After the intense battle with Whitebeard, Ace was left severely injured. Whitebeard, seeing the potential in him, offered to have him join the crew, but Ace, too proud to accept, rejected the offer. The battle’s toll was heavy, and he quickly lost consciousness.

When Ace slowly regained consciousness, his vision was blurry at first, but he could make out the faint sound of water splashing and the gentle rustling of cloth. His eyes finally focused, and he saw an unfamiliar girl sitting beside his bed. She was gently wiping his body with a cloth, her expression serene and focused, as though she had done this countless times before.

Ace blinked in confusion, his mind still foggy from the fight.

Ace: “Who… Who are you?” he croaked, his voice rough from the aftermath of battle.