"Luffy really was a handful, wasn't he?"
The energetic young man with a few freckles and short black hair parted down the middle was none other than—
[New World · Ace]!!!
After the Summit War ended, Roger's soul had finally returned to the underworld, where he spent a beautiful and warm stretch of time.
After that, Rayleigh left Foosha Village and went to Dullamos to teach Haki.
As for Ace, he obediently stayed in the Goa Kingdom for two years, learning martial arts and the use of Haki from Sabo.
Before Roger vanished, he had even passed his most treasured possessions on to Ace.
The two of them now truly possessed the strength to roam freely through the New World as [monsters].
"Ah... but it really was a shame. I couldn't be a pirate anymore..."
Whenever Ace brought that up, his mood sank. Somewhat frustrated, he kicked the bait he had been using to fish at sea into the water.
"There was nothing to be done about it. If it was Uncle Austin's order, then if you dared keep flying a pirate flag, you'd definitely be locked in Foosha Village forever."
Sabo spread his hands helplessly.
Out of respect for Captain Roger, Austin had already given the kid one chance to live. Naturally, he could not allow him to keep causing trouble outside.
Not being allowed to become a pirate was one thing. He was also forbidden from getting involved with the Whitebeard Pirates.
There was no point talking about lingering feelings.
At the Summit War, Ace had effectively already returned his life to the Whitebeard Pirates. The life he had now was saved by Austin.
The only identity Austin would permit him to have in the future was Rouge's good son, with King Luffy and Sabo's good brother added