"Luffy's brother, the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace... We're finally going to meet him," Zoro remarked, exchanging a knowing glance with Sanji. A subtle smile curled on both their lips, reflecting the anticipation they felt.
It had been nearly two years since they first saw the projection of Ace in Loguetown—a moment that had left a lasting impression on both of them. Since then, they had journeyed alongside Luffy, facing countless challenges and growing stronger with each battle. But throughout their journey, the impact of Ace's influence was always present.
Zoro and Sanji both felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Ace. The enlightenment light ball that Ace had given to Luffy not only aided their captain but also propelled them to new heights. Sanji, for instance, had awakened his exoskeleton without relying on the Vinsmoke combat suit, and due to the enlightenment light ball, his newfound power was far greater than it had been in the original timeline. His defense now surpassed even the steel balloon-like resilience of the late Charlotte Linlin, and his attack speed had reached terrifying levels. With his newfound Armament Haki, honed through relentless fighting and the light ball's guidance, Sanji's combat power had reached Admiral-level—a feat that made him a true force to be reckoned with.
Zoro, on the other hand, had awakened Conqueror's Haki, mastering the Infusion power thanks to Ace's gift. His growth in swordsmanship, also enhanced by the enlightenment light ball, had brought him to a level where his combat power now surpassed Sanji's, placing him on the cusp of the Four Emperors' strength. The two-year journey had transformed Zoro into a warrior who could hold his own against nearly anyone in the world.
As they prepared to reunite with Ace, Chopper, one of the few Straw Hats who had never met Ace, couldn't help but ask, "Hey, what kind of person is Ace?" His voice was filled with curiosity, his wide eyes reflecting the admiration his crewmates had for Ace.
Zoro, a smile playing on his lips, replied slowly, "Ace is a man who makes people tremble from the bottom of their hearts whenever they meet him." Despite his near-Four Emperors-level strength, Zoro still remembered the awe he felt when he glimpsed Ace through the atmospheric screen in Loguetown. That brief encounter had left an indelible mark on him, a reminder of just how terrifyingly powerful Ace was.
The stronger Zoro became, the more he understood the weight behind the name "Flame Emperor." Portgas D. Ace wasn't just a powerful pirate; he was the absolute strongest in the world, the unrivaled overlord of the seas in their era.
Sanji nodded in agreement, adding with a touch of humility, "Well, except for Luffy, we don't even have the qualifications to compete with that man." He spread his hands, as if to acknowledge the vast gap that still existed between them and Ace, despite all the progress they had made.
Franky, ever the enthusiastic shipwright, couldn't contain his excitement. "A super! Super! Super! Awesome man!" he exclaimed, using three 'supers' to emphasize just how highly he regarded Ace's strength.
"Yohohoho, a great man indeed," Brook chimed in, his laughter echoing through the ship. Even as a skeleton, he felt a deep respect for Ace, who had helped him reclaim his shadow and shared the news of Laboon.
"The most powerful man on the sea!" Usopp shouted, his voice filled with admiration.
Chopper's eyes turned into stars as he listened to his crewmates. "So awesome!!!" he squealed, his small body trembling with excitement. Chopper knew just how strong Zoro and Sanji had become—both of them had faced off against a Marine Admiral and emerged victorious. Zoro had even come close to seriously injuring Admiral Green Bull, and if not for the intervention of the Seraphims, he might have defeated him. The thought that Luffy's brother, whom his crewmates held in such high regard, was even stronger than that, filled Chopper with awe.
"Hehehe, Ace is a man who wants to become the king of the world, so of course he's extremely powerful," Luffy grinned, the pride in his voice unmistakable. The bond between brothers was strong, and Luffy knew that reuniting with Ace would not only strengthen their crew but also bring them one step closer to achieving their dreams. The Straw Hat Pirates were ready to meet the Flame Emperor, and they couldn't wait to see what the future held.
Luffy's eyes gleamed with excitement as the outline of Wanokuni grew clearer on the horizon. His heart raced, not only because they were finally arriving but because he was on the verge of fulfilling a promise he had held dear for so long—to help Ace create a world where everyone could eat to their heart's content. The thought of making this dream a reality filled him with determination.
"Oh, oh, oh! And that legendary doctor, 'Black Flash' Kaya! Can we meet her too? I want her autograph!" Chopper's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he imagined meeting one of his greatest idols. Kaya, known across the seas as "Black Flash," wasn't just a top leader of the Entei Pirates Fleet but also the most renowned doctor in the world. Her skills were so extraordinary that she could rival even a Marine Admiral in strength. Yet, it was her unparalleled medical expertise that had earned her the title of the number one doctor on the seas, making her a hero in Chopper's eyes.
Usopp chuckled at Chopper's enthusiasm. "Hahaha, Miss Kaya is very kind. She'll definitely give you an autograph." Though Usopp's connection to Kaya wasn't the same as in the original timeline, he had heard stories about her from the villagers and from Ace himself before they set sail. Even from those brief encounters, Usopp could tell that Kaya had a gentle and compassionate spirit.
"Really? That's great!" Chopper practically bounced with joy, his excitement infectious as the crew continued to banter and enjoy the anticipation of their arrival.
As the Straw Hat Pirates made their final approach, Wanokuni loomed before them, a land of rich culture and fierce warriors. The ship's atmosphere shifted from playful to determined, each member of the crew preparing mentally for what was to come.
"Finally, you're here. Luffy," Ace murmured to himself, sitting in a grand palace at the heart of Wanokuni. His eyes, sharp with focus, flickered with the red glow of Observation Haki, enhanced further by the power of his Thunder Fruit. With this combination, Ace could sense everything within Wanokuni and even the surrounding sea, each detail falling under his vigilant watch. A deep smile spread across his face as he felt the familiar presence of his brother drawing near.
In a voice filled with anticipation, Ace called out, "Let's go, Sabo. It's time to meet our stupid brother."
Sabo, who had been eagerly waiting for this moment, flashed a broad grin, his excitement matching Ace's. "Yeah!" he responded, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. The thought of reuniting with Luffy after so many years made his heart swell with joy. This was the moment they had all been waiting for—the reunion of the three brothers who had been separated for far too long.
With that, Ace and Sabo set out to meet Luffy, the winds of fate finally bringing the brothers together again in the land of Wanokuni.