The Way of Expressing Love

"Wh... Whitebeard?!"

Ace could not help crying out in surprise, instinctively taking up a fighting stance.

Sabo, standing off to the side, likewise grew vigilant. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Ace, carefully watching Whitebeard's every move.

Ace, who had only gone to sea a few months ago, might not fully understand how terrifying Whitebeard was, but as one of the Revolutionary Army's higher-ups, Sabo had access to intelligence and experience that were worlds apart from Ace's.

Sabo understood the hierarchy of the strongest people on this sea better than anyone.

Whitebeard was unquestionably an existence standing at the very peak. Even if rumors claimed that Whitebeard's health had deteriorated considerably over the years, no one dared underestimate the terror of this man.

"Found you, Ace..."

Whitebeard brought Murakumogiri down heavily onto the ice, sending great cracks across its surface. At the same time, a fierce gale rose, whipping his cloak about as his unrivaled presence erupted without restraint.

"What do you want? Why are you here?" Ace asked gravely.

Whitebeard slightly raised his half-lidded eyes and said, "Interesting question, Ace. Aren't you the one who wanted to challenge me? What are you hesitating for?"

"You..."

Ace gritted his teeth, and raging flames simultaneously burst from his body.

If Whitebeard had not brought it up, Ace might have nearly forgotten about it amid the joy of meeting Sabo.

Defeating Whitebeard—that was one of the goals I had pursued most ardently since going to sea!

At that moment, Sabo's voice rang in Ace's ear, reminding him,

"Ace, don't be reckless. You're still no match for Whitebeard. Leave immediately. I'll hold Whitebeard back. That lord should also be somewhere nearby, so don't worry about me."

A trace of hesitation flashed through Ace's eyes, but he immediately rejected the idea of fleeing and