Chapter 138 – Ace's Rage
"Ace, where is Ace?!"
The moment Koala stumbled ashore, dripping wet, her voice rang out urgently toward the Flame Gate of Sun Island.
"Who's there?"
The guard stationed there, Van Augur, instantly recognized her. His eyes widened at the sight of her battered state. He rushed forward, catching her before she could collapse.
"It's Miss Koala! She's hurt—get a doctor, quick!"
"Where's Ace? Take me to him now!" Koala gasped, struggling to remain on her feet. "Sabo's in danger—we don't have time!"
Van Augur didn't hesitate. "Get on my back, I'll take you to Captain Ace." Without wasting another second, he hoisted her up and sprinted toward the island's interior.
Thanks to his speed, it wasn't long before they reached Ace.
"Ace!" Koala cried, throwing herself into his arms. Her eyes brimmed with tears. "Please—save Sabo! He's in danger!"
"Sabo?!" Ace froze. His usual easygoing demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by sharp urgency. "What happened to him?!"
"Blackbeard," Koala said, her voice trembling. "After Sabo fought Admiral Kizaru—he drove him back, but he was badly hurt. Then Blackbeard appeared out of nowhere… from the sky… and came straight for us. Sabo was already injured. He could've escaped, but because of me—because he protected me—he was captured!"
Her eyes filled again, and she bowed her head in desperation. "I can't reach the Revolutionary Army right now… Ace, please, you're the only one who can save him."
Sabo had made her promise not to involve Ace, but Koala had no choice. Ace was the only person she could turn to who had the strength to face Blackbeard head-on.
"Don't worry," Ace said, his voice steady but burning with suppressed rage. "Sabo's my brother. I'll save him." He gave her a gentle push toward the medics. "You need treatment first. Leave the rest to me."
Koala was carried off for medical care, but Ace's fury could no longer be contained.
---
BOOM!
Flames exploded skyward from Ace's body, forming a colossal pillar of fire that seemed to scorch the heavens themselves. His roar shook the air:
"BLACKBEARD!!!"
When the firestorm finally died down, Ace was gone.
"Ace has left," Vista said grimly.
"Not good timing," Curiel muttered.
"Do we chase him?" Rakuyo asked.
"No," Vista replied firmly. "We have to prepare for the war with Marineford. Ace can handle Sabo's rescue alone."
---
In the skies above the New World…
Ace flew at breakneck speed, Sabo's Vivre Card clutched tightly in his hand.
He couldn't believe Blackbeard had managed to capture Sabo. The last time they met, on Banaro Island a year ago, Ace had crushed him. For Blackbeard to overpower Sabo now meant only one thing—he had grown much stronger.
Ace's mind raced.
If the Blackbeard from a year ago fought Sabo, even injured, he'd lose. So… he must have obtained new power. Something dangerous. Something that made him think he could achieve his ambitions.
And Ace had a sickening suspicion about what that power was.
If he's following his original plan, he'll trade Sabo to the World Government for the title of Shichibukai, then sneak into Impel Down during the war to recruit powerful allies. And with my identity public, the Government will use Sabo to lure me to Marineford. Uncle Whitebeard won't let that stand… the war will happen just like the Summit War in the original history.
That scenario, at least, gave Ace a chance to save his brother. But there was a darker possibility.
If Blackbeard's ability to steal Devil Fruits comes from the Yami Yami no Mi itself, then he can't take the Dark-Dark Fruit from Sabo without killing him.
Ace's eyes hardened.
"If that's the case… Sabo's life is in serious danger." His jaw clenched. "Blackbeard… if you harm my brother, I don't care what power you've gained—I'll burn you to ash!"
He glanced at the Vivre Card. It still pointed the way—Sabo was alive—but it was burning away at the edges.
Badly injured… but still breathing.
There was still hope.
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