Gods, this was like pulling teeth! I was getting so frustrated with it so I gave up and here's what you get. I was trying to get everything updated before New Years but as you can see...life happens

Enjoy

Shanks had been on Dawn Island for more than a few weeks – what had started out as a simple resupply trip had turned into an extended stay – and he knew his old friend had days left so he did what he could and gave him this one last breath of freedom and adventure.

The doctors had been against it, claiming Kakashi didn't have the strength to sail, let alone fight! But Kakashi was a stubborn man, a pirate through and through. He wasn't made for a quiet death. He was made for glory, for battle, for stories to be told of his exploits…he wasn't made to die unknown and quietly in East Blue with no one knowing his name. As a pirate, Shanks understood this desire and would give him this last hurrah.

They had fought a small-time pirate crew whose total bounty couldn't have been more than 10,000,000 beri but a fight was a fight and Kakashi had come alive, brandishing his tantō , moving like he hadn't been retired for the last few years.

They were on their way back to the village and Shanks wished to speak with the man, hear his final wishes and ensure they were carried out. He found the man at the deck railings, looking at the rising sun as the morning wind blew through his seawater coated hair.

"Some days, I wish I had died with everyone else. This body, my injuries…if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have fought this hard," Kakashi spoke bitterly, acknowledging Shanks but not shifting his gaze. The pain had increased exponentially, even standing there, he felt like he was about to pass out. He only had to hold on for a few more days and then his suffering would finally be over and he could be at peace.

It was something Shanks didn't want to imagine. The will and desire to fight but having a body that couldn't. It had to have been maddening for Kakashi who was so young and still had so much to see and live for. He remembered how he felt when Roger told them about his sickness and there was no cure. He had been inconsolable and the only calmed down when Roger gifted him his precious hat. But his captain had decades of life behind him to be able to leave this world with a smile, content that he had done all that he could. Kakashi had dreams that would never come true, adventures that would never be, rivalries never to start or finish, family left behind.

Instead of thinking of the missed opportunities, Shanks focused on their shared connection, choosing to this rare time to be serious, "You need to tell her. She needs to be prepared."

Shanks wasn't one to be serious, he often left that to his first mate but he afforded the effort to those he deemed worthy of respect.

It was a cool morning, a slight breeze drifting through the sails as their little island appeared on the horizon. Shanks had abandoned his captain's cloak, dressed in his open button-down shirt and a light dusting of morning shadow. Kakashi was dressed how he remembered him all those years ago. Sword at his side, tantō attached to his back, hair pushed back with a simple headband.

The man threw him a simple eye smile, wary lines etched deep in his face as his shoulders sagged, not having the strength to pretend nor wanting to this early.

"I'll tell her when we dock. I'm sorry to put this burden on you."

He turns to the man, regarding him under the brim of his straw hat after a pause.

"Save me a drink."

They share a sorrow-filled chuckle before the captain moves to wake the rest of the crew to prepare to dock.

Kakashi watches as Yoko escapes out the front door, tears streaming down her blotchy face.

It wasn't an unexpected reaction. He knew she would be upset, in denial about his impending doom. It was why he had held off for so long, until the very last moment when he could feel the chill of death in his bones. He had accepted it, moving to pack up her bag so when the time came, she wouldn't be left to the task herself.

It was a nice life they had built themselves here and he was proud of it. While he missed his pirating days, he would give them up just to see and hear Yoko's laugh. Here, she had a childhood and friends. Here, she was safe. Here...she had been loved.

Emptying her backpack that hadn't been touched in months, if not years, Kakashi drew his eyes together in confusion at the oddly familiar shape buried in the depths, almost as if it was hidden. Pulling it out, he fell back in shock as he read the markings, his deep exhale burning in his dying lungs, drawing him into a brief coughing fit.

The tiny object laid innocently where it had fallen, daring him to believe that miracles were possible when he was desperately searching for a sign.

The hardwood floors squeaked as he adjusted his weight, leaning forward to pick up the piece of home he had thought lost forever.

It was an Eternal Log Pose for the Elemental Nations.

But his had been destroyed on the Hiraishin so how did one end up here?

Inspecting it closer, Kakashi noted the folded piece of paper tucked securely in place. Gently pulling it out, he carefully opened it, darks eyes skimming over the writing before doubling back to make sure he had read it right.

It was…it was from that marine, the one who had dropped them off on this island. Nohara Rin, the marine who had been kind enough to set them up with a place to stay and pay the fee, asking nothing in return. Except, she wasn't a marine. She was a pirate that had been working for Minato. She had known exactly who she was transporting and had given them the only piece of home she could.

(Kakashi would never know that Rin had given her life, taking the truth to the grave, content that part of her captain lived on and was safe. Would never know that in the end, the suspicious Akainu had stuck her down when he pieced together that she had been a spy for Minato the entire time. How he had tried to torture the truth out of her, demanding to know if she had saved anyone from the wreckage. It was the first inkling of doubt that they had been unsuccessful, that a Flash Pirate may have survived.)

With this, Yoko could return home, back to Konoha where she could be protected from the World Government. With this, she had a choice now.

Feeling his energy leave him quickly, Kakashi added his own little note for Yoko to find before placing it carefully back into the bag, padding it with clothing and other trinkets Yoko had come to treasure.

His eyes slipped closed, body collapsing to the floor as fatigue took over his muscles, body impacting loudly and unmoving.

Unaware of the screaming child that would find him, sobbing as she tried to rouse him, promising she didn't hate him, that she would do anything he wanted if he would just wake up!

But he didn't.

Ace was the first to find them, running to find Makino after he moved Kakashi to the bed.

The two adults came running, the ship's doctor not far behind. Makino had forced Ace to stay behind to keep Luffy away. Ace wasn't happy about having to watch the little brat, not when he knew the pain Yoko was in. He only stayed behind because he knew Shanks would make sure she was okay. He may not have sorted out his feelings for the young man but there was nothing Shanks wouldn't do for his best friend. So he grit his teeth and forced down the tears that wanted to fall and dragged the rubber boy into the forest.

Knowing death was close didn't make it any easier. Shanks put on his bravest face, gathering the inconsolable Yoko into his arms, burying her face into his chest for her to let out her anguish. There was nothing he could say that could calm her or make any of this better. So he would be her support until she could stand on her own two feet again.

Yoko clung to the only support she had, burying her face deeper and deeper, hiccups racking her body as she blamed herself for this. Maybe if she had listened to Kakashi, stayed with him instead of running off, he wouldn't be like this.

Makino brought her hand to her mouth as tears flowed freely down her face, green hair coming out from under her bandana in her haste to get there as fast as possible.

They both looked on as the doctors moved forward to make their assessment of the unmoving former pirate they had called their friend.

Shanks already knows what they'll say.

His doctor turns to his captain, shaking his head solemnly, "His body…it's time," he empathizes. There were no more weeks or months…there was no more time. "We can't say if he'll wake up again or just…"

Shanks pulls Yoko closer as her grip tightens at those words. He can imagine exactly what had transpired earlier if her babbling was anything to go off of. It'll be a hard road ahead for her but he would be there for her every step. He wouldn't lose her again.

Adjusting his grip, Shanks rubs what he hopes are comforting circles on her back as his other hand cradles her neck, keeping them both grounded.

Everyone but the two redheads leave, Makino lingering in the doorway, hesitant to ask before turning away. She had two children to find and deliver the news so they could come to say their goodbyes. She also had a telegram to send Garp, knowing he wouldn't want to hear this recent development.

That's right! She had to be strong right now! With a deep breath through her nose and furiously wiping the tears from her years, she started on her mission.

The day they leave sees Shanks in a sling, Yoko struggling not to cry, Luffy outright bawling, and Ace nowhere to be seen.

Yoko continues to scan the dock, hoping to see any trace of him but she knew Ace better than anyone. He hated goodbyes and he hated feeling helpless. Her leaving meant that he wasn't strong enough to protect her.

She would be strong for the both of them and that meant not crying in front of Luffy.

Luffy stood next to Makino who was waving her farewell to Shanks. The young barmaid gently crouched to her level, hand tucking her wild hair behind her ear.

"Now make sure you eat three meals a day - other than ramen!" she added sternly. "Get to bed at a reasonable time and try to stay out of trouble, please?" Yoko couldn't promise much but she appreciated how much the woman cared for her.

"I'll try. Take care of Lu? And Ace? They'll need someone to look after them, even if Ace says he doesn't."

Makino promised, pulling Yoko in for a final hug before she moved to Luffy.

He had been her first friend on this island, the first person who didn't care that she had weird scars, didn't talk, was an orphan. He didn't ask about her past, he accepted her for who she was and it was something six-year-old her desperately needed. He made her want to live again.

How could she convey all that to the obtuse boy she called her friend? It turns out, she didn't have to as Luffy wound his rubber arms and legs around her, body rocking as he tried to be strong. He wasn't one to say goodbyes and that's what he told himself. This wasn't goodbye, it was a see you later. They would meet again someday when he sailed the Grandline. They would go on adventures together, discover new islands, and fight powerful people. This wasn't goodbye.

Running a board, backpack secured tightly against her back, she nodded to the rest of the crew who were busy getting everything ready to set sail.

Shanks followed after his own goodbyes, causing everyone to freeze when he appeared minus his signature hat.

Yoko rushed to the side of the ship, staring down at Luffy in shock, looking between the two not able to believe what had just happened. She was one of the few who knew the significance of that strawhat.

The group that had come to see them off, waved and shouted their goodbyes and safe travels as they pulled out of the dock, crew members scrambling around to secure everything before they hit open waters.

She stands at the helm with Shanks, each sharing a small smile, a flutter of excitement filling her belly at returning to the Grandline, when a shout grabs their attention and she scrambles off across the quarter deck behind them, standing atop the rails to see the ower of the voice, a bubbles of happiness threatening to burst. Ace was sprinting to the docks, screaming for Yoko. He stopped at the edge where it was only him, holding his hand up high as he made a promise, "I'll set sail and I'll find you! I'll become so strong, nothing will ever hurt us again!"

He was panting heavily after his declaration, having sprinted all the way from his overview. He hadn't been sure what he was going to say but he knew he could let her go without seeing her one last time.

Hair flying against the sea breeze, Yoko cupped her hands to her mouth, screaming for Ace to hear.

"I'll get stronger and stronger and then we can meet on the Grandline, dattebayo!"

It was a promise they would keep when Ace set sail years later.

Shanks looks down at the kid he had seen as his own little brother. He recalls the happy memories, the laughter and fun, the dreams he had for the younger boy. But he couldn't make himself reach out to him. What right did he have? His captain had trusted a marine over his own crew with the safety of his family. He knew the reasoning but it still stung. It had only been a few weeks after his execution when news surfaced of Rogue's death and her child, of little Ace. If it hadn't been for Benn and Rayleigh restraining him, he would've declared war on the Marines right then. Just like with Yoko, he had been thrown speechless and was over the moon when he discovered Ace was alive and on the island. But it wasn't the Ace he remembered. This Ace was distant and bitter at the world and his father. A far cry from the little boy who had worshipped his father, wanting to be just like Roger.

He was safe here, the world believing him dead or nonexistent. Yoko was too recognizable with her colouring and questions would eventually be asked, endangering the two other boys. He wasn't stupid, he knew who Luffy's father was – Garp's son. All these kids were in danger if the truth about them got out. They were safer separated. He would just have to trust that his captain knew what he was doing when he entrusted Ace into Garp's care.

Those defiant eyes star up at him as he comes to stand by Yoko's side, recognition visible and Shanks gave him a smirk before waving his goodbyes.

His captain lived on.

The first few days of their journey saw Shanks unusually quiet as he thought about the past and recent events.

He had a feeling about these kids and he couldn't ignore the fact that they all ended up on the same island. The chances of Yoko surviving and finding her way all the way out here to East Blue where Garp happened to be raising Ace and his own grandson?

He was willing to make any bet on these kids. They would shake up the world when they set sail.

His injured arm was nothing compared to the kids he cared about. A momentary pause in the grand scheme of things. It would be a few months before he was back to full strength. The docs had declared him remarkably fortunate to still have any function in it after the Sea King attack. It would take months to properly heal but he shrugged it off. He still had one good sword hand and that was enough for most pirates and marines that challenged him.

It would be a few weeks until they reached the end of Paradise and he could send word to Whitebeard. They had to be careful in their every move. It was imperative that word of Yoko's survival did not reach the marines. This meant their resupply stops had to be brief, and avoiding battles were a must unless absolutely necessary. They were all experts on these waters by now, Shanks having sailed them dozens of times as a kid on Roger's crew. He didn't need a navigator to tell him which routes to take and which to avoid. He didn't need Benn's insight to know hiding a kid would be difficult, especially one such as Yoko. She would need constant supervision and something to keep her mind occupied and away from Kakashi and the friends she had left behind. Distracting her was easy, he had been doing it since she was little.

While his absence was felt heavily, Yoko seemed to be adjusting quite well to Kakashi's passing. Shanks had learned not to question people too deeply; things had a way of coming out eventually. So he took what was given and continued moving forward.

His first step in his 'distract Yoko' mission was to teach her how to protect herself with more than her fists. She threw a mean uppercut but that wouldn't help against people who were larger and had greater experience. So he decided to teach her how to fight with a blade, similar to him. Benn talked him out of purchasing her a real one at the moment so they compromised with a practice sword. The only problem with this was that Yoko had to leave the ship to choose the sword that fit her properly. Benn set the ground rules for the two, looking to Shanks meaningfully to enforce them.

Getting the practice equipment was easier than expected, Yoko taking to a smaller sized sword mixed with daggers. Shanks raised his eyes at that one but handed over the beri nonetheless. Yoko gave him a blinding smile that had the people around commenting.

"Oh, what a responsible young man! And his sister is just too adorable!"

"Do you see their hair…so pretty!"

Yoko was too busy swinging her new sword to notice the comments but Shanks did and if he was a blushing person that's what he'd be doing. For all intents and purposes, the 27-year-old considered Yoko his little sister. They had a unique bond, not quite the same she shared with Ace but a deep bond nonetheless.

Racing back to the ship, Yoko proceeded to challenge Shanks to a sword battle, eager to try out her new blades.

"Fight me, Shacks!" her tooth-blinding smile demanded as she used her childish nickname for him.

Who was he to deny her? He brandished his sword with a similar smile.

The whole crew gathered on deck to watch, yelling and cheering for Yoko while yelling profanities to their captain. Shanks pursed his lips, sending his men pointed glares. Abandoned by his own crew for a child...oh, what was the world coming to!?

Yoko beamed at the encouragement, getting into the proper stance Shanks had taught her the last few days.

Shanks mimicked her, lips lifting good-naturedly as she charged him without warning to the cheers of those gathered. He parred the first blow, using a small percentage of his strength to throw her back. She quickly gained her footing and continued her assault, blow after blow being matched.

Eyes analyzing their fight, Yoko knew that she couldn't beat Shanks in a proper sword battle so she did what pirates always did…cheat. When he blocked her next strike, she pivoted like she was aiming another, swinging her foot, gathering momentum until…

Benn found himself chuckling at the predicament his captain found himself in while the crew was struck speechless at what just happened, turning horrified eyes to the one they had been cheering on, slowly backing away as their hands moved protectively south.

Yoko had her twin daggers aimed at the neck and heart, beaming triumphantly, waiting for Shanks to yield.

Shanks knelt on the deck in agony, his only good arm reaching to hold himself tenderly and protectively, lost on where she had learned such a move. While he may be in pain, he couldn't be prouder! Yoko was learning.

Benn took an educational approach to her training. If she was going to be living on the Grandline, she needed to be aware and conscious of the dangers she would face. It was a valiant effort but between sword fighting and listening to Benn lecture, Yoko always chose the former which was expected. While the power struggle between each of the Yonko and then the Marines seemed straight forward, lines became tangled when their territories, allies, and the Shichibukai came into play. The only real piece of information she took away from his lecture was that Shanks was a big name in the New World, becoming a major power player in the last two years with victory after victory against the Marines, his clashes with Mihawk, and his knowledge of whatever it was he discovered with Roger all those years ago.

Yoko narrowed her eyes, contemplating what she was told.

"Why don't the pirates create an alliance to get rid of the World Government?"

It made sense. If the World Government – hence the marines – were as corrupt as she had heard, what was the point of them staying in power? Why not rebuild it into something better, something freer.

"Do you want to kill the marines?"

Benn was curious about her answer. She had been unusually subdued since they had entered the Grandline. He worried about her. While he may not have the same connection as his captain, he had still grown to love the little spitfire.

Yoko thought about the question, gazing out at the vast ocean in front of her. She loved and hated the sea with equal measure. It didn't always use to be like that. Entering the Grandline had caused old memories to resurface, ones she had struggled to bury. She played with the hem of her long sleeve shirt, the fabric hiding her scars from that horrific day - she had taken to wearing the garment after the stares started back up. The fire and heat, the screams and cannon fire, the pain - she still had nightmares, waking up in cold sweat as her lungs seized at the memory of burning. But there was one man responsible for that and it was him she wanted dead. She knew not all marines were like Akainu; some were kind like the lady who allowed them passage to East Blue. Some were not as straightforward but no less good; Garp was a Vice Admiral yet treated her and Ace like they were his own grandkids.

She was smart enough to know there was a difference so that was her answer, "No. Only Akainu."

It was a heartbeat and another before Shanks turned and walked away, not alerting the young girl to his presence. He had his misgivings about all of this, remembering his youth on the Oro Jackson. He had a wonderful childhood, full of adventure and freedom. He wouldn't change a thing about it…but even he knew that was no life for a child. He had been an orphan, picked up by Roger, raised by the crew. He had been a nobody, another nameless orphan resulting from another nameless battle. But gods…she'd have a bounty on her the second Akainu learned of her survival. She would never be safe with him. He couldn't protect her and while he knew his crew would gladly fight for the little spitfire that had climbed into their hearts, he couldn't ask them to die for her. She didn't need anyone else dying. And he couldn't make that promise to her. It was a pirate life for him and that meant the possibility of dying.

Shanks walked down the hall, his sandals echoing on the wooden panels, clutching at his wounded shoulder. It didn't hurt as much now but it felt like a warning. It was unlike the parallel scars crossing his eye. That was another misgiving he fought with himself.

Taking Yoko to Whitebeard meant leaving her near Teach, the one man he absolutely did not trust.

He wasn't cut out to be a parent. He was barely in the role and he already felt like a total failure!

Maybe he could drop her off with Rayleigh? He would –

"Dammit!"

He clenched his fist, anger simmering just below the surface.

Whitebeard, despite all his misgivings on his crew, was the only viable option. He had the crew, the influence, and the strength to protect her. Sengoku wouldn't risk starting a war against Whitebeard, especially over a single child.

Resolve lighting his eyes, the captain returned to his quarters to send out a message to Sabaody.

Benn had a pensive look cross his face before quickly hiding it. He had sensed his captain around the corner and he knew the closer they sailed to the end of Paradise, the more anxious he became. He tried to hide it from the crew but they all could see and feel the change in the normally exuberant captain. There were fewer parties, less booze, it was almost like he was expecting something to go wrong.

As both his first mate and friend, Benn worried if Shanks could go through with this. For everyone's safety, he must, no matter how difficult or trying. What they were planning to do…it was no place for a kid, no matter how strong. If it was, Shanks would've taken Luffy in a heartbeat.

Yoko remained oblivious to the tension and anticipation brewing on the ship, enjoying the feeling of being back on the sea, the freedom and adventure that awaited every minute of every hour, as the sun rose and as it set, the knowledge that everywhere she went was somewhere unique and new.

Night fell fast and Shanks went searching for Yoko. Their time together was running out.

He didn't have to look hard. He remembered her favourite place on the ship, any ship for that matter. Climbing up the mast to the crow's nest was a new challenge but one he was ready to conquer. When he reached the top and swung his leg over the side, he froze at the scene in front of him, flashing back to when they had first met.

Yoko had her back to the floor of the crow's nest, feet firmly planted on the side panels, gaze fixed to the twinkling stars. It was a different night sky from Dawn Island but no less relaxing. Situating himself beside her, Shanks let his own gaze wander, remembering the stories Roger had told him as a child, the stories written in the stars.

They didn't need any words at this point; for two people who loved to laugh and fill the empty with noise, they were content with this silence.

And as the hours drifted by, Yoko surrendered to the gentle rocking of the ship and the sound of waves hitting the underside, Shanks pulled his captain's coat off, draping it as a blanket over her smaller form before slowing following her example.