[Switches back into human and topples Japan backwards, still sitting on top of him.]
I know he's dead. I was at the funeral. I watched Akainu punch him through the back while Ace tried to protect Luffy because I was stupid and got myself trapped in seastone. I went to that battle knowing there was a chance we'd fail, and came out of it the worst I'd felt in my life. I know how it is to lose the two best things you love most in the same day, powerless to stop it, powerless to change the passing of time, and scared that it'd be impossible to save the rest of the crew. I know I can't bring Ace home. I can't. I can do almost anything Bushido, but there are some things no one can.
[Leans his head against Japan's.] But so long as he's alive here, I'll protect him with my all. It doesn't make up for it, and I will still lose him again. If not to wounds, then just to time. But I still have no regrets. I love him for who he is. I joined my father even knowing he'd pass away first. That is why I call him Pops, he once told me it was a terrible thing for parents to have to watch their children die before them. And even before Marineford, he was sick and I knew I'd lose him someday. That is just how it is. But I wouldn't change them for anything. I want to see Ace's happiness here. Whether it's settling down and having kids in some other world with a girl from another planet; or conquering a whole new world. I want to be by his side. That is the way in which I love him.
[Shifts his jaw and runs a hand down Japan's face, blue eyes bright with mixed emotions.] You are different. [His adam's apple just throbs, itching to explain that, but after so much coming out, stuck all over again.]
August 2nd; action
I know he's dead. I was at the funeral. I watched Akainu punch him through the back while Ace tried to protect Luffy because I was stupid and got myself trapped in seastone. I went to that battle knowing there was a chance we'd fail, and came out of it the worst I'd felt in my life. I know how it is to lose the two best things you love most in the same day, powerless to stop it, powerless to change the passing of time, and scared that it'd be impossible to save the rest of the crew. I know I can't bring Ace home. I can't. I can do almost anything Bushido, but there are some things no one can.
[Leans his head against Japan's.] But so long as he's alive here, I'll protect him with my all. It doesn't make up for it, and I will still lose him again. If not to wounds, then just to time. But I still have no regrets. I love him for who he is. I joined my father even knowing he'd pass away first. That is why I call him Pops, he once told me it was a terrible thing for parents to have to watch their children die before them. And even before Marineford, he was sick and I knew I'd lose him someday. That is just how it is. But I wouldn't change them for anything. I want to see Ace's happiness here. Whether it's settling down and having kids in some other world with a girl from another planet; or conquering a whole new world. I want to be by his side. That is the way in which I love him.
[Shifts his jaw and runs a hand down Japan's face, blue eyes bright with mixed emotions.] You are different. [His adam's apple just throbs, itching to explain that, but after so much coming out, stuck all over again.]