I hope you all liked the last chapter! Here is the last chapter of the pre-time skip arc! I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

~Resolution~

~Vegapunk's Lab~

Franky scanned over the blueprints he had been working on earlier with a critical eye. He had to ensure that these modifications were truly what he needed. He smiled and let out a laugh as he glanced over the blueprints, he could already see his crew mate's faces. He knew that Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper would absolutely love the new design he had planned.

He glanced around the laboratory, he had many ideas of weapons he wanted to make. One blueprint nearby was an improvement for the Thousand Sunny. Franky frowned, he couldn't be certain that Sunny was safe, he trusted Rayleigh to take care of the ship, but he had to be prepared to fix Sunny when he returned.

Franky pulled himself away from his thoughts as he turned back to his project. He had a lot of work to cover in two years, and he wasn't sure how he would get it all done. He brought his tools out again to begin working with the metal, welding and shaping it how he wanted. He stopped every once in a while to check the blueprints before returning to work.

~Kenzan Island~

Brook strummed his guitar as he looked over his newest set of lyrics. He frowned as he realized this song was no good before putting the guitar down. He must fix the lyrics, they didn't quite fit with the beat he had in mind. Brook glanced around the room, it was nicer then the cage was but he didn't care for it.

He glanced at his growing pile of lyrics, ones he deemed perfect or good for the moment at least. It seemed that while he could write lyrics it seemed harder than before, as if something was missing. Obviously he knew the missing pieces were his crew, it felt different without them here. Still he would do his best to improve himself and carry on the straw hat name till they were reunited.

He bowed his head as he pulled together his resolve. He could not fail his captain or his crew, he would continue his training. Feeling energized once more Brook began writing furiously on the sheets, he wanted to make songs that the whole world would love. Songs that would show his loyalty to his crew.

Pausing in his writing Brook brought his hand up to his afro with a frown on his face. He would carry on the dream of his old crew, they would not be forgotten. He had to get his name out there, let Laboon know he was coming back to him. Brook smiled maybe these men would help him to become famous and maybe his crew would hear his songs wherever they were.

Nodding his head he began to write again, feeling more energized than ever. He would make a song that would put a smile on Luffy's face. A song that would make his family laugh and join in. The best song in the world in his opinion, because as longs as his crew loved it then that was all that mattered to him.

~Baltigo~

Robin moved through the stone hallways in a relaxed manner though she was still untrusting of those around her. Even after how long she has traveled with Luffy, it was still hard for her to completely trust new people. She trusted Dragon and the Luffy's brother, Sabo, but the others had her a bit weary of them still.

Robin paused in her steps as she came to a fork in the hall, she had been on her way to the library but taken a different route than normal. Robin glanced down both ways before just picking one of them at random since it went in the same direction. It would take her a while to get a complete layout of the hideout, she always seemed to find a new place when she explored.

She paused again as she came to a staircase, a frown on her face as she noticed there were no other paths from the area. The raven haired woman sighed as she turned around, though she paused as she heard a door open from above her and footsteps descending the stairs. Robin cast her gaze back to the stairs, waiting to see who was coming down.

She relaxed as she recognize the blonde hair of her captain's brother coming down the stairs, his eyes on a report in his hand. The blonde paused as he felt eyes on him and glanced down the stairs to find Robin. He put the papers back in the folder he carried as he smiled at her, Robin watched as he finished descending the stairs.

"Morning!" Sabo greeted as he approached the older woman.

Robin smiled. "Good morning. You didn't have to put your work away when you saw me."

Sabo looked at the folder and laughed. "I have a habit of reading while I walk if I'm alone. What are you doing in this part of the base?"

"I got lost on my way to the library."

Sabo blinked. "But your almost always there."

"I know, but I'm trying to get an idea of the base's layout in case I have to go somewhere new unguided."

Sabo nodded. "You remind me of Luffy with that thinking."

"Luffy?"

Sabo laughed. "He'd always run around the first chance he got, and would always get lost."

Robin joined him in laughing. "That does sound like the captain."

"I'll take you to the library."

Robin watched the blonde. "Weren't you attending to something already?"

"Not really, I was just reporting to Dragon," Sabo paused. "He wanted to discuss something important."

"Important?"

Sabo nodded. "It's nothing big. Just some business."

Sabo began to lead her through the halls, Robin watching him interestedly. She didn't know much about Sabo but from what she heard he was a major figure in the revolutionary army. She had heard Koala complaining about Sabo not being ambitious enough to actually try for a promotion even though he'd get the job.

From what Robin had gathered about Sabo from Koala, was that when he was ten years old his life was saved by Dragon. Apparently the boy had a run in with a Celestial Dragon and nearly died. The boy was taken back to his brothers at some point and had nothing to do with Dragon or the army since. When he started his journey three years ago as a pirate he had changed his mind at the beginning and sought out Dragon shortly after. He had been a member of the army ever since, quickly rising through the ranks and catching Dragon's interest.

Still the boy remained a mystery, she knew he loved reading from the fact that she almost always found him doing so in his free time. Even if he wasn't free he was reading a report or two, one of the few people that actually didn't mind doing paperwork for the army. It was clear he cared for his brothers, something the other two had in common with him. Other than that she didn't know much about him, then again when had she asked Luffy about anything? Or any of her crew? They all knew her past, but she hadn't really asked them about their pasts.

"You okay?"

Robin snapped out of her thoughts as she realized Sabo had reached the library and was looking at her in worry. Robin smiled as she nodded her head, Sabo just gave her another worried look before opening the door for the woman. Robin smiled and walked through the door, chuckling slightly at the boy's manners.

The library wasn't the most impressive place, but there were several old books that she couldn't find anywhere else. When she had questioned them about it she found out it was books they took from islands they had control over, mainly books confiscated by marines or locked up by the World Government. She had happily spent most of her free time reading said books. Dragon had even given her permission to take them with her when she left, stating they had no need for them since they documented all the information.

Robin walked towards a bookcase, catching from the corner of her eye Sabo moving towards an occupied table. As she grabbed the books she wished to look at she too went to join the table, noting Koala sitting there, taking notes over various bits of information in her book. Sabo passed the girl a report and she looked over it with a displeased look.

"So access to Fishman Island is cut off then?"

Sabo nodded. "With the Whitebeards currently MIA, Big Mom has taken control of Fishman Island."

"Are we needing to pass through there?" Robin questioned.

Sabo nodded. "Dragon wants us to go on a mission to Paradise, but this makes our job harder."

Koala glanced over. "Hack may be able to get us in and out quickly, with little problem."

"You think?"

Koala nodded before standing. "I'll go check in with him on that, if he can't I'm sure one of the Fishman will be able to pull some strings."

Robin watched as the girl left the room, leaving the two alone. Sabo sighed before standing as well and glancing at Robin. He offered her a small smile before he began to pick up Koala's books, intending to return them to their proper shelves. Robin watched as he did this task quickly, he obviously knew the library well enough, she didn't doubt that he had read most of the books in the library.

"So what are the mission details?"

Sabo paused as he went to place the next book in the correct spot. Robin watched him closely, as he looked deep in thought for a second. He finally placed the book in the spot before moving on, never once turning to look back at her. He replaced a few more books before he finally spoke.

"We'll have to figure out the route first."

"Why am I the last to know?"

Sabo paused as he glanced at her. "Why do you think you are the last to know?"

"Because Koala knows and I am assuming so does Hack."

Sabo sighed. "We are not used to having a fourth member. Most of our unit isn't told until we head out for the mission, and even then facts are kept on the down-low. I guess I am not quite used to briefing a third person."

Robin nodded in understanding, "I get it. It took a while for me to fully open up to Luffy and the others. Zoro didn't trust me until we reached Skypiea."

"It's not that I don't trust you. It's more that I am unused to giving out information to more than a certain group."

Robin nodded. "Well once we have our route figured out, I would gladly like to know where we are going."

Sabo glanced at her. "You're truly okay with this? You didn't exactly trust the men that brought you to us. Now you'll blindly follow our lead?"

"Your Luffy's older brother, that alone is enough for me to trust you."

"Why?"

"Because you and him are very similar, very different, but still very similar. You have a similar air, I know you wouldn't hurt someone unless you were forced to." Robin explained.

Sabo turned to her after placing the last book in its spot. "I appreciate the trust, it's refreshing, and I apologize. I am not the best at trusting people due to my past."

Robin raised an eyebrow as she watched him. "Well we have two years to get to know each other, that will be enough time for both of us to build trust."

Sabo smiled. "That it is indeed. I will leave you to your books again. I should probably go check on Koala's status. Once I have our route approved, I will come find you."

Robin smiled and nodded. "I look forward to it."

Sabo gave a small bow before departing from the room, Robin smiling as he left. It was going to be an interesting two years. She pulled one of the books close and turned to the first page, diving into the contents happily.

~Weatheria~

Nami grit her teeth as she attempted to control the wind again. It had only been a few months, and still she could barely produce a breeze. She had all the knowledge she needed, she spent half her time continuously pouring over books on weather. The other half was spent improving her fighting style, which was proving harder then she had thought. Sure she had the knowledge on how to produce weather, but implementing it was not as easy as it should have been in her mind.

She had made a goal for herself, she would not return as the weakest member of the crew. She was tired of running from fights or standing in the back while all the others took the lead. She knew that she couldn't match Luffy, Zoro, or Sanji, those three were just too insane, and it was impossible to match them. She would be fine if she could rank close to Robin, Franky, or Brook who seemed to be the three middle class fighters.

She sighed as she sat down, tired from trying to force the weather to change to her will, she gazed up at the sky. She couldn't believe how far they had traveled, as navigator she knew how far they traveled, but the sheer length that they had in so little time covered surprised her. It had hardly been a year, but here they were, right before the entrance to the second half of the Grand Line.

She wondered how many others had traveled the distance in such a short period, it may not be as rare as she thought. Still the fact that they had made it into the Grand Line with only five members was a feat itself, and she was proud to have been there when they did it. She smiled as she closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze as she thought back to their journey.

They had helped a nation rebuild itself when they gained their doctor. They saved a kingdom and it's princess from one of the Warlords. They had visited an island in the sky, something many pirates, far above them, had deemed impossible. They had taken down CP9 and challenged the World Government. They had defeated another War Lord and freed so many people from his enslavement. She frowned as she realized they had done a lot of incredible things before being defeated by Kuma.

If someone had asked her a year ago if she thought she'd be where she was today, she'd have laughed and called them crazy. A year ago she had despised pirates, wanted them all dead if possible, she wouldn't have been caught dead working for a pirate. Then again, if she hadn't met Luffy she would still be Arlong's slave, his navigator to push around.

She sometimes wondered where they would be at the time if Luffy hadn't found them. Zoro would probably be dead, considering that marine captain was going to have him executed. Usopp would probably be dead as well, due to the Kuro's crew, or he would have hidden from them, Nami wasn't sure what the man would have done. Sanji would still be cooking on the Baratie, not following his dream.

Chopper would still be back at Drum Kingdom, not opening up to people, or possibly hurt due to Wapol returning. Vivi may still have been working for Baroque, trying to take Crocodile down from the inside. Robin, Nami honestly didn't know what would have happened to Robin, she may have moved onto another job if Crocodile had tired of her, or she may have been found by the marines. Franky would have probably been killed off by CP9 for the plans to the weapon, or taken to jail for attacking a Spandem. Brook would probably still be on his old ship, alone and without his shadow.

It hurt Nami to think of her friends in such situations, but it made her realize that if it hadn't been for Luffy she wouldn't have known any of them. Luffy had really introduced her to an interesting crew and showed her amazing places that she had never thought she would have visited. He had unchained her from a life of hell and loneliness and given her a family again.

Nami smiled, when they got back together, they'd have to have a party, celebrating the old times and looking towards the future. They'd have many more adventures, new people to meet and places to visit. She couldn't wait to travel with Luffy again on the seas, as troublesome as he was.

The girl opened her eyes before standing, deciding she had taken a long enough break. She had work to do if she wanted to be strong enough to compare to Robin. She headed back to the place she was staying, intending to ask for another demonstration of the wind knot, to see if she could figure out how to control the wind.

~Torino~

Chopper moved through the forest quickly, stopping to collect plants on his way. He had so many new plants to study and observe if he wanted to improve his skill. There were so many plants on the island that he had never known about before, and he intended to find out all about them.

He soon returned to the village with his latest batch and went to the library and his work area. He opened one of the numerous books he had pulled down and started looking for the plants he had picked. He wrote down notes on each as he made a press of the plant, for future research. He documented it's uses and even experimented with making each of the items if he was able to. He needed to know how to create the medicines, and what they looked or tasted like. That way if he ever came across them on an island or enemy territory he knew what they were.

He also studied poisons and other bad medicines, so that he knew how to recognizes those and how to cure them. He worked into the late hours of the night and woke early to explore the island, going as far as he could before calling it a day. He would try and socialize with the people and the birds, but his studies often kept him locked away. He was determined to learn as much as he could, he had to be the best doctor the future Pirate King could ever want.

~Somewhere in the Grand Line~

Roberto and Calico groaned as more paperwork was passed to them by Ace, who was attempting to explain Roberto's new duties to them. They enjoyed the raven's help, but knew that soon enough Marco would come to drag Ace away for Haki training, and upon finding them with little progress made would decide to lecture all three of them on proper commander abilities. Roberto knew it wasn't because he doubted the two of them could do their jobs right, he suspected it had more to do with Ace needing to be prepared to take over the first division, and the raven not being the most serious about it.

Roberto glanced over at Ace's pile, surprised that the man had actually gotten most of his work done before they had arrived, but he supposed it shouldn't be a surprise. Shanks was coming to pick the boy up later on in the day for their training. The raven actually was taking incentive to get his work done before he had to leave, because he could probably guess that he wasn't going to get it done while with Shanks.

"Ace, you ready for your training?"

Roberto glanced to the door as Marco entered the room, the blondes eyes observing them all closely, and even noting Ace's pile of papers. Ace looked at the phoenix and nodded, watching his brother approach his work, eyes studying the blonde as he picked up the papers. Marco looked over the papers with a careful eye, examining them each, quickly moving through them, with a speed Roberto had no idea was possible.

"Good job."

Roberto blinked as Ace jolted a bit in surprise at the blonde's sudden comment, the raven looked shocked before asking, "Really?"

Marco nodded. "You definitely got the important parts down now."

Ace smiled. "Thanks!"

"Let's get to training then."

Marco turned and left the room, intent on getting their training session started. Ace followed after eagerly, Roberto and Calico joined them as they finished their last papers. Those that weren't doing anything gathered around their new captain and his first mate to watch their training. Roberto noticed Haruta making bets, asking who thought Ace might actually get a hit in or even win. Though a lot of people were still betting that Marco would wipe the floor with Ace, like he had on all their previous training sessions.

The raven had quickly learned how to use haki, the problem was he rushed in to much though. His haki would quickly run out, and Marco would take that time to beat him with his own use of Haki. Even if Ace did get his Haki to last longer than normal, it normally weighed on his battle skills and he would hardly even get close to getting a hit, Marco blocking him with his own Haki.

The match started off as normal, Ace charging towards the Zoan-type, arms coated in haki. Marco watched him as he dodged the attacks easily. Ace uncoated his arms as he dodged the Phoenix's return attacks. The fire user coated his arms when he blocked an attack with his body, and uncoated them as he dodged. The raven was certainly learning how to adapt haki into his battle style, even if he couldn't quite grasp the concept of saving his energy.

It wasn't long till he was knocked back by an unexpected attack from the side. Marco watched the raven until a call from the other side of the ship caught his attention. Everyone turned to look towards the other side as Marco headed to the railing. A small frown on his face as he recognized the approaching ship. The others eventually quieted down as they too took in the familiar jolly roger, knowing it was time for one of their brothers to leave the ship.

Roberto saw Ace join them at the railing out of the corner of his eye. The raven's face was emotionless as they watched the ship getting closer and closer. It wasn't long till the Red Force had docked nearby, and the familiar red-haired captain was approaching their ship. As he moved closer, they could see him looking over their new ship with a interested gaze. Marco walked to the gangplank and descended it so that he could meet the fellow captain. The other crew members filed along the railings of their ship as they watched the two captains.

"Marco, impressive ship you have there."

Marco cast a quick look at his new ship, "My shipwrights went all out with Thatch's designs."

Shanks paused before speaking, "Thatch designed this?"

Marco nodded. "Yes, I think Pops would have been proud of the work his sons put into making a fine ship like this."

Shanks watched Marco. "I know he would have been proud."

Marco glanced at the captain. "You better not let anything happen to my brother."

"I would never let anything happen to Ace."

Marco watched him closely. "You aren't doing this because he's Roger's son are you?"

Roberto noticed Ace flinch at the mention of the Pirate King, the raven's eyes becoming downcast at the thought. No one on their crew had really brought the item up to the raven, and no one wanted to. Ace was who he was to them, their brother, they wouldn't want him to change and they would never see him as anything different.

"Of course not."

"Oh?" Marco watched the red-head.

Shanks sighed, "He's Luffy's older brother, and when I first met him I kind of saw him as a kid brother or like a son the same way I do Luffy."

Marco paused. "I see."

"I had my suspicions that he was Roger's son when I first met him. After all I grew up with Roger as my captain, there was no way I would not recognize their similarities."

"Did Roger tell you he was having a child?" Marco questioned.

Shanks paused. "No he didn't. Then again I wouldn't have expected him to, not with how the marines reacted."

"You won't treat him differently after what happened at Marineford will you?"

"Of course not. He's still the same brat I met a few years ago, rash and stubborn, thinking he could take down Whitebeard."

Marco laughed. "Yeah."

The two remained quiet for a few, not sure what to say as Ace snuck down to his cabin to grab his stuff. Roberto still wasn't positive of the relationship between Shanks and Marco, but it seemed to be civil at the moment. The gathered crew slowly parted to allow Ace through as he began making his way down the gangplank.

"There's our little fire-starter." Shanks greeted with a smile.

Ace smiled back. "Yo!"

"Take care, and be careful." Marco ordered as he looked at Ace.

"Will do, captain!" Ace mock saluted the phoenix.

Marco rolled his eyes. "Remember to get with Beckman about the duties of the first mate."

"I have a feeling what he does and what I will be expected to do will be two different things."

"What's that mean?" Shanks asked, an expression of mock hurt on his face.

"Nothing, Red-haired." Marco commented with a smirk.

Shanks smirked back, "So Marco, want to join my crew?"

Marco glared at him. "For the last time, no."

"That was the last time."

Marco paused as he glanced at Shanks who just smiled at him, Marco turned from the other captain and headed for the gangplank. The two watched him walk back onto the ship where he paused, facing the remaining Whitebeards.

"Take care of him Red-haired."

Ace smiled before waving goodbye to the others as everyone called out their goodbyes, and Marco turned to bid him goodbye as well. Shanks turned and began the walk back to his ship, Ace hurrying to catch up after a moment. The two were silent as they reached the Red Force and boarded the ship. The Red-haired pirates, welcoming their guest happily, Ace was pulled along for a welcoming party as Shanks ordered the ship to set sail.

~Rusukaina~

Luffy dodged the large animal jumping at him from behind, turning and going deeper into the island as the animal chased after him. He concentrated on all the sounds he heard, trying to sort out only the ones he needed from the sounds of everything else on the island. It was hard trying to pinpoint what was needed and what wasn't but he was getting better. He slid last minute as the giant ape jumped out in front of him, sliding beneath the gorilla's furry legs.

Luffy skidded to a stop before charging towards the beast, coating his arms in blackness as he jumped. The primate and him battle for dominance, the raven feeling like he was finally getting the upper hand, before his haki ran out. Luffy grit his teeth as he was slammed into a tree by the gorilla's incoming fist, his observation haki having faded as well.

"Damn it." Luffy groaned as he climbed out of the now knocked over tree.

The ape had moved away from the area, no longer interested in the tiny pirate. Luffy closed his eyes for a moment to try and rid himself of the sudden tiredness he felt from overusing his haki. After a while he was able to continue making his way through the forest to look for his next opponent.

He couldn't afford to idle for too long, he knew the old man was watching him from somewhere, not that Luffy had ever been able to catch him. Luffy knew that was also part of his training, Rayleigh was excellent at hiding, and he was testing Luffy's observation always.

As he felt his strength begin to return more the raven took off running into the woods, fully pumped for his next encounter. He was hoping to eventually get to the point where he could take on the animals 100 times a day, similarly to his brothers' and his training. Rayleigh had just laughed and said that would probably not be possible till late in the training, and only if Luffy actually managed to learn how to use haki effectively.

Luffy grinned as he continued through the forest with new vigor, excited to get stronger so he could protect his friends better. He had promised himself that he wouldn't come close to losing anyone else again, and that he wouldn't allow anyone to separate them again. He wasn't going to give up till everyone who tried to hurt one of his crew was finished.

~End ch. 23~

Originally this was chapters 23 and 24 but I decided to combine them together. I am planning to move onto the reunion and will cover the second half of the training as we go on with the story. Main reason for the change is I felt like I have spent enough time in pre-time skip and it's time to move the story forward.

Sorry for the long wait period! School has been hectic, I've changed my major to Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on English and Communications, and I am going to try and become an editor. So the last few months have been hectic and crazy, but things are getting under control now.

Reviewer's corner:

Nala1220 - Well they will be together next chapter for sure!

Son of Whitebeard - Thanks! I hope I'm doing them justice, not like we've seen much of the divisions in great detail yet.

Till next time!