"There's a navy ship spotted in the distance. Should we avoid them, Ace?" shouted a pirate from the lookout on the newly refurbished Spade Pirates' ship several days after their encounter in Water 7.
"Avoid them. There's no need to confront them," Ace responded without looking up, clearly still affected by the events in Water 7. He wasn't interested in another run-in with the navy.
Ace couldn't believe how terrifyingly strong that woman was. If he hadn't used his elemental form to evade her final attack, he would have been finished. Now, more than ever, he was desperate to become stronger. How else could he face the man who called himself the Pirate King and punch him squarely?
A while later, the lookout shouted again, "Ace, that navy ship seems to be targeting us. They're not letting up!"
Ace was momentarily stunned before he leapt up the mast to the lookout. Grabbing the telescope, he looked in the direction the lookout indicated. As the navy ship came into view, Ace realized they were indeed being pursued.
"Judging by the ship's configuration, it's at least a Vice Admiral. But whether it's from the main headquarters or a branch isn't clear. However, given the aura of the navy on that ship, it's likely from headquarters," Deuce said solemnly, joining Ace on the mast. The difference between a headquarters Vice Admiral and a branch one was significant.
"Should we prepare to engage?" Deuce asked.
"Stay alert but don't rush. They don't seem hostile," Ace replied, observing that the navy ship's deck wasn't bustling with activity, nor were their gun ports open, indicating they might not intend to fight.
Deuce nodded, agreeing with Ace's assessment. Given the distance, he couldn't make out the individuals on the navy ship, only gauge their status by the ship's scale.
If they knew who stood on that deck, Ace and his crew might have fled at full speed.
Soon, the navy ship closed the distance, coming within cannon range. Yet, it didn't fire, suggesting another motive.
"Stop the ship. I want to see what they want," Ace ordered, confident in his abilities. After all, in the first half of the Grand Line, being a Logia-type was almost synonymous with invincibility.
The crew hesitated but complied. Shortly, the navy ship pulled alongside and came to a halt.
"Fire Fist Ace!" a deep voice rang out, and a figure appeared on the navy ship's rail.
Seeing the speaker, the Spade Pirates froze. Though he was blind, the man's white justice cloak fluttered, and his aura was overpowering, far beyond any navy they had encountered before.
"Headquarters Vice Admiral Fujitora!"
Deuce's mind went numb. Was this the kind of boss they were up against at this stage? It felt like a death sentence.
Seeing Fujitora, Deuce's expression grew complicated. Despite Ace's strength, facing a headquarters Vice Admiral whose power rivaled the Admirals was beyond them.
"What do you want?" Ace called out, trying to keep his composure.
Ace stared at Fujitora, his expression solemn, fully aware that this was a crucial moment for the Spade Pirates.
Fujitora, instead of getting angry at Ace's bluntness, was momentarily taken aback before smiling, "Garp was right; you're a fiery little one."
Ace's face changed at the mention of Garp. "So, are you here to capture me on the old man's orders?"
He knew well that his grandfather, Garp, always wanted him, Sabo, and Luffy to become marines.
"Of course not. I came specifically to offer you a position as a Warlord of the Sea," Fujitora said calmly. "Garp said if you wouldn't become a marine, this would be the best option for you."
"I will never be a marine, and I won't be a Warlord of the Sea either!" Ace replied firmly, glaring at Fujitora.
"Just as Garp said, you're indeed an immature one," Fujitora remarked. "If you choose your own path, then walk it yourself. As for everything else, we'll deal with it when the time comes."
"This isn't a game, Ace. Pirates aren't just playing around. They are a menace to the ordinary people of the sea!" Fujitora's tone grew stern. Knowing Garp's care for him, Fujitora didn't want to see Garp's grandson follow the pirate path—a path Garp, who upheld justice all his life, would see as a deep disgrace.
"I'm not like those other pirates!" Ace asserted confidently.
"Not like them? Try telling that to the ordinary people. Do you think they'll believe you?" Fujitora retorted angrily.
"Whether they believe me or not is their business. As long as my conscience is clear, that's all that matters," Ace's stubbornness flared.
"If that's the case, why not set sail under the name of an adventurer? There are ways to register with the kingdoms under the World Government. In the end, you pirates are just a bunch of selfish individuals," Fujitora said, giving Ace a long, hard look. "Take care of yourself. Don't let Garp experience the pain of losing you."
"The next time we meet, we won't hold back, even if you're Garp's grandson, Ace!"
Ace's expression shifted, but he didn't respond.
As the navy ship sailed away, the atmosphere aboard the Spade Pirates' ship turned strange.
"Ace, did they just invite you to become a Warlord of the Sea?" Deuce asked, bewildered.
"Yes," Ace nodded.
"Do you know what being a Warlord means? It's a title recognized by the World Government, giving pirates legal status to plunder. Each Warlord is a notorious pirate. Why would you refuse? Do you realize how much that status would benefit our journey?" Deuce exclaimed, shaking Ace's shoulders.
"Being a Warlord of the Sea isn't a big deal. Don't forget our goal. We aim to become something greater than any Warlord. We will be Pirate Kings!" Ace's words left his crew members speechless.
A confident smile spread across Ace's face. He would defeat that man and become the Pirate King, then show the world that being Pirate King meant nothing!