Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

Marco was the first division commander and first mate of the Whitebeard Pirates. As the first division commander and first mate the responsibilities that were tougher on the crew ranging from full crew decision making to the smallest yet tedious of paperwork befell him. His job ranged as arguably one of the most important on the ship with over a thousand brothers, sisters, and any in between to manage. All ranging in personalities and difficulties to handle, yet he carried his position with a practiced ease to ensure a sense of security and home. Respect was highly valued among the crew and he worked hard to evoke such a presence amongst every new member. Safety and comfort, as much as one can get out at sea with one of the greatest pirate crews, was his utmost priority as the oldest brother.

He prided himself in being a source or knowledge and aide to any of his many siblings. Someone any of his siblings can come to for help and as such he ensured that each and every new sibling that joined the crew was well adjusted to their life. Of course some connected to him more then others as any relationship would prove when meeting so many new people, Thatch being one of the few on that admittedly smaller list. As such when Thatch got connected and even attached to the three new additions to the crew, Marco worried for both the safety of the small children and for one of his closest brothers emotions. With a close eye on that situation (a trait often attributed to his "mother hen" mode), Marco was quick to notice something was amiss.

As much as he would have loved a smooth transition from slave to free life, the first division commander was far from a fool and would have to be damn near deaf to ignore the clearly hurting children aboard the ship. Then it wasn't hard to notice how quickly different Thatch began to act seemingly overnight for the little ones. Clearly, he went from feeling responsible to absolutely attached to the point Marco knew that the fourth division commander would move mountains for the three. There simply was no turning back, so Marco did what he was best at and observed. Suspicious behavior from the three and Thatch was strange, but not too surprising. The fifth involved certainly was.

Marshall D. Teach was an interesting character Marco noted. From his toothy grin with a look in his eyes that simply did not match and his impressive appetite even among a crew as large as theirs, it was with no revelation that at one point the man himself was considered for a position as high as the second division commander. His strength incredible for no devil fruit, speed as quick as a thunderbolt for his size, and an aim only rivaled by that of 16th division commander, Marco would be a fool to at least not acknowledge the man's competence in battle. Then his leadership skills as he led small groups on successful mission after successful mission well the second division commander position was practically begging for him to fill it.

There was one issue. The man was a mystery. Although he claimed to be born as a simple town man from absolutely nowhere, Marco did his research. Nothing of the details of his life ever truly added up when observed too closely. Sure some things made sense, but ever proven to be true? No, the man was an enigma and someone that shrouded in secrets was not one Marco would put into such a position of power. Not when the second division was one that led the front lines in battle. Too many lives could potentially be put at risk with him in charge. Marco just could not be sure of what the other man was capable of.

Watching him lurk around the boys and then Thatch, was enough to make Marco's skin crawl. Never would he have thought he would doubt a sibling of his and the idea alone made the blond so very conflicted to the point of debating on brushing his suspicion off especially since he didn't even know what to be suspicious about! His instincts always won out and he silently launched an investigation into the man. Going as far as enlisting the help of some of his division under the guise of missing paperwork, Marco soon learned that Marshall D. Teach was not a man to be reckoned with as a separate name he was referred to as surfaced.

Blackbeard.

Why would Teach even need another alias? What did he use it for? It was by sheer luck that Marco even found the name. If asked, the blond would never admit to snooping into another crew member's belongings, but that's exactly what he did. Safety was his priority and he'd be damned if something continued to slip by him that would dare disrupt the integrity of the ship's hard earned freedom. Far too much blood, sweat, and tears were shed to get to where they are.

Teach requesting a personal mission came as a surprise that Marco never saw coming especially with Thatch being requested for the job and with Teach's credibility was approved of with a jolly laugh by the captain. It slowed his progress as paperwork needed to be filled and supplies collected. Plus, Thatch was a brilliant man and chef, extremely vital to the cooking aspects that ran the meals. With him gone even if only a few days, Marco would have to cover second and fourth division, on top of his own work. He was being stretched nearly to his limit, but for his family the blond knew he would push through with a strength he gained through years of being in this position. Thatch may be right in his suspicions, but without incriminating evidence against him the commanders could do nothing but provide as much protection as possible. A knock on the door startled him out of his train of thought and he was quick to school any strange expression on his face.

"Come in yoi," he announced as he ensured he was facing the door from his position seated at his desk.

Ace, Sabo, and Luffy entered the room with the two oldest wearing guarded expressions on their face, something that saddened the older man. He smiled kindly at them as he gestured for them to shut the door and sit on his bed. With cautious movements, they did as they were told.

"Thatch said you wanted to talk to us?" Sabo questioned after a moment of silence.

Marco nodded, "I did yoi. First and foremost, I wanted to apologize for any negative intent about allowing you to join the crew. I'm sorry if any hesitation to your integration has hurt you in any way yoi."

"Damage is done," Ace spat. "You don't want us here."

Sabo sent a glare to his brother and Marco could see the worry the blond had at hearing the freckled boy's outburst.

"I understand yoi." Marco soothed. "You're all so young and the intention wasn't to hurt you guys, but rather to protect. Living a life as a pirate and with a crew of this size and reputation wouldn't be easy yoi. Bringing children, because you are children, is a cruel fate to decide for them."

"That 's stupid," Luffy declared. "Becoming pirate king is my dream! How am I gonna do that if I'm not a pirate stupid Mr. pineapple?"

"Lu!" Sabo and Ace hissed out simultaneously, but Marco chuckled as he turned his attention to the youngest.

"You're right," Marco said. "It's not my place to say what you can or can't do yoi. Being a pirate is about freedom, belonging, and dreams no matter how big or small. If you say you'll become the pirate king I have no doubt you'll do whatever it takes to get there Luffy."

Ace and Sabo stared at him in disbelief and Marco knew he struck a chord with his words while Luffy just beamed.

"I don't want to get in the way of your future," the blond continued. "I want to be a part of it yoi."

Ace and Sabo shared a look while Luffy practically bounced on his feet.

"Nakama!" Luffy exclaimed.

Marco nodded with a grin, "Exactly Luffy. If you'll have us I would like to formally invite you to our crew. Don't worry about anyone disagreeing as I'm sure Thatch would have no trouble vouching for all three of you and I won't hesitate to bring this up to Oyaji. His word is final and everyone knows he wouldn't mind kids clinging to his every word."

The two oldest shared a look and as much as they would like to take the offer in a heartbeat the fear of their time in captivity lingered. Teach was here and who knows if he'd drag them back. Would the crew even stop him if he tried? How many others were part of his deception? The commanders were good according to Luffy (and his instincts were scarily accurate), but to tell for each and every person on such a large crew was nearly impossible.

"Now you don't have to decide now, but how about getting to know some other members of the crew better yoi?" Marco added upon seeing their hesitation.

The commander knew getting them to join would be no easy task, and seeing the heavily coated makeup on Ace's face (no doubt stolen from Izo's rather impressive collection) the task would only increase.

"We'll think about it," Sabo finally said while Ace covered Luffy's mouth to keep the kid from arguing.

Marco nodded, "I couldn't ask for more yoi. Now why don't I entertain you for a bit before introducing you to others aboard the ship."

The trio nodded and Marco couldn't help tease a little, "Plus, when Thatch leaves for his mission you all won't be so lonely yoi."

The two oldest reddened quickly before beginning to argue, but Marco was already up and leading them towards the training room. So far Thatch has been proven right with his story and Marco was going to be sure to cover as many angles as possible. As sad as this was, in case things went south the first division commander needed to be assured the three could defend themselves in a fight. What better way to kill two birds with one stone then to bond over mock battle.

The pirate sprinted down the halls taking sharp corners with only the ease of someone accustomed to these halls over the course of time. Heart beating quickly with information ready to burst at the seams as he focused more on his excitement for potential awards to be had over such a find that he didn't notice the individual hiding in the next turn.

His vision swam and the last thing he saw were the eyes of the fourth division commander narrowed with suspicion and betrayal. In that moment, with nothing but apprehension in his veins he knew that the end of the line was near for him. Blackbeard would not be pleased.

A/N: I know I already did some of Marco's perspective last chapter, but I couldn't help myself and I started thinking more about him so suddenly this chapter was born. Also, this is chapter 18 and (even though the chapters are not as long as I'd hope) I never thought I'd write 18 chapters! I still have a few more to write to get to the main plots of the story so I'm so amazed at myself?

In addition, I realized I'm leaving parts of the story that really should be told like Luffy's nightmares (thank you to the comment that mentioned it) and I don't want to leave too many plot holes so I'm considering writing a side story? It'll consist of one shots that are events that occur more on the sidelines that don't necessarily involve the main story plot, but are still connected if anyone is interested in that? Let know what you think and I'll see you all in the next chapter! Thank you for your patience!