It wasn't a large island, they could tell that as it appeared on the horizon.

After laying anchor all the Straw Hats disembarked the ship. Sanji had gone off in search of food, and Chopper in search of herbs and other such things that he could use for medicine, and of cause Luffy ran off to explore. The rest of the crew just rested on the beach enjoying the soft sand and warm sun, well except for Zoro who was busy lifting weights as usual.

Luffy was laughing and running around like he always did searching the small island for something interesting. It didn't take him long. He had run all the way to the opposite shore of the island and that was where he saw it.

It was a small green hill not too far away from the shore. At the top were two grave stones that were surrounded by flowers. The grave on the right was bigger than the other. As for the grave on the left, Luffy didn't have to get close enough to read the name to know who it belonged to. Luffy could recognize the hat that was hung on top of the grave anywhere. It was his brother Portguse D. Ace's grave.

'So this is where Ace was buried,' Luffy thought with a sad smile; the fateful day flashed through his mind.

As he got closer Luffy could see that the flowers that had been placed around the graves were fresh. Luffy sent a silent thank you to whoever had placed them there. Looking over to the other grave he realised that the grave on the right belonged to Whitebeard.

Looking back at Ace's grave Luffy gave a small smile.

"Hey Ace, see I finally made it this far. I have gotten a lot stronger too. I spent the last two years training, I can use haki now," a single tear ran down Luffy's face, "If only I had of had the strength that I have now back then, I might have been able to save you." Luffy sniffed as he tried to wipe away the tears that were now streaming down his face.

Luffy proceeded to tell Ace all about the rough training that Rayleigh, his crew meeting up again after two years, and then all about Fishmen Island, and of his other adventures between there and now.

(Back with the crew)

Sanji had finished gathering his needed food supplies and Chopper his herbs. Everything had been loaded onto the ship and was ready to go. The rest of the crew was ready to move on as well.

"Where is Luffy," snuffed Nami, in annoyance. 'Why does he always have to wander.'

"Maybe he has found an adventure," said Robin with a smile.

Zoro laughed, "He probably got lost."

"Zoro that is something you would do," said Usopp.

Chopper looked at Nami, "Should we go look for him."

Nami sighed, "give him a few more minutes if he is not back we will go look for him."

(back with Luffy)

After he had finished telling Ace all about his adventures Luffy just stood there staring at the grave. He didn't know how much time had gone by, and he didn't care. He missed Ace so much. Granted when he and Ace were having their separate adventures they barely saw each other at all, but it was different because Luffy always knew that he and Ace would meet up somehow, but now he would never see Ace again.

Fresh tears began to flow down Luffy's face. It was time he went, Luffy was thankful that he got to see Ace's grave.

Bowing his head Luffy took in a big breathe, as he looked up he yelled,

"ACE, I am going to be the King of the Pirates."

Luffy smiled as he looked one last time at his brother's grave, a final tear falling down his cheek.

Luffy moved to walk back to his crew when he heard something from behind. He turned and at first he couldn't see anything, then he spotted him. There was someone dragging themselves out of the ocean onto the bank. He looked gravely injured, he seemed to barely have the strength to put himself out of the water.

"Hey are you alright," yelled Luffy running over to him. Leaning down Luffy could see burn marks all over his body and there has a huge stab wound on his left side, and he was bleeding badly. However that was not what got Luffy's attention.

Looking closer Luffy realised he knew this man, it had been a long time, his hair was greyer and shorter but Luffy recognised him from twelve years ago. It was First Mate Benn Beckman from Shanks' crew.

"Benn, Benn! Are you alright," asked Luffy as he turned him over.

Benn's eyes faced him for a moment but they were glazed over and after a few short seconds they closed as he fell into unconsciousness.

'Got to get him to Chopper,' thought Luffy as he gently placed his arms under the injured man's body and as gently as he could lifted him up. With that Luffy turned and headed back toward his ship. As he walked past Ace's grave he gave it one last glace. "See you round Ace." Then he continued on his mission to get Benn to Chopper.