Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

The Gathering Storm

“Seems we can't talk for now. I'll catch up with you later. I'll stop this guys in the meantime. Now go!” Ace told them.

The group immediately ran from there, back toward their ship.

…

After reaching the Merry, Vivi handed Karoo a letter about Baroque Works and sent him off toward Alubarna, to deliver it to her father.

Meanwhile, the crew circled around Luffy, curious about the mysterious man they had just met.

“Hm? He’s my brother! He became a pirate three years before me!” Luffy said casually, catching everyone off guard.

“You have a brother!?” Usopp asked in disbelief.

“To think both of you would eat a Devil Fruit…” Sanji muttered, taking a puff of his cigarette.

“Yeah, that surprised me too! He didn’t have it before leaving. Even then, I still couldn’t beat him!” Luffy admitted, laughing.

“So, he's an even bigger monster than you?” Usopp said, his eyes wide.

“Yeah! He kicked my butt! Hahaha!” Luffy laughed heartily. “But I bet I could take him on now.”

Zoro raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Do you have the proof to back that up?”

Just then, Ace leaped onto the ship’s railing. “You can take on who now?”

“Ace!” Luffy shouted with excitement.

“Sup.” Ace replied casually.

“What are you doing here?” Luffy asked.

“Didn’t you get my message at Drum Island?” Ace tilted his head, then shrugged when Luffy shook his head. “Well, no big deal.”

Ace turned to Luffy with a more serious tone. “Luffy, what do you think about joining the Whitebeard Pirates? Your crew’s welcome too.”

Usopp’s eyes bulged. “So that tattoo on your back is the real thing!?”

“Yeah, it’s my pride and honor. Whitebeard’s the greatest pirate I know, and I want him to be Pirate King—not you, Luffy.” Ace said without hesitation.

Luffy just grinned. “Alright then. I’ll just have to fight him later.”

Ace stared at him for a moment before smiling. “You never change.” He pulled out a small piece of paper, handing it to Luffy. “Here, take this. Hold on to it tight, okay?”

Luffy took the paper, flipping it over curiously. “A piece of paper?”

Ace nodded and turned to the rest of the crew. “I’m sure you’ve had your hands full with him, but please take care of my little brother.”

He then hopped down onto a small yellow boat.

“Wha!? You’re leaving already!?” Luffy yelled.

“Yeah. Seeing you was a bonus. I’m actually chasing a pirate who calls himself ‘Blackbeard.’ He did something unforgivable—killed a crewmate and ran.”

“As his division commander, it’s my job to bring him to justice.” Ace’s eyes flared with determination.

He then smiled at Luffy. “The next time we meet, it’ll be at the pirate world’s ‘top.’”

“See ya, Ace!!” Luffy shouted as the boat began to drift away.

Suddenly, five enemy ships appeared on the horizon, aiming directly at Ace.