Ace knew very well that after the incident in Sabaody Archipelago, his name would spread across the seas and attract more attention.
For Ace, his identity was always a time bomb. Without Whitebeard's protection, he had to amass enough power to protect himself before his heritage was completely exposed.
Once the truth about his bloodline came to light, he'd need to ally with one of the Emperors—Whitebeard or Red-Haired Shanks—to survive.
However, forming an alliance with a Yonko as an equal rather than as a subordinate required strength—strength that could earn their recognition.
Looking at his companions, Ace sighed inwardly. "We're still far from being recognized by the Yonko."
The bloodline of the Pirate King might be a lifeline when you're weak, but once you're strong, it could become a golden banner.
This was evident from the time the Straw Hat Pirates reunited at Sabaody two years later. Even impostors using their names were able to recruit numerous lackeys.
Ace had a clear plan for his future. He wouldn't become someone else's son again, nor join another's crew—but he didn't oppose forming strategic alliances.
In Ace's mind, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Red-Haired Pirates were the best candidates for such an alliance. But with his current power, recognition from any Yonko was still out of reach. He had to grow stronger—and fast.
If he wanted to forge ties with a Yonko-level force, he'd need substantial power. So far, aside from the Spade Pirates, his allies included Urouge's Fallen Monk Pirates, Law's Heart Pirates, and Enel along with his priests on Skypiea.
Enel's strength went without saying. If that guy could master Haki, even if he couldn't reach Admiral level in a short time, he would surely surpass most of the Warlords of the Sea.
Urouge's Fallen Monk Pirates and Law's Heart Pirates weren't that strong yet—but given time, they'd become forces to be reckoned with.
"One year is enough for them to grow." Ace removed his hat and muttered to himself, "In that time, I should also establish a foothold in the New World. It's time I had my own territory."
---
After arriving at Fish-Man Island, Ace and his crew planned to rest for the night and resupply. The crew went off in separate directions.
Ace himself wandered into Fish-Man District. Suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure in the crowd—it was Koala of the Revolutionary Army.
Koala had once been a slave of the Celestial Dragons. She was among the thousands liberated when Fisher Tiger raided Mary Geoise. After being rescued, she spent time aboard the Sun Pirates' ship, and later joined the Revolutionary Army at age 13.
Koala currently worked as Sabo's aide. Though not a high-ranking officer, she was highly capable. Sabo once joked, "Is there anything she can't handle?" She was a skilled operative, especially in intelligence gathering.
"Is that her?" Ace saw Koala moving quickly through the crowd, glancing behind her from time to time—as if she was being followed. He hesitated a moment, then decided to tail her.
Soon, Koala turned into a deserted alley. Moments later, two men in white suits and strange masks appeared, blocking the exit.
"CP0…" Ace recognized them immediately. The mysterious elite agents of the World Government.
"Koala of the Revolutionary Army. Surrender quietly," said the taller CP0 agent, advancing toward her.
"You think I'll go down without a fight, you dogs of the World Government?" Koala smirked, and launched a kick at him.
"Tekkai."
The agent used Iron Body, taking her kick without flinching, and then reached out to grab her.
Koala flipped midair and retaliated with a sharp punch to the face.
"Samehada Shōken!"
Bang!
Her fist cracked his mask and sent him flying. To Ace's surprise, beneath the broken mask was… another mask.
"This woman's no pushover," Ace murmured. He'd planned to intervene, but seeing her skill, he chose to observe a bit longer.
Still, he was intrigued—what was Koala doing on Fish-Man Island? Revolutionary agents didn't act without purpose. Whenever they appeared, it meant something major was brewing.
In the original timeline, she and Sabo had shown up in Dressrosa to claim Doflamingo's black market arms stockpile after Luffy defeated him. They were skilled at seizing opportunity.
Ace didn't believe she was here just to go shopping.
Suddenly, the second CP0 agent moved in from the other side.
"Shigan!"
He aimed a finger-pistol strike directly at Koala's chest.
Ace, hidden in the shadows, narrowed his eyes. That was going too far.
After all, this woman was someone from his childhood. He couldn't let that strike land.
"Cross Fire!"
Ace raised his hands, fingers forming a cross, and released twin flame blasts. The searing fire pierced the CP0 agent's arm, forcing him to retreat.
"Heh, attacking a lady like that? Not very gentlemanly," Ace said as he stepped into view, one hand on his hat, a casual grin on his face.
"You…!" The CP0 agents immediately recognized him.
"Portgas D. Ace. Bounty: 355 million. You've been off the radar for over a year—why appear now, and why interfere with our mission?"
Koala also stared at him in surprise. As the Revolutionary Army's intel expert, she knew of Ace—but hadn't expected to meet him face-to-face.
"I was just passing by," Ace said with a smirk. "And as a pirate, isn't it normal for me to cause trouble for you World Government types?"
"…Mission failed. Retreat."
The CP0 agents exchanged a glance, then vanished instantly.
Ace blinked. "They really ran off that fast…"
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