Multiverse Shenanigans: Raja's Journey

The Heart Pirates' ship sailed steadily through the calm seas, carrying an air of tension as the crew processed their latest battle. Trafalgar Law leaned against the rail, his brows furrowed. His thoughts spiraled as he watched Shadow, the enigmatic figure levitating a few meters above the deck in a meditative pose. The sight was mesmerizing and unsettling.

Law couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Shadow," he called, his voice laced with both curiosity and suspicion. "What are you doing?"

Without opening his eyes, Shadow spoke. "Law, ask what's really on your mind."

Law froze. His full name hadn't been spoken aloud, yet Shadow knew it. Suspicion flared. "How do you know my full name? Have we met before?"

Shadow opened his eyes, the golden orbs piercing through Law. "Yes, we've met. And I know about you through your sister, Lammy."

At the mention of Lammy, Law's entire demeanor shifted. His body tensed, and his usual calm façade cracked. "Lammy?" he whispered, the name stirring long-buried emotions. His voice rose. "How do you know about my sister?!"

Before Law could lash out, Bepo and Penguin intervened, grabbing their captain by the arms. "Captain, calm down!" Bepo urged, his tone filled with concern.

Law struggled against their grip, his voice shaking with anger. "Answer me, damn it! Were you there that night in Flevance? Were you part of the black-hooded gang that took everyone?!"

Shadow nodded calmly. "Yes, we were the ones who took the people of Flevance."

The confirmation hit Law like a sledgehammer. Fury erupted within him. "You bastard!" he bellowed, fighting against his crew's restraint. "Where's my sister's grave? What did you do with her and my people? Did you work for the World Government to wipe us out? I'll kill you!"

Shadow raised a brow, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Why would you ask about your sister's grave when she's alive?"

Law stopped struggling, the words freezing him in place. "Alive? That's impossible," he murmured, disbelief etched on his face. "There's no cure for Amber Lead poisoning. The only reason I'm alive is because of my Devil Fruit. What proof do you have?"

Shadow gestured to his right-hand woman, who produced a Den-Den Mushi from her cloak. She handed it to Law.

"Here," Shadow said simply.

Law hesitated before taking the Den-Den Mushi. The snail's eyes opened, and a soft, familiar voice emerged. "Law-oniichan?"

The voice shattered Law's composure. "Lammy?" he whispered, tears spilling down his cheeks. His knees buckled as he clutched the snail. "Is it really you?"

For half an hour, Law locked himself in his cabin, speaking to his sister. When he finally emerged, his face was tear-streaked but peaceful. Walking up to Shadow, he dropped to his knees and bowed deeply. "Thank you for saving my sister and my people. I owe you everything."

Shadow waved dismissively. "No need for that. It's our duty to save people—that's why the Revolutionary Army exists. Besides, the person who developed the cure isn't me. It's Luffy's Vice-Captain, Raja. You can thank him when we meet him on Rusukaina."

Law stood and nodded. "If you ever need my help, just ask. I'll repay this debt, no matter what."

Shadow smirked. "I'll remember that. But for now, focus on your strength. You still have unfinished business, don't you?"

Law acknowledged the advice with a firm nod.

Arrival at Rusukaina

Two days later, the Heart Pirates and Shadow's group reached Rusukaina. As they approached the shore, they spotted a figure waiting on the beach. The unmistakable silhouette of Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King, stood under the swaying palms.

"Welcome," Rayleigh greeted as they disembarked.

From the jungle emerged Raja—clad in his usual dark attire—with a mischievous grin. He wasted no time, delivering his infamous Iron Fist of Love to Luffy and Ace, waking them from their post-battle exhaustion.

"You two hot-headed idiots!" Raja scolded as Luffy and Ace rolled on the ground, clutching their heads. "How dare you fight an Admiral with your pitiful strength?! And you, Ace, if I hadn't begged Shadow to save you, you'd be a walking doughnut by now!"

Ace fell silent, his fiery temper extinguished by guilt. He dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face as the weight of his recklessness hit him. Luffy, however, protested Raja's words—only to receive another Iron Fist of Love that sent him rolling.

Raja exchanged a knowing look with Shadow and walked away, leaving the duo to their emotions. The Titan Prince stepped forward, removing his hood and mask. "Ace. Luffy. Long time no see."

Both brothers froze, staring at the familiar face before them. Then, as recognition dawned, tears burst forth. "Sabo!" they cried, rushing to embrace him.

A Night of Revelry

That night, Raja prepared a grand banquet using the supplies from his inventory. Food and drink flowed freely as the Heart Pirates, Shadow's group, and the Revolutionary Army celebrated together. Laughter echoed through the jungle as old friends reunited and new alliances formed.

Law approached Raja during the festivities. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "For saving my sister and my people. I heard you were the one who created the cure."

Raja waved him off. "No need for thanks. It was the right thing to do."

The two men shared a quiet conversation, exchanging information and stories. For the first time in years, Law felt a sense of hope.

A New Path for Ace

The next morning, as the Heart Pirates prepared to depart, Raja gifted Law treasures and provisions for his journey. Law bowed deeply before leaving, vowing once again to repay his debt.

Later, Raja pulled Ace aside for a private conversation. "Ace, I want you to join the Revolutionary Army and train under Shadow."

Ace frowned. "What? No. I want to rebuild the Whitebeard Pirates and honor Pops' legacy."

Raja's expression hardened. "Ace, are you seriously considering starting another war? Think for once, you hot-headed idiot."

"What are you talking about?" Ace snapped. "Why would I start a war?"

Raja sighed. "Ace, you're a walking target now. Pirates will hunt you for fame, Marines for merit, and bounty hunters for money. Whether you like it or not, your only safe option is the Revolutionary Army. Your strength is nothing compared to the monsters in the New World. And let's be real—your Flame-Flame Fruit won't protect you. Only Haki reigns supreme out there."

Ace's defiance wavered, but he remained silent.

Raja pressed on. "I'm calling in the debt you owe me. Join the Revolutionaries. Train under Shadow. It's your best chance to survive—and to honor Whitebeard's sacrifice."

Sabo stepped forward. "Ace, listen to Raja. He's right. This is your best option."

After a long moment of contemplation, Ace sighed. "Fine. I'll do it."

A Fiery Resolve

The trio approached Shadow, who sat in meditation. Shadow opened his eyes, studying them before turning to Raja. "This is the man you want as my subordinate?" he asked, skepticism evident. "He doesn't even have the will to live."

Ace bristled. "What did you say, you hooded bastard?"

Before Shadow could respond, Dragon Empress unleashed her Supreme King Haki, forcing Ace to his knees. "Show some respect," she said coldly.

Shadow's voice was calm but cutting. "Ace, I saved you out of obligation. But make no mistake—I won't hesitate to kill you if you become a liability. You're reckless, irresponsible, and blinded by your temper. All I see is a scared little boy pretending to be a fiery man."

Ace's anger flared. "You don't know anything about me!"

Shadow's gaze sharpened. "Don't I? You're just like your father, Roger. Always causing chaos and leaving others to clean up your mess."

"I'm not like him!" Ace shouted. "I'm nothing like that bastard!"

Shadow leaned in, his tone unwavering. "Then prove it. Show me you have the will to live. Stand up, take responsibility, and claim your name: Gol D. Ace."

Ace roared in defiance, his Supreme King Haki erupting and clashing with Dragon Empress's. For a brief moment, he stood tall, his resolve burning brighter than ever.

"I am Gol D. Ace," he declared. "And I will live!"

As the effort overwhelmed him, Ace collapsed, unconscious but alive with newfound purpose.