KASL Book 1: Lost but Found (One Piece Fan fiction)

Chapter IV: The Real Story and the Beginning of Another

The Moby Dick

KASL

As the island approached, the KASL brothers waited nervously on the figurehead. In a few more hours, the boys would have to come to a decision: continue with their shipwreck story and somehow return home on their own (they probably die considering they were kids halfway through the Grand Line), tell the truth and hope the pirates might bring them home (also doubtful, the East Blue was not exactly a place for high profile outlaws), or go with the first option and find a marine to call their gramps (they REALLY didn't like that option considering how the man may not like to find his grandsons stranded in the Grand Line; plus they might end up trapped on a ship with the "Fists of Love"). None of the boys could come up with any better plans.

In the middle of another Kit and Sabo idea lobbing, Thatch decided to interrupt the boys. The harrumph from the man startled the whispering two boys, caught the brooding raven-haired teen's attention, and caused Luffy who was gazing over the figurehead to nearly topple off. Kit did not appreciate Luffy almost falling off the ship again as he lunged to grab Luffy. Luckily Thatch had quicker reflexes than either of the ten-year-olds, or Luffy and Kit may have both fallen over. Kit and Sabo told Ace off for being distracted. After scolding the youngest boy with a sharp thwack to the head by all three older brothers, the boys turn their attention to the fourth division commander.

"Oi, you guys probably should start walking; Pops wants to see you four and come to a decision before we make land. We're approaching a tourist island, Clockwork, so you four should be able to get a hold of your family," said Thatch.

The boys' gazes darted back and forth between them as they followed Thatch to Whitebeard's room.

Standing before the giant of a man, the boys couldn't help but hunch down in an effort to avoid his stare – all except Luffy who tried to squirm past Ace and Kit. Whitebeard noticed how nervous the older brothers acted and asked Thatch to leave them and tell Marco to come in a little bit. Once done, Edwards Newgate refocused his attention on the boys.

"So brats, what have you decided? Are you still going with your first story? I will be willing to help you guys home, if so. Or, I can have one of the commanders help you get by on the island and maybe call your parents," stated Whitebeard.

Sabo, Kit, and Ace exchanged pensive glances before they morphed into that of resignation. In unspoken agreement, Kit stepped forward to speak.

"Our story...may not have been all that truthful. The ship that took us this far in the Grand Line did sink, however, the four of us did not regret that. We come from the East Blue, Dawn Island to be exact," began Kit.

"East Blue? How did four kids from the weakest of seas end up half-way through the Grand Line?"

"About that. The people with whom we parted ways in that shipwreck were slavers. They apparently came to the East Blue to procure some easy slaves and took the four of us as valued commodity. We put up quite a bit of a fight the whole time, so they would beat us and starve us to make us more manageable. On board that ship, Luffy got sick. They took away his chains since he got so weak, so I decided to mimic him. Not hard since I wasn't exactly all that well to begin with. I managed to overcome the guards, free my brothers and the few other slaves, and, well, cause the ship to wreck...or rather sink," confessed Kit.

"How did one scrawny and sick boy managed to free everyone much less defeat a whole ship of slavers? Even if you had other slaves' help, all of you must have been pretty bad off to start with?" questioned Whitebeard.

"Heh...The thing is that my handcuffs may have been seastone and for a good reason. I'm a devil fruit-user. I used my powers to knock down the slavers with a boost from my emotions...and then used them to wreck the ship. All the slaves managed to escape on life boats, and so did we. Well? Are you mad at us for lying? I wouldn't blame you, I mean, who wouldn't get mad at four strangers that lied to you in the beginning?" Whitebeard stared at the boys intently. The brothers squirmed under his scrutiny. Instead of hearing the expected yells or condemnation, Whitebeard laughed!

"Gurarara. Why would I be mad at you brats? Anyone would be distrustful and suspicious of a bunch of strange pirates after what you four been through. A devil fruit you say? Well, that's not exactly uncommon in this crew. So, would you brats like me to take you home? Or how about call your parents first of all?"

Ace shook his head furiously.

"We don't have parents. We have shitty Gramps, but I rather not have to deal with him."

"Yeah, that old geezer can be scarier than the slavers, too," added Sabo. "Besides we don't live with that guy either."

"Yes, I agree with that Sabo. I believe Whitebeard is really asking about anyone that might find our disappearance distressing at home. Captain Whitebeard, to be frank we don't really have anyone besides Grandfather who only visits occasionally. We used to live with some associates of his, but have lived by ourselves in the forest of our home island for a while. It might be good to send word to Makino at least of our well-being and assure Dadan in case she is freaking out but otherwise..." Kit struggled to continue find a good way to explain their situation without saying too much. The boys still had their secrets, after all.

The old man gazed over the boys with a gleam in his golden eyes.

"Well, if you really don't have a real home or family, why not join mine," announced Whitebeard. "Become my sons!"

"WHAT?!" The boys looked flat out dumbfounded. They have never really had or wanted a home or family outside their brotherhood. Before any of the older boys could speak, Luffy recovered first.

"No way! I'm going to the next Pirate King! A king cannot serve under another captain," pronounced Luffy proudly.

Ace knocked on Luffy's head, and glared at Whitebeard. He never wanted a father, didn't need one, and was not going to call this guy his father anytime soon. Sabo and Kit looked on thoughtfully. Sabo's parents weren't exactly saints, but the idea of a family beyond his brothers didn't sound that bad. Kit knew from the few stories told by his dad before he left plus from the interactions with the crew that Whitebeard would treat the boys truly as his own sons no matter their heritage. Sabo, Kit, and Ace had a tensed, hushed discussion between the three, (not that Whitebeard couldn't listen in if he really wanted to listen) and the boy came to final decision a few moments later. The three turned back to Whitebeard.

"We accept your offer."

"Gurarara. Well, you boys may be my sons for our as long as you desire. Little one, you can be my son and be your own captain when you grow a little bit. Even if any of you leave the ship to make your own destiny, know that you will always be my sons. Now, I'll have Marco make arrangements for his new brothers and send a letter to your home. Now why don't we announce this to the rest of the crew?"

That night the Whitebeard Pirates celebrated the official introduction of their four new brothers. Marco drew the odd straw out and babysat the four as his brothers partied the whole night away. The blonde couldn't help but smirk as his brothers made absolute drunken fools of themselves, although he could have done without Luffy almost drinking some booze that he thought was juice. All in all, the Whitebeard pirate could not wait to see what his new brothers will bring to the family.

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter, but I think it's best to get this part out of the way before beginning the Pre-New World arc. Prepare for some interesting island adventures for our four brothers.