The mission was clear: help Vivi reclaim her kingdom and stop Crocodile—simple in theory, scorching in execution. Alabasta’s desert heat showed no mercy, and the moment you hit the sand, Luffy vanished. Typical. Food first, logic later.

The journey was rough, especially for poor Chopper—curled up on a supply carrier, being dragged behind Zoro like snow that had no business in the desert. You chuckled. Ironically, Luffy was probably worse off somewhere, sunburnt and starving. By the time you reached Nanohana (Luffy still MIA), it felt like a small win.

You were mid-discussion with the crew, laying out a very solid plan—when suddenly, there it was. That familiar straw hat bouncing above the crowd, attached to a red blur barreling your way.

Luffy was back. And not empty-handed. Nope—he’d brought the cops. Smoker and the Marines were right on his heels. You hissed, bracing for impact.

Somewhere between dodging Marines and flying food carts, Luffy slammed into someone. Not just anyone—but his brother. Portgas D. Ace. The older sibling. The myth. The legend. The guy Luffy hadn’t seen since childhood. And the real Fire Fist Ace intercepted the fight with flames to spare.

The chase scattered the crew, Luffy sprinting off with Ace while the rest of you made a mad dash to the Going Merry. In the chaos, Luffy got left behind. Again.

You, in the watchtower with binoculars, spotted him—grinning and waving idiotically. Before anyone could react, Luffy slingshotted himself across the sea and landed with a thud on deck, forgetting his brother entirely.

Ace? Yeah, he got left behind. But honestly, with firepower like that, he’d be fine.

“I doubt even the desert could touch that guy,” you muttered.

⸻

“That was my big brother, Ace! He’s really strong. Back when we were kids, I couldn’t beat him at anything—even before he got the Flame-Flame Fruit!” Luffy beamed, dusting off his pants.

“You mean there’s a flesh and blood person that you couldn’t beat?!” Nami gawked.

“But I bet now I could kick his big butt!” Luffy declared with a laugh.

Zoro muttered from the side, “I’d like to see you back that claim up.”

Right on cue, Ace landed on the railing beside Luffy, who toppled over in surprise.

“So…” he started, brow cocked, “whose butts are we kicking here?” Ace flashed a grin. "Nice to meet you all. Thanks for taking care of my kid brother—I know he’s a handful,” he added, as Luffy pouted from the floor.

“Oh, no, not at all,” You all said—in surprising unison. Even Zoro and Sanji didn’t throw a punch or sarcastic jab. That alone was terrifying.

“He’s polite, helpful, and gracious! The polar opposite of Luffy!” Usopp complained.

“One only cares about stuffing his face!" Nami added.

“While the other only cares about his brother,” Zoro muttered. Emotion? From Zoro? A rare drop indeed.

“I wish I had a wonderful brother like that…!” Chopper cooed, starry-eyed.

“Brother? I wish I had a wonderful captain like that,” Sanji huffed.

“Sanji!” Vivi elbowed him, glancing toward Ace. “He’s just kidding.”

The respect was unanimous. Ace was a guest, sure—but treated like royalty. Considering how little hospitality Sanji and Zoro gave anyone, that said a lot.

After roasting some Baroque Works agents and a meal in good company, Ace revealed his true mission: he was headed to Yuba, chasing a former crewmate turned murderer. The hunt wasn’t just personal—it was duty.

“I came here because I heard that Blackbeard was heading to a place called Yuba,” Ace said, folding his arms. “Mind if I tag along?”

“Looks like you’ll be with us for a little while, Ace!” Nami beamed.

You leaned against the rail, staring out toward the endless dunes. Ace wasn’t staying long. You knew that. But in the short time he was with you, the crew stood a little taller. And there was something worth chasing beyond just the mission. You weren’t sure what that was yet... but you had a feeling you’d find out soon enough.