down, but Ace, Sabo, and Y/n managed to slip away to a quieter spot near the edge of the square, watching Luffy's antics from a slight distance.
"He hasn't changed a bit, has he?" Y/n chuckled, leaning her head against Sabo's shoulder.
"Not one bit," Sabo agreed, a soft, fond smile on his face. "Still chasing after the next adventure, still full of dreams."
Ace nodded, his gaze fixed on Luffy, a deep warmth in his eyes. "He's amazing. Stronger than I ever imagined he'd be." He then nudged Y/n gently. "You proud of him, 'shorty'?"
Y/n snorted, playfully punching his arm. "Of course I am, you brute. And I'm proud of you two as well. Look at us. Three legends, and me, a humble pirate captain."
"Humble, huh?" Ace raised an eyebrow. "I seem to recall a certain captain boasting about her height not too long ago."
"That was then, this is now," Y/n dismissed with a wave of her hand, but a blush touched her cheeks. "Besides, you're just jealous of my superior strategic mind."
Sabo laughed, a genuine, unburdened sound that reminded them both of their childhood. "Some things never change, indeed." He put an arm around each of them, pulling them closer. "It's good to have us all together. Even for a little while."
The three sat in comfortable silence, their shoulders touching, watching their youngest brother unknowingly bring joy and chaos to an entire island. The years, the dangers, the separate paths they had walked—they all faded into insignificance in that moment. All that mattered was the undeniable, unbreakable bond of family, finally reunited under the vast, star-studded sky of the Grand Line. The unspoken understanding of Y/n's past was there, a somber undertone, but it was overshadowed by the sheer, overwhelming wholesomeness of their present, together at last.
